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Franklin County's assessment ratio means effective tax rates are low — but incorrect appraisals still cost money. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ohio's 35% assessment ratio work for Franklin County property taxes?
Ohio property is taxed on 35 percent of its appraised market value, not 100 percent. If your home is appraised at $300,000, the assessed value used for tax calculations is $105,000. That assessed value is then multiplied by the applicable millage rate for your tax district to calculate your annual tax bill. Effective rates run approximately 1.67 percent of market value in Franklin County. Ohio also pays taxes in arrears — you pay 2025 taxes in 2026.
How do I appeal my Franklin County property tax assessment?
File form DTE 1 (Complaint Against the Valuation of Real Property) with the Board of Revision between October 30, 2025 and March 31, 2026 for the 2025 tax year. File online, by mail, or in person at the Auditor's Office, 373 S High Street. Call 614-525-3913. Consider the BOR's mediation option to resolve the dispute without a formal hearing. If unsatisfied with the BOR decision, appeal to the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals within 30 days. Ownwell can manage the process and only charges if you save.
What made Franklin County's 2023 reappraisal significant?
The 2023 full reappraisal reflected years of Columbus appreciation and produced average value increases of approximately 41 percent across residential property. Ohio law requires full reappraisals every six years with a triennial update at midpoint. For long-term Columbus homeowners, this meant their assessed values jumped substantially in 2023, directly increasing their tax bills. The BOR complaint process exists precisely to challenge values that don't reflect individual property conditions.
Where is Franklin County Probate Court and how does it work?
The Probate Court is at 373 S High Street, 22nd Floor, Columbus, presided over by Judge Jeffrey D. Mackey. Call 614-525-3894. Ohio allows simplified Release from Administration for estates not exceeding $35,000 total assets ($100,000 if the surviving spouse is sole beneficiary). Full Administration is required for larger estates. Ohio has no state estate or inheritance tax — only federal estate tax applies.
What makes the Franklin County Probate Court judge structurally different?
In Ohio, the Probate Court judge serves as both the presiding judge and the clerk of the court — Judge Mackey manages both judicial and administrative functions. This means there is no separate clerk's office for the Probate Court; all filing questions go directly to the Probate Court number at 614-525-3894.
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