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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lawrence County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Lawrence 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
Varies by location within county - base county rate plus local district levies (school, municipal, fire, library)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lawrence County, Ohio operates under the state's property tax system, which funds essential local services including schools, county operations, municipal services, fire protection, and library systems. The Lawrence County Auditor assesses all real property within the county, while the Lawrence County Treasurer collects property taxes on behalf of all taxing districts. Property owners should expect effective tax rates that vary significantly depending on their specific location within the county, as rates are determined by the combination of county-wide levies and local special taxing districts such as school districts, municipalities, fire districts, and library districts.

Ohio law requires a 10% rollback reduction on all real property taxes, meaning property owners automatically receive a 10% reduction from the gross tax amount. However, actual tax rates in Lawrence County will vary considerably based on your property's location within specific taxing districts. The county includes multiple school districts, municipalities, and special service districts, each with their own approved levy rates that combine to determine your total property tax bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County OperationsVaries by districtGeneral county services, courthouse, sheriff
School DistrictsVaries by districtLocal school district operating and bond levies
Municipal/TownshipVaries by locationCity or township services (if applicable)
Fire ProtectionVaries by districtLocal fire department or district levies
Library ServicesVaries by districtPublic library system funding
Special AssessmentsVaries by districtDrainage, lighting, or other local improvements
Total Effective Rate~1.0% of assessed valueCombined rate after 10% rollback

Note: These rates apply to the current tax collection year. Lawrence County contains multiple overlapping taxing districts, so your specific rate depends on your property's location. Contact the Lawrence County Auditor at (740) 533-4355 for your exact district combination and current levy rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lawrence 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 Lawrence County are additional tax bills issued when property undergoes significant changes that increase its assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements, ownership transfers that trigger reassessment, or correction of assessment errors. When supplemental taxes are issued, they represent the tax difference between the property's previous assessment and its new higher assessed value, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July, the county auditor will reassess your property to include the improvement's value. If this increases your assessed value by $35,000 (at Ohio's 35% assessment ratio), and your local tax rate is 2.5%, you would owe approximately $875 in supplemental taxes for the remaining six months of that tax year ($35,000 × 2.5% × 0.5 year = $437.50, but calculated monthly from completion date).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home Value

  • Assessed Value (35%): $105,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Up to $25,000 reduction in taxable value
  • Net Taxable Value: $80,000 (with maximum credit applied)
  • Annual Tax (at ~2.5% effective rate): $2,000
  • Monthly Payment: $167

Example 2: $600,000 Home Value

  • Assessed Value (35%): $210,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Up to $25,000 reduction in taxable value
  • Net Taxable Value: $185,000
  • Annual Tax (at ~2.5% effective rate): $4,625
  • Monthly Payment: $385

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home Value

  • Assessed Value (35%): $350,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Up to $25,000 reduction in taxable value
  • Net Taxable Value: $325,000
  • Annual Tax (at ~2.5% effective rate): $8,125
  • Monthly Payment: $677

Note: Tax credits require separate application and approval. Homestead credit eligibility and amounts vary based on age, disability status, and income. Contact Lawrence County Auditor for current credit amounts and applications.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most Lawrence County homeowners with mortgages have their property taxes collected through escrow accounts managed by their mortgage lender. Your lender estimates your annual property tax bill, divides it by 12, and collects this amount with your monthly mortgage payment. Since Lawrence County taxes are mailed by March 1st and due by December 31st, lenders typically make tax payments in late December to avoid penalties. Your lender may maintain an escrow cushion (usually 2-6 months of payments) to ensure sufficient funds are available when taxes are due.

Property owners should verify their escrow payments annually when tax bills are issued. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new levies, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow contribution accordingly. Conversely, if you qualify for new tax credits that reduce your bill, you may request an escrow analysis to potentially lower your monthly payment. Always provide your lender with documentation of any tax credits or exemptions you receive to ensure accurate escrow calculations.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Lawrence County property taxes due for the current tax year? A: Property taxes are due by December 31st. Tax bills are mailed by March 1st each year. Property owners may elect to pay in two equal installments, with the first half due December 31st and the second half due the following June.

Q: What tax credits are available, and do I need to apply? A: The main credit is the Homestead Credit for qualifying senior citizens (65+), disabled persons, or surviving spouses of public service officers. This credit requires annual application using form DTE 105A filed with the Lawrence County Auditor. The credit limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value. All credits require application - none are automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your home's market value. Instead, it caps annual increases in your assessed value, protecting eligible homeowners from rapid assessment growth. You must apply annually, meet age/disability/survivor requirements, and may have income limitations. Contact the Auditor's office for current qualification criteria.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Lawrence County? A: Ohio requires county-wide reappraisals every six years, with updated values in the third year. Lawrence County follows this state schedule. Property owners can appeal their assessed values to the Lawrence County Board of Revision within 30 days of receiving their tax bill or assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Lawrence County Treasurer at (740) 532-3265 for current penalty rates and payment options if your taxes become delinquent.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Lawrence County Treasurer's office to inquire about current online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: Why did my tax rate change when I didn't vote for any new levies? A: Your effective rate can change due to school district levies, municipal annexation, new special districts, or changes in state funding formulas that affect local levy requirements. Lawrence County contains multiple overlapping taxing districts that may approve levies independently.

Q: How do I know which taxing districts apply to my property? A: Your property tax bill lists all applicable taxing districts. You can also contact the Lawrence County Auditor at (740) 533-4355 to confirm which school district, municipality, fire district, and other special districts serve your specific property address.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
LAWRENCE COUNTY SINGLE AUDIT FOR THE YEAR ...ohioauditor.gov
02
PR6CY25dam.assets.ohio.gov
03
County
Lawrence County District Board of Healthohioauditor.gov
04
lawrence townshipohioauditor.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax – Real Propertydam.assets.ohio.gov
06
Tax Doc
The tangible personal property tax, which applies to propdam.assets.ohio.gov
07
Tax Doc
Real Property Tax - Homestead Means Testingtax.ohio.gov
08
Tax Doc
Tax Data Seriesdam.assets.ohio.gov
09
Homestead Exemption Application for Senior Citizens, ...tax.ohio.gov
10
County
Lawrence Countydam.assets.ohio.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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