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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Madison County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by district - combination of county, school, township, and special district rates
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Madison County, Ohio operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including public schools, county government operations, township services, and various special districts. Property taxes are administered by the Madison County Auditor's office and collected by the County Treasurer. The effective tax rate varies significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of school districts, townships, municipalities, and special taxing districts that serve each property.

For the 2025 tax year, property owners can expect to pay varying rates depending on their specific taxing districts. The county uses a semi-annual payment schedule with bills typically due in February and June. Property is assessed at 35% of market value as determined by the County Auditor, with reassessments conducted every three years and updates annually. Property owners should note that tax rates are expressed per $1,000 of assessed value, and the actual tax burden depends on both the assessed value and the specific combination of local taxing authorities serving the property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available data for levy year 2025, Madison County property tax components include:

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County GeneralVaries by districtBasic county services and operations
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school district operations and bonds
Township/MunicipalityVaries by districtLocal government services
Special DistrictsVaries by districtFire, EMS, library, parks, and other services
Total Effective RateVaries by locationCombined rate of all applicable districts

Note: Actual rates vary significantly by property location within Madison County based on the specific school district, township or municipality, and special districts serving the property. Contact the Madison County Auditor at (740) 852-9776 for rates specific to your address. These rates apply to the 2025 levy year for taxes payable in 2026.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Madison 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 Madison County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase value, ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, or correction of assessment errors. Unlike the regular annual tax bill, supplemental taxes are calculated from the effective date of the change through the end of the current tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplying by the applicable tax rate for all taxing districts, and prorating for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a property improvement increases the assessed value by $10,000 and the combined tax rate is $50 per $1,000 of assessed value, the annual increase would be $500. If the improvement was completed halfway through the tax year, the supplemental tax would be approximately $250. Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills within 30-60 days of the assessment change.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $105,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): Variable reduction in assessment growth
  • Estimated Annual Tax (at ~$53/$1,000): $5,565
  • Monthly Escrow Estimate: $464

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $210,000
  • Less: Available credits (if applicable): Variable
  • Estimated Annual Tax (at ~$53/$1,000): $11,130
  • Monthly Escrow Estimate: $928

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $350,000
  • Less: Available credits (if applicable): Variable
  • Estimated Annual Tax (at ~$53/$1,000): $18,550
  • Monthly Escrow Estimate: $1,546

Note: These examples use estimated average rates. Actual rates vary by taxing district. Credits like the Homestead Exemption require annual application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Madison County Auditor for precise calculations.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Madison County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or upon request. The lender collects monthly tax payments as part of your mortgage payment and pays your property taxes directly to Madison County when due. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of the annual tax bill each month, plus an additional 2-month cushion as allowed by federal law.

Madison County issues tax bills in late December or early January for the following year, with payments due February 13th (first half) and June 22nd (second half) for 2026. Your lender will receive duplicate tax bills and should make payments by these deadlines. Property owners should verify that their lender has current contact information with the County Treasurer and review their annual escrow analysis statement. If you pay your own taxes (no escrow), you're responsible for ensuring timely payment to avoid penalties and potential tax lien proceedings.

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

When are property taxes due in Madison County? For 2026, the first half payment is due February 13th and the second half is due June 22nd. Payments received after these dates incur penalties and interest charges.

What tax credits are available and how do I apply? The primary credit is the Homestead Exemption for qualifying senior citizens (65+), disabled persons, and surviving spouses of public service officers. This credit caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Applications (Form DTE 105A) must be filed annually with the Madison County Auditor by the first Monday in June.

How does the Homestead credit work? The Homestead credit doesn't reduce your home's market value. Instead, it limits annual assessment increases to help keep tax bills manageable for qualifying low-income seniors and disabled persons. You must apply annually - it's not automatic.

When are properties reassessed? Madison County conducts full reappraisals every three years with annual updates. Property owners receive assessment notices and have appeal rights through the County Board of Revision.

What are the penalties for late payment? Late payments incur penalties and interest. First half payments made after February 13th and second half payments after June 22nd are subject to these charges, which compound over time.

Can I pay property taxes online? Yes, Madison County offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's website. Credit card and electronic check payments are typically accepted with associated processing fees.

Why do tax rates vary within the county? Tax rates differ based on your property's school district, township or municipality, and special districts (fire, library, parks). Each combination creates a unique total tax rate.

How do I appeal my property assessment? Assessment appeals must be filed with the Madison County Board of Revision, typically within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the County Auditor's office for specific procedures and deadlines.

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