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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ohio County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by location within county due to municipal and special district levies (typically 1.2-2.8% effective rate)
1st Due
Sep 1
2nd Due
Mar 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ohio County, West Virginia operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, and municipal services. Property taxes are administered by the Ohio County Sheriff's Tax Office, which handles collection, distribution, and delinquent tax certification to the State Auditor. The system is based on assessed property values with tax rates varying significantly by location within the county due to different municipal boundaries and special taxing districts.

Property tax rates in Ohio County consist of multiple components including state, county, school, and municipal levies. The effective tax rate can vary substantially depending on your specific location within the county, as different municipalities and special districts impose additional levies beyond the base county rate. Property owners receive tax statements in July with taxes due in two installments throughout the tax year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available levy data, Ohio County property tax rates include the following components (rates shown per $100 of assessed value):

ComponentRate RangeDescription
State Levy$0.25 - $1.00Base state property tax
County Levy$14.30 - $57.20County services and operations
School Levy$22.95 - $91.80Local school district funding
Municipal Levy$12.50 - $50.00City/town services (varies by municipality)

Note: These rates represent ranges and vary by specific location within Ohio County. The actual rate applied to your property depends on your municipality and any special taxing districts. Rate variations reflect different service levels and debt obligations across jurisdictions. For the most current levy year rates specific to your property location, contact the Ohio County Assessor's Office as 2025 rates may not yet be finalized.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ohio County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Sep 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Mar 1
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 Ohio County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction during the tax year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year the change was in effect.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: property sales that result in reassessment, completion of new construction or major improvements, subdivision of property, or correction of assessment errors. For example, if you complete a home addition worth $50,000 in assessed value on July 1st, you would owe supplemental taxes on that $50,000 for half the tax year (6 months) at the applicable tax rate for your location.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% of market value in WV)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies by assessment growth limitation
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Annual Tax (assuming mid-range rate of $50/$100): $1,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $125

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Available credits (application required): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Annual Tax (assuming $50/$100 rate): $3,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $250

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Applicable credits: Varies by qualification
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (assuming $50/$100 rate): $5,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $417

Note: Tax credits require application and approval. Actual rates vary by specific location within Ohio County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ohio County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly property tax payments as part of your mortgage payment and pays taxes directly to the Ohio County Sheriff's Tax Office when due. Your lender will typically collect 1/12th of your annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion as allowed by federal law.

Lenders must provide annual escrow statements showing payments received, taxes paid, and account balances. Since Ohio County taxes are due September 1st and March 1st, your lender will make payments on these dates. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, you're responsible for making timely payments to avoid penalties. Property owners should verify that escrowed tax payments are made correctly by checking with the Tax Office, as lenders occasionally make errors in payment amounts or timing.

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 Ohio County? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: September 1st for the first half and March 1st of the following year for the second half. First-half taxes become delinquent October 1st; second-half taxes become delinquent April 1st.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: West Virginia offers several tax credits including Homestead Exemption, Senior Citizen Credit, and Disabled Veteran Credits. All credits require application and are NOT automatic. Contact the Ohio County Assessor's Office for applications and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It caps how much your assessment can grow year-over-year. You must file an application to receive this benefit - it's not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: West Virginia conducts property reappraisals periodically. Contact the Ohio County Assessor for the current reappraisal schedule and appeal deadlines if you disagree with an assessment.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. After the delinquent dates (October 1st and April 1st), additional fees apply and properties may eventually face tax lien proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Ohio County offers online payment options through the Sheriff's Tax Office website. Check their official website for accepted payment methods and any convenience fees.

Q: Why did my tax bill change from last year? A: Tax bills can change due to reassessment, levy rate changes, completion of improvements, loss of tax credits, or changes in special district assessments. Contact the Assessor's Office for specific explanations.

Q: How do municipal taxes affect my bill? A: Municipal tax rates vary significantly between cities and towns in Ohio County. Your total tax rate depends on whether you live within municipal boundaries and which municipality, as each sets its own levy rates for local services.

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