AUDITOR
FAQ: REAL ESTATE
How can I determine how much a proposed property tax levy will cost me?
There are over 65 taxing districts in Fairfield County. Each district has a tax rate determined by the voted millage (outside millage) in that taxing district and the inside millage (which may not exceed 10 mills and is unvoted by the Constitution of the State of Ohio). One mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Assessed value is 35% of the appraised value. Depending on your school district, an effective rate may apply to the voted outside millage (voted millage). You can call the Fairfield County Auditor's Office at 740-652-7030 to obtain the tax rate for your taxing district or use our Tax FAQ’s found on this site.
How do I qualify for the Owner Occupancy Credit?
The Owner Occupancy Credit is a tax reduction for owner-occupied residential property. Rental properties are not eligible for the reduction. The State of Ohio reimburses schools and other agencies for this credit. Most homeowners currently receive the credit, as indicated on their tax bills. However, this credit is not given automatically. You must sign up to receive it. If you feel you are eligible for this credit and are not receiving it, you may fill out and print the application found under "Forms" and return it to us. Or you may call 740-652-7030 for additional information.
I think the Auditor's appraised value is too high for my property. What are my options?
The appraised value set by the Auditor's Office is an important part of the property tax calculation. If you feel the appraised value is too high, you may file a complaint with the Fairfield County Board of Revision. Filing a Board of Revision (BOR) complaint entitles you to a hearing before the three-member Board of Revision. At the hearing, you may present information such as recent appraisals or current sales data for similar properties in your neighborhood to support your complaint. BOR complaints must be filed by March 31. You may call to request a complaint form or print one from this site.
What is the tax lien date?
The tax lien date is used to reflect real estate market value each year. In Ohio, the annual tax lien date is Jan. 1, and property taxes are always paid a year in arrears. For example, taxes paid in 1998 are for tax year 1997 and were calculated based on the property's value as of Jan. 1, 1997.
What is the Auditor's Forfeited Land Sale?
Forfeited Land Sales are auctions of properties ordered forfeited by the Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas for non-payment of real estate taxes. While the delinquent taxes are erased from the properties sold, would-be bidders are encouraged to research each parcel because any outstanding liens are transferred with the property and are the responsibility of the buyer. Terms and conditions of the sale and a complete list of properties scheduled for auction are publicized prior to each sale in area newspapers and on this web site.
I'm interested in getting a map of my property. Can the Auditor's Office help me?
Yes. The Fairfield County Auditor's Office operates a Map Room and public information area on the 1st floor of the Fairfield County Courthouse, 210 East Main St. Room 104, Lancaster, Ohio. Map Room customers can acquire copies of any Tax Map within the county.
As our Map Room has converted all data layers into our county Geographic Information System (GIS), we also provide access to our data features through the website (https://www.co.fairfield.oh.us/gis/) or on disc in the form of shapefiles.
If you would like additional information on the Map Room or have tax map questions, please call 740-652-7060.
For additional information on the county GIS program,
please call 740-652-7055.
There are over 65 taxing districts in Fairfield County. Each district has a tax rate determined by the voted millage (outside millage) in that taxing district and the inside millage (which may not exceed 10 mills and is unvoted by the Constitution of the State of Ohio). One mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Assessed value is 35% of the appraised value. Depending on your school district, an effective rate may apply to the voted outside millage (voted millage). You can call the Fairfield County Auditor's Office at 740-652-7030 to obtain the tax rate for your taxing district or use our Tax FAQ’s found on this site.
How do I qualify for the Owner Occupancy Credit?
The Owner Occupancy Credit is a tax reduction for owner-occupied residential property. Rental properties are not eligible for the reduction. The State of Ohio reimburses schools and other agencies for this credit. Most homeowners currently receive the credit, as indicated on their tax bills. However, this credit is not given automatically. You must sign up to receive it. If you feel you are eligible for this credit and are not receiving it, you may fill out and print the application found under "Forms" and return it to us. Or you may call 740-652-7030 for additional information.
I think the Auditor's appraised value is too high for my property. What are my options?
The appraised value set by the Auditor's Office is an important part of the property tax calculation. If you feel the appraised value is too high, you may file a complaint with the Fairfield County Board of Revision. Filing a Board of Revision (BOR) complaint entitles you to a hearing before the three-member Board of Revision. At the hearing, you may present information such as recent appraisals or current sales data for similar properties in your neighborhood to support your complaint. BOR complaints must be filed by March 31. You may call to request a complaint form or print one from this site.
What is the tax lien date?
The tax lien date is used to reflect real estate market value each year. In Ohio, the annual tax lien date is Jan. 1, and property taxes are always paid a year in arrears. For example, taxes paid in 1998 are for tax year 1997 and were calculated based on the property's value as of Jan. 1, 1997.
What is the Auditor's Forfeited Land Sale?
Forfeited Land Sales are auctions of properties ordered forfeited by the Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas for non-payment of real estate taxes. While the delinquent taxes are erased from the properties sold, would-be bidders are encouraged to research each parcel because any outstanding liens are transferred with the property and are the responsibility of the buyer. Terms and conditions of the sale and a complete list of properties scheduled for auction are publicized prior to each sale in area newspapers and on this web site.
I'm interested in getting a map of my property. Can the Auditor's Office help me?
Yes. The Fairfield County Auditor's Office operates a Map Room and public information area on the 1st floor of the Fairfield County Courthouse, 210 East Main St. Room 104, Lancaster, Ohio. Map Room customers can acquire copies of any Tax Map within the county.
As our Map Room has converted all data layers into our county Geographic Information System (GIS), we also provide access to our data features through the website (https://www.co.fairfield.oh.us/gis/) or on disc in the form of shapefiles.
If you would like additional information on the Map Room or have tax map questions, please call 740-652-7060.
For additional information on the county GIS program,
please call 740-652-7055.