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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Scioto County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Scioto 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, typically 2-4% of assessed value depending on local levies
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Scioto County, Ohio operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government, townships, and various special districts. Property taxes are administered by the Scioto County Auditor's office and collected based on assessed valuations established by the county assessor. The county follows Ohio's standard assessment practices where residential properties are assessed at 35% of market value, with commercial and industrial properties assessed at higher rates.

The effective tax rate in Scioto County varies significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts. Each property owner pays taxes to multiple entities including the county, school district, township or municipality, and any applicable special districts such as library districts, fire districts, or emergency medical services. Tax rates are expressed per $1,000 of assessed valuation, and the total effective rate typically ranges from approximately $30 to $40 per $1,000 of assessed value depending on your specific taxing district combination.

Property owners should note that tax rates can change annually as local governments adjust their levies, and new bond issues or special assessments may be added through voter approval. The Scioto County Budget Commission reviews and approves all tax budgets containing levy information for funds that receive property tax revenue, ensuring proper allocation across all taxing entities within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County General Fund$4.50Basic county services, administration
School District$18.00-24.00Varies by district (Portsmouth, Valley, etc.)
Township/Municipality$3.00-6.00Local government services
Library District$1.50-2.50Public library services (where applicable)
Emergency Services$2.00-3.50Fire, EMS, and emergency response
Special Assessments$0.50-2.00Varies by location and voter-approved levies
Total Effective Rate$29.50-42.50Varies by specific taxing district combination

Rates shown are estimates for FY 2024-2025 levy year and vary significantly by location within Scioto County. Your actual rate depends on your specific combination of taxing districts. Contact the Scioto County Auditor at (740) 355-8220 for your exact tax rate breakdown.

Note: School district rates vary considerably, with some districts having additional bond levies or permanent improvement funds that increase the total rate. Emergency services rates depend on whether you're served by township fire departments, municipal services, or special emergency service districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Scioto 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 Scioto County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurs.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: new home construction completion, major renovations or additions, changes in property use (such as converting agricultural land to residential), and correction of assessment errors that result in higher valuations. When new construction is completed, the county assessor will conduct an inspection and establish the new assessed value, which becomes effective on the date of completion or occupancy.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in January, and your total tax rate is $35 per $1,000 of assessed value, the supplemental tax would be calculated as follows: $100,000 × 35% assessment ratio = $35,000 assessed value increase. $35,000 ÷ $1,000 × $35 tax rate = $1,225 annual supplemental tax. Since the improvement was completed early in the year, you would owe the full $1,225 for that tax year, typically billed separately from your regular property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home in Portsmouth City School District

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $105,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$25,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $80,000
  • Tax Rate: $36.50 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $80,000 ÷ $1,000 × $36.50 = $2,920
  • Monthly Escrow: $243

Example 2: $600,000 Home in Valley School District

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $210,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$25,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $185,000
  • Tax Rate: $34.20 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $185,000 ÷ $1,000 × $34.20 = $6,327
  • Monthly Escrow: $527

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home in Washington Township

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $350,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$25,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $325,000
  • Tax Rate: $32.80 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $325,000 ÷ $1,000 × $32.80 = $10,660
  • Monthly Escrow: $888

Note: Homestead and other tax credits require annual application and are not automatic. Credits shown are estimates and actual amounts may vary based on income and eligibility requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Scioto County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, depositing these funds into a separate escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to the Scioto County Treasurer when taxes become due.

Property taxes in Scioto County are typically due in two installments, and your lender will make these payments on your behalf from your escrow account. Lenders are required to conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are available and to adjust your monthly payment if necessary. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new levies, your lender will increase your monthly escrow payment accordingly.

You can verify that your lender has paid your taxes by checking with the Scioto County Treasurer's office or viewing your account online. If you pay off your mortgage or refinance, any remaining escrow funds must be returned to you within 30 days. Property owners without escrow accounts are responsible for making tax payments directly to the county treasurer and should budget approximately 1/12 of their annual tax bill each month to ensure funds are available when payments are due.

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 Scioto County for FY 2024-2025? A: Property taxes are typically due in two installments. Contact the Scioto County Treasurer at (740) 355-8251 for specific due dates, as they can vary. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The Homestead Credit is available for senior citizens (65+), disabled persons, and surviving spouses of public service officers killed in the line of duty. This credit requires annual application using form DTE 105A filed with the Scioto County Auditor by December 31st. The credit caps assessment increases rather than reducing your market value.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual increases in your assessed value to 10%, rather than reducing your home's market value. You must apply annually with the county auditor, and income limits apply. This credit does not automatically reduce your assessed value but caps how much it can increase each year.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Scioto County? A: Ohio requires counties to conduct reappraisals every six years and updates every three years. Contact the Scioto County Auditor for the current assessment schedule and appeal deadlines if you disagree with your assessed value.

Q: What penalties apply for late tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. The exact penalty structure varies, so contact the Scioto County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you're behind on taxes.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Scioto County Treasurer at (740) 355-8251 or visit their website to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your location within Scioto County determines which special districts serve your property. These may include library districts, fire districts, or emergency medical services, each adding to your total tax rate. Your tax bill will itemize all applicable district taxes.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment to the Scioto County Board of Revision. Appeals must be filed within specific deadlines, typically within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the Scioto County Auditor for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: Are agricultural or forestry properties taxed differently? A: Yes, agricultural land may qualify for Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV) which can significantly reduce assessed values. Forestry land may qualify for special forestry taxation. Applications are required and must meet specific criteria established by the state and county.

Q: How are mobile homes and manufactured homes taxed? A: Mobile and manufactured homes may be taxed as personal property or real estate depending on whether they're permanently affixed to owned land. Contact the Scioto County Auditor to determine how your manufactured home is classified and taxed.

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