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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Wayne County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.5% to 2.5% of assessed value (varies by school district and municipality)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Wayne County, Ohio operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. Property taxes in Wayne County are based on assessed valuations determined by the County Auditor, with tax rates set annually by various local taxing authorities including the county, municipalities, school districts, and special districts.

The effective tax rate in Wayne County typically ranges from approximately 1.5% to 2.5% of assessed value, though this varies significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different combinations of school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts. Your actual tax rate depends on which taxing jurisdictions serve your property, including your local school district, township or municipality, and any special districts for services like fire protection or parks. Property owners should note that most tax credits and exemptions require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate Rate (per $1,000)Description
County General$3.50-$5.00Basic county services, roads, administration
School District$15.00-$25.00Varies by district (Wooster, Orrville, etc.)
Municipal/Township$2.00-$8.00Local government services
Library$1.50-$2.50Public library systems
Fire/EMS$1.00-$4.00Fire protection and emergency services
Parks/Recreation$0.50-$1.50Park districts and recreation services
Total Estimated$23.50-$46.00Combined effective rate

Rates shown are estimates for levy year 2024-2025. Actual rates vary significantly by location within Wayne County depending on your specific combination of taxing districts. Contact the Wayne County Auditor at (330) 287-5590 for your exact millage rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Wayne 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 property taxes in Wayne County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase the assessed value after the annual assessment date (typically January 1st). When these events occur, the County Auditor calculates additional taxes based on the change in assessed value and the current tax rate for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in Wayne County in August that was previously assessed at $200,000 but sells for $350,000, triggering a reassessment, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $150,000 increase in assessed value for the remaining 5 months of the tax year. Using a hypothetical rate of $35 per $1,000 of assessed value, this would result in approximately $2,188 in supplemental taxes ($150,000 ÷ 1,000 × $35 ÷ 12 months × 5 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (35% of market): $105,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$2,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $102,500
  • Annual Tax ($35/$1,000): $3,588
  • Monthly Escrow: $299

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (35% of market): $210,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$2,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $207,500
  • Annual Tax ($35/$1,000): $7,263
  • Monthly Escrow: $605

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (35% of market): $350,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$2,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $347,500
  • Annual Tax ($35/$1,000): $12,163
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,014

Note: Tax rate of $35 per $1,000 is estimated. Homestead and other credits require separate applications and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Wayne County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment, depositing them into an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Wayne County when they become due.

Property taxes in Wayne County are typically paid in two installments: the first half due by June 1st and the second half due by November 1st. Your lender will pay these on your behalf from your escrow account. Each year, your lender conducts an escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, which may result in adjustments to your monthly payment. You can verify tax payments and balances through the Wayne County Auditor's online portal or by contacting their office directly at (330) 287-5590.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Wayne County property taxes due for the 2024-2025 tax year? A: First installment is due by June 1, 2025, and second installment by November 1, 2025. Payments received after these dates incur penalty and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: The Homestead Credit is available for owner-occupied homes and REQUIRES APPLICATION by March 31st annually. Additional credits may be available for seniors, veterans, and disabled homeowners. Contact the Wayne County Auditor at (330) 287-5590 for applications.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases to 10% and provides a credit against taxes owed. It does NOT reduce your home's market value but caps taxable value growth. You MUST APPLY annually by March 31st.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Wayne County? A: Ohio law requires counties to conduct property reappraisals every six years with updates every three years. Wayne County typically follows this schedule with the most recent countywide reappraisal completed in 2024.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes. You can file a complaint with the Wayne County Board of Revision by March 31st following the tax lien date. Contact the Board of Revision at (330) 287-5590 for forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Penalties begin at 10% for the first month late, with additional interest and penalties accruing monthly. After one year of delinquency, properties may be subject to foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes. Wayne County offers online payment options through their official website. Contact the County Treasurer's office at (330) 287-5460 for online payment portal access and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Wayne County? A: Tax rates depend on your specific combination of taxing districts, including school district, municipality or township, library district, and special districts. Properties in different areas are served by different combinations of these entities, resulting in varying total tax rates.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
WAYNE COUNTY SINGLE AUDIT FOR THE YEAR ENDED ...auditor.state.oh.us
02
Tax Doc
Renewal and Replacement of Property Tax Leviesdam.assets.ohio.gov
03
County
VILLAGE OF DALTON WAYNE COUNTYohioauditor.gov
04
Tax Doc
Village Of Wayne Income Taxwayneohio.us
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax – Real Propertydam.assets.ohio.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Resource Hub - Ohio Department of Taxationtax.ohio.gov
07
Tax Doc
Guidelines for Filing Ohio Personal Property Tax Returns ...dam.assets.ohio.gov
08
House Bill 335 Committee Activity | 136th General Assemblylegislature.ohio.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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