Homeownership is an exciting milestone for many Americans, but it comes with some less than exciting expenses, like property taxes. With different rates and processes depending on where you live, it can be tough to understand how much you’re paying and why.

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Property tax 101

Property taxes are funds that local governments use to collect revenue from homeowners in certain districts. This tax pays for public services like education, emergency services, public libraries, and law enforcement.

Here’s what you need to know about property taxes:

Most property taxes apply to real property like land, buildings, and homes

Your property taxes are determined by a local tax assessor who assigns rates based on your property’s market value and your local tax rate

Property taxes can change based on market conditions and local budgets

MORE:

How to deduct a car accident from your taxes

What is the property tax rate in Jefferson County?

Jefferson County’s average tax rate is 1% of a property’s assessed market value, which is lower than the Ohio average property tax rate of 1.36%.

You can expect to pay around $845 in property taxes per year based on the Jefferson County average.

How Jefferson County property taxes are determined

Jefferson County property taxes apply to all real property within the county’s taxing districts at the school district and city levels.

Jefferson County’s local governments create an annual budget for public services and community improvement projects and levy taxes to pay for that budget. Then, the

Jefferson County Auditor

determines a tax rate for each district.

The Auditor also appraises your property based on a fair valuation of the property market in your area. Your property tax in Jefferson County will be 1% of this valuation on average, but this rate might change from year to year.

You can appeal your property appraisal by calling the Auditor’s office and asking for an appeal form if you think your property has been valued at more than it’s worth.

If you’re a senior citizen or have a disability, you may be eligible for a

Homestead Exemption

on your property tax, which is a form of tax relief.

What do Jefferson County property taxes pay for?

In Jefferson County, most of your property taxes go toward public education, but a variety of other services may appear in the breakdown included on your tax bill.

Depending on your municipality, here are some services your Jefferson County property taxes pay for:

Transportation

Roads and highways

Law enforcement

Public health

Building safety & infrastructure

Public libraries

Solid waste

Recycling fees

Fire rescue

Public parks

Stormwater management

MORE:

How to get a hybrid or electric car tax credit

How to pay property taxes in Jefferson County

Jefferson County property taxes are typically paid in two installments each year. The first installment deadline is March 1st. Jefferson County also has a

Tax Installment Payment Plan

, which allows property owners to pay monthly installments instead of semi-annual payments.

This free plan might help you create more accurate monthly budgets and make the payment more manageable.

You have several different payment options available to you, including:

Online: You can pay your taxes online via the Jefferson County Treasurer’s

online payment portal

using debit, credit, or e-checks. There’s a 2.5% service charge for debit and credit transactions and a $1.50 flat fee for e-check transactions.

By phone: You can pay over the phone by calling (877) 690-3729 and using the jurisdiction code 4577. Phone payments must be done with a credit card.

By mail: You can mail a check, cashier’s check, or money order using this address:

Jefferson County Treasurer P.O. Box 398 Steubenville, OH 43952

Jefferson County will honor the postmark date when it comes to meeting the payment deadline.

At the drop box: You can drop a check, money order, or cashier’s check at the secure drop box located on the alley side of the Jefferson County courthouse.

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FAQs

Will my payment be late if I mail a check on the due date?

Good news—your payment will be on time if the postmark date on your mail matches the deadline, so it won’t be late.

I didn’t receive a property tax bill. Do I still have to pay?

Yes. It’s your responsibility to make the payment due date, even if you didn’t receive a bill. Call the Jefferson County Treasurer’s office at 740-283-8572 and request a bill if you don’t receive one.

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