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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ross County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Ross 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
40-80 mills (4.0-8.0% of assessed value), varies by school district and local taxing districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ross County, Ohio operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, townships, and special districts. Property taxes are collected one year in arrears, meaning taxes billed in 2026 are for the 2025 tax year. The county uses a mill-based system where rates are expressed per $1,000 of assessed value, with properties assessed at 35% of market value for residential properties.

The effective tax rate in Ross County varies significantly by location due to different combinations of school districts, townships, municipalities, and special taxing districts. Property owners can expect rates ranging from approximately 40-80 mills depending on their specific location within the county. Tax bills are mailed in mid-June each year with payment due by July 10th.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General1.68General county operations (FY 2026)
School Districts25-45Varies by district (local schools, emergency levies, bond issues)
Township/Municipal3-8Local government services
Library0.5-2.0Public library systems
Parks & Recreation0.5-1.5County and local park districts
Fire/EMS Districts2-6Emergency services (varies by district)
Other Special Districts1-5Water, sewer, lighting districts as applicable

Note: Total effective rates typically range from 40-80 mills depending on your specific taxing district combination. The county general fund rate was reduced from 2.4 mills to 1.68 mills for FY 2026. Contact the Ross County Auditor for your specific district's complete rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ross 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 Ross County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates additional taxes based on the increased assessed value prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the increased assessed value (35% of $100,000 = $35,000) multiplied by your local tax rate, then prorated for the remaining six months of the tax year. If your total mill rate is 60 mills, the supplemental tax would be approximately $35,000 × 0.060 × 0.5 = $1,050. Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular tax bills and have their own due dates.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $105,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$8,750 (on $25,000 of market value)
  • Net Taxable Value: $96,250
  • Tax Rate (assuming 55 mills): 0.055
  • Annual Tax: $5,294
  • Monthly Escrow: $441

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $210,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$8,750
  • Net Taxable Value: $201,250
  • Tax Rate (assuming 60 mills): 0.060
  • Annual Tax: $12,075
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,006

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $350,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$8,750
  • Net Taxable Value: $341,250
  • Tax Rate (assuming 65 mills): 0.065
  • Annual Tax: $22,181
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,848

Note: Homestead and other credits require annual application and are not automatic. Tax rates vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ross County require property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments along with your mortgage payment to ensure taxes are paid on time. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual property tax bill each month, plus additional amounts to maintain a required cushion in the account.

Since Ross County tax bills are due July 10th annually, lenders usually pay taxes on your behalf before this deadline using funds from your escrow account. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing how your payments are calculated and any adjustments needed. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new levies, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners should verify their tax payments were made correctly and contact their lender immediately if there are any discrepancies.

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 Ross County? Property taxes are due by July 10, 2026 for the 2025 tax year. Bills are mailed in mid-June. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

What is the Homestead Credit and how do I apply? The Homestead Credit reduces your tax bill by exempting up to $25,000 of market value from taxation. It also caps annual assessment increases. You must apply annually with the Ross County Auditor's office. Applications are typically due by the first Monday in June.

How often are properties reassessed? Ohio requires property reappraisals every six years with updates every three years. Ross County follows this schedule with the most recent countywide reappraisal determining current assessed values.

Can I appeal my property assessment? Yes, you can file a complaint with the Ross County Board of Revision if you believe your assessment is incorrect. Appeals must typically be filed by March 31st following the tax lien date.

Are there other tax credits available? Additional credits may be available for seniors, disabled homeowners, and veterans. The Senior Citizen/Disabled Homeowner Credit provides additional relief for qualifying property owners. All credits require separate applications.

What happens if I pay my taxes late? Late payments incur penalties starting at 1.5% per month, plus interest. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually face foreclosure proceedings.

Can I pay my property taxes online? Contact the Ross County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Why do tax rates vary within Ross County? Different school districts, townships, municipalities, and special districts (fire, library, parks) create varying tax rate combinations depending on your property's specific location and the services provided in that area.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Ross County Health Districtauditor.state.oh.us
02
County
Ross County Tax Ratesauditor.rosscountyohio.gov
03
County
Tax Estimator - Ross County Auditor'sauditor.rosscountyohio.gov
04
Collection Datesrosscountyohio.gov
05
Tax Doc
Pay Your Property Taxesrosscountyohio.gov
06
Tax Doc
Due Dates - Ohio Department of Taxationtax.ohio.gov
07
Tax Doc
Homestead Exemption Provides Property Tax ...rosscountyohio.gov
08
County
General Information - Ross County Auditor'sauditor.rosscountyohio.gov
09
Homestead Exemption Program Qualification Requirementsauditor.rosscountyohio.gov
10
July 18, 2022 – MEETING 29rosscountyohio.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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