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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Knox County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.87% effective rate (varies by taxing district combination)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Knox County's property tax system is the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county operations, municipal services, and special districts. Property owners in Knox County face an effective tax rate of approximately 0.87% based on current market values, though this varies significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts.

The county uses Ohio's standard assessment system where properties are appraised at fair market value, then taxed based on 35% of that assessed value for residential properties. Your actual tax rate depends on which taxing districts serve your property - including school districts, municipalities, townships, and special service districts like fire departments or libraries. Each district sets its own millage rate, creating variations across different areas of Knox County.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on FY 2025-2026 levy year data:

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General2.5-3.5 millsBasic county services and operations
School Districts25-35 millsLocal school district operations and facilities
Municipal/Township3-8 millsCity or township services (varies by location)
Library Districts1-2 millsPublic library systems
Fire/EMS Districts2-4 millsEmergency services (where applicable)
Special Assessments0.5-2 millsParks, soil & water conservation, other districts
Total Effective Rate34-55 millsVaries significantly by taxing district combination

Note: One mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Rates shown are approximate ranges - your actual rate depends on your specific property location and which taxing districts serve your area.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Knox 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 Knox County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or major improvements that occur after the annual assessment date. When you purchase a property or complete significant improvements, the county assessor may issue a supplemental assessment to capture the change in value for the current tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated as the difference between your new assessed value and the previous assessed value, multiplied by your local tax rate, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in July that increases the assessed value by $20,000, you would owe tax on that additional $7,000 assessed value (35% of $20,000) for the remaining 9 months of the tax year at your local millage rate.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $105,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$2,500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $102,500
  • Annual Tax (45 mills): $4,612.50
  • Monthly Escrow: $384.38

Example 2: $600,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $210,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$2,500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $207,500
  • Annual Tax (45 mills): $9,337.50
  • Monthly Escrow: $778.13

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $350,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$2,500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $347,500
  • Annual Tax (45 mills): $15,637.50
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,303.13

Note: Examples use 45 mills as average rate. Actual rates vary by location. All tax credits require separate application and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Knox County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12 of your annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Your lender collects these funds and pays your property taxes directly to the Knox County Treasurer on the April 15th and September 15th due dates.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, and may adjust your monthly payment if property taxes increase due to reassessments or new levies. You'll receive an annual escrow statement showing tax payments made on your behalf. If you pay off your mortgage or choose to waive escrow (where permitted), you become responsible for making tax payments directly to the county on time to avoid penalties and interest charges.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Knox County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: April 15th and September 15th. Payments can be made online through the Knox County Treasurer's website or in person at the Knox County Service Center.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they apply automatically? A: Knox County offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit, Owner-Occupied Credit, and Senior/Disability Credits. NONE of these are automatic - you must file separate applications with the Knox County Auditor's office, typically by the first Monday in June.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps assessment increases at 10% annually rather than reducing your home's market value. You must apply for this credit - it's not automatic. Contact the Knox County Auditor's office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Knox County? A: Ohio requires county-wide reappraisals every six years with updates every three years. Knox County follows this schedule with the most recent county-wide reappraisal determining current assessed values.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File an appeal with the Knox County Board of Revision within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. You can obtain appeal forms from the Knox County Auditor's office or their website.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. After the due dates pass, unpaid taxes become delinquent and may eventually result in foreclosure proceedings if left unpaid.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Knox County offers online payment options through their official website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments may include processing fees.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Knox County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, municipalities, townships, and special districts (fire, library, etc.). Each entity sets its own millage rate, creating location-specific total tax rates.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts like fire departments, libraries, or park districts add their millage to your total rate. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and fund specific local services in your area.

Q: What documentation do I need to apply for tax credits? A: Requirements vary by credit type, but generally include proof of ownership, residency, age verification (for senior credits), and income documentation (for need-based credits). Contact the Knox County Auditor's office for specific requirements and current application deadlines.

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