HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Morgan County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Morgan 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 - base rate plus school, municipal, and special district levies
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Morgan County, Ohio operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, libraries, fire protection, and county government operations. Property taxes in Morgan County are calculated based on 35% of the property's appraised market value, which is then subject to various tax rates that are determined annually by county officials and local taxing authorities.

The effective tax rate in Morgan County varies significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different combinations of school districts, municipal services, and special taxing districts such as fire districts, library districts, and emergency services levies. Property owners should note that while the county strives to keep tax bills relatively stable through rate adjustments, your actual tax liability can change based on new levies, bond issues, and changes in your property's assessed value.

All property tax credits and exemptions require separate applications and are not automatically applied to your tax bill. Property owners are responsible for filing the appropriate forms with the Morgan County Auditor's office to receive any available tax relief.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County OperationsVariesFunding for county government services, courts, and administration
School District LevyVaries by districtLocal school district operating expenses and bond payments
Municipal ServicesVaries by locationCity/village services (applicable in incorporated areas only)
Fire/EMS DistrictsVaries by districtFire protection and emergency medical services
Library DistrictVaries by districtPublic library services and operations
Special AssessmentsVariesTemporary levies for specific projects or services

Note: Tax rates are set annually and apply to the current levy year. Rates vary significantly within Morgan County based on which taxing districts serve your specific property location. Contact the Morgan County Auditor at (740) 962-4752 for the exact tax rate applying to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Morgan 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 Morgan County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or characteristics after the main tax roll has been established. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase value, ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, or corrections to previous assessments.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the old and new assessed values, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The supplemental bill covers the period from when the change occurred through the end of the current tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering March through December based on the increased assessed value (35% of the improvement value) multiplied by your area's tax rate.

Supplemental tax bills have separate due dates from regular property tax installments and must be paid according to the schedule printed on the supplemental notice to avoid penalties and interest charges.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $105,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$105,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 2.5% effective rate): $2,625
  • Monthly Payment: $219

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $210,000
  • Less: Owner-Occupied Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$210,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 2.5% effective rate): $5,250
  • Monthly Payment: $438

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $350,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$350,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 2.5% effective rate): $8,750
  • Monthly Payment: $729

Note: Tax rates vary by location within Morgan County. Credits shown require separate applications to the County Auditor and are not automatically applied.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Morgan County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Morgan County when the July 1st and November 1st installments are due.

Lenders must provide an annual escrow analysis showing the account balance, payments made, and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or new levies, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that payments were made on time by checking with the Morgan County Treasurer's office, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for tax payments even when handled through escrow.

If you pay off your mortgage or refinance, you become responsible for making direct tax payments to the county. The Morgan County Treasurer's office provides online payment options and will send tax bills directly to your address once escrow services end.

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 Morgan County property taxes due? A: Property taxes are paid in two installments: first half due July 1st and second half due November 1st. Late fees apply if the first installment is not paid by July 1st.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Available credits include the Homestead Credit for seniors and disabled individuals, Owner-Occupied Credit, and Non-Business Credit. All require separate applications filed with the Morgan County Auditor's office. Applications must be filed annually or as specified by each program.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits assessment increases for qualified senior citizens and disabled individuals, capping annual increases rather than reducing market value. You must apply with the County Auditor and meet age, disability, or income requirements. This is not an automatic benefit.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Morgan County? A: Ohio law requires counties to conduct property reappraisals every six years with an update in the third year. Morgan County follows this schedule with the most recent countywide reappraisal determining current assessed values.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late penalties and interest charges apply to overdue property tax payments. Contact the Morgan County Treasurer at (740) 962-8801 for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Morgan County offers online property tax payment options. Visit the Morgan County Treasurer's website or call (740) 962-8801 for available online payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Morgan County? A: Different areas of Morgan County are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other special taxing authorities. Your total tax rate depends on which specific districts serve your property location.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Morgan County Board of Revision. Contact the Morgan County Auditor's office at (740) 962-4752 for appeal forms, deadlines, and required documentation to challenge your property's assessed value.

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate