Auditor discusses property values, taxes

TIFFIN – Seneca County Auditor Julie Adkins released information regarding increased property values and increased property taxes. Adkins has attributed the increase in property values and property taxes to real estate prices in the past three years, levies passed in 2023, inflation and the 20-mill floor guarantee that ensures every school district receives at least 20-mills which equals $20 per $1,000 of value in property tax revenue. Despite the increase in property values, "...most new property values are below what the majority could see their parcels for in the current market," read a press release from the Auditor's Office. How taxes are calculated The taxes are calculated based on all levies that are approved by voters in an individual's tax district along with 10-mills that have been established by law to support "...local schools, townships, villages and county departments." The calculation also involves multiplying an individual's tax district's mills by only 35% of an individual's property value to determine gross property taxes. There are some tax credits that are subtracted from that total to reach a net bill. One such tax credit is available to seniors. How to access your tax information To view tax charges, tax distribution, tax summary, property records and other tax information, visit the Auditor's website at: https://senecacountyauditor.org/ On the home page of the website, there is a search bar in which users can search by parcel number, owner's name or address. When inputting an address, leave out any direction part of your address i.e. S or South and leave out the street types i.e. St. or Street. For example, search 320 Nelson rather than 320 Nelson St. Once you locate the property you are looking for, scroll down slightly and click the taxes tab. The taxes tab will bring you down where you can view your gross tax, credits, net general costs, taxes billed and payments made. This information will be broken down into delinquent taxes, first half of the year taxes, second half of the year taxes and total. Here you can also view past taxes on the property. The taxes for the first half of the year are typically due by March 31, however, the deadline for this year has been extended to April 1. How to make a complaint The Board of Revision handles complaints involving property values. More information regarding filing complaints involving property values and how to present your case to the Board of Revision is available on the Auditor's website. From the home page of the Auditor's website click the info tab which brings down a drop-down bar. Click on Board of Revision where the information can be accessed. For more information, call 419-447-0692. How to get help Tax assistance is available to homeowners living in Seneca, Sandusky, Ottawa and Wood counties who are paying non-escrowed property taxes. Eligible residents must be at or below 150% annual area median income, which is $103,350 for a household of one and $118,100 for a household of two. Information on eligibility for all size families or to apply for assistance, call 800-775-9767, visit www.glcap.org/taxhelp, or send a letter of inquiry with your name, address, phone number and email address to Great Lakes Community Action Partnership, 127 S. Front St., Fremont. For more information on taxes contact the Auditor's Office the following ways: Call – 419-447-0692 Visit - https://senecacountyauditor.org/ Email – auditorinfo@senecacountyohio.gov