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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Jefferson County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Jefferson County, OH. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 7.25% of assessed value (varies significantly by location and taxing districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Jefferson County, Ohio operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, police and fire protection, libraries, parks, and county operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with tax bills reflecting contributions to multiple taxing districts that serve your specific location.

The property tax rate in Jefferson County for levy year 2025 is approximately 7.25% of assessed value, though this rate varies significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts. Ohio assesses real property at 35% of appraised market value as established by state statute. Your actual tax rate depends on which school district, municipality, fire district, library district, and other special taxing districts serve your property address.

Tax rates can differ substantially even between neighboring properties if they fall within different taxing districts. The Jefferson County Auditor's office maintains detailed tax maps showing the various districts and their corresponding rates throughout the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General0.8-1.2 millsCounty operations, courts, health services
School District35-55 millsLocal school districts (varies significantly)
Municipal2-8 millsCity/village services (if applicable)
Fire District1-4 millsFire protection services
Library1-2 millsPublic library systems
Parks/Recreation0.5-2 millsPark districts and recreation services
Special AssessmentsVariesInfrastructure, bonds, special projects

Total Effective Rate: 40-75 mills (4.0-7.5%) for Levy Year 2025

Note: Rates shown are approximate ranges. Your exact rate depends on your property's specific taxing districts. One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Contact the Jefferson County Auditor at (740) 283-8530 for your property's exact rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Jefferson County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Jefferson County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, value, or tax status. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property ownership transfers, or removal of tax exemptions during the tax year.

When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated from the effective date of the change through the end of the current tax year. For example, if new construction is completed and adds $100,000 in assessed value on July 1st, supplemental taxes would be calculated on that additional value for the remaining six months of the tax year. The supplemental bill is typically issued 30-60 days after the triggering event.

Example: A homeowner completes a $200,000 addition on September 1st. The addition increases assessed value by $70,000 (35% of market value). With a 7.25% tax rate, the annual tax increase would be $5,075. The supplemental tax bill for the remaining 4 months (September-December) would be approximately $1,692 ($5,075 ÷ 12 × 4 months).

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $105,000
  • Tax Rate: 7.25%
  • Gross Annual Tax: $7,613
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$686
  • Net Annual Tax: $6,927
  • Monthly Escrow: $577

Property Value: $600,000

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $210,000
  • Tax Rate: 7.25%
  • Gross Annual Tax: $15,225
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$686
  • Net Annual Tax: $14,539
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,212

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $350,000
  • Tax Rate: 7.25%
  • Gross Annual Tax: $25,375
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$686
  • Net Annual Tax: $24,689
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,057

Note: Homestead Credit requires annual application and has income limitations. Tax rates vary by specific taxing districts. Contact Jefferson County Auditor for your exact rate.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Jefferson County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays property taxes directly to Jefferson County when due. The monthly escrow amount is calculated by dividing your annual tax bill by 12, often with a small cushion for potential increases.

Property tax payments in Jefferson County are due in two installments: the first half by February 28, 2026, and the second half by June 15, 2026 (or full payment by April 30, 2026). Lenders typically pay each installment shortly before the due date. Your lender must provide an annual escrow analysis showing collections, payments, and any surplus or shortage adjustments.

If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new levies, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly. You'll receive notice of escrow changes, typically with 60 days' advance notice. Property owners can verify their tax payments and balances through the Jefferson County Auditor's website or by calling (740) 283-8530.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Jefferson County for the current fiscal year? A: For tax year 2025 (collected in 2026), the first half payment is due February 28, 2026, and the second half is due June 15, 2026. You may pay the full amount by April 30, 2026. Postmarks are accepted for on-time payment.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Credit for seniors (65+), disabled persons, and surviving spouses of public service officers. This credit requires annual application using form DTE 105A and has income limitations. Most tax credits are NOT automatic and require filing with the Jefferson County Auditor's office.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. For 2026, it limits assessment growth to protect qualified homeowners from large tax increases. Income limits and home value limits apply. You must apply annually by March 1st to qualify.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Jefferson County? A: Ohio law requires counties to update property values every three years through reappraisal, with interim updates as needed. Jefferson County conducts full reappraisals on a rotating schedule set by the Ohio Department of Taxation.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. First half payments made after February 28 and second half payments made after June 15 are subject to penalties starting at 10% plus interest charges that accrue monthly.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Jefferson County offers online payment options through their official website. Contact the Jefferson County Treasurer's office at (740) 283-8533 for current online payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Q: How do special taxing districts affect my tax rate? A: Your property may be served by multiple special districts (school, fire, library, park districts) that each levy separate taxes. Properties in different locations within Jefferson County can have significantly different tax rates based on their specific combination of taxing districts.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Jefferson County Board of Revision within the statutory filing period, typically by March 31st following the tax lien date. Contact the Jefferson County Auditor's office for specific appeal procedures and deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
EDISON LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT JEFFERSON COUNTY ...auditor.state.oh.us
02
County
Jefferson County Assessor & Treasurer - Property Details - 54 ...trueweb.jeffcowa.us
03
Tax Doc
Tax Ratesauditor.ashtabulacounty.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Resource Hub - Ohio Department of Taxationtax.ohio.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax – Public Utility Propertytax.ohio.gov
06
County
Ottawa County Treasurerco.ottawa.oh.us
07
Homestead Savings and Income Update for 2026auditor.ashtabulacounty.gov
08
Tax Doc
Real Property Tax - Homestead Means Testingtax.ohio.gov
09
BUCKEYE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT JEFFERSON ...auditor.state.oh.us
10
County
State of Ohio Inter-County Return of Taxable Business Propertyco.champaign.oh.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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