Real Estate tax bills are generally due the first Friday in February and July 20th. Real estate tax bills are mailed twice a year and are always a year behind. Currently, Defiance County accepts cash, check or credit card (by calling 1-800-2Paytax or visit www.officialpayments.com) as payment for taxes. The taxpayer is also able to pay their taxes by automatic withdrawal from their bank account either semi-annually or monthly. While many residents mail their taxes, we also have a drop box located on the left hand side of Court Street. For personal service, we accept payments in our office Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

WATCH WHEN YOU PAY TAXES THROUGH YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY. Approximately 30% of Defiance County taxpayers pay their taxes through their mortgage company. This works well until their mortgage is paid off. If you recently paid your house off and did not receive a real estate tax bill, please call our office. If you recently refinanced with another lender, review all the closing statements carefully. Some lenders do not have the ability to collect taxes and insurance with the payment. When changes occur the lender must notify us in writing. If you should be receiving a tax bill and don't receive one in January or June, call our office immediately.

Delinquent bills are mailed in September. The Auditor will prepare a listing of delinquent taxpayers for publication to local newspaper.

This program is to ease the burden of the large semi-annual tax bill by providing taxpayers with partial payment plans. Pre-payments can be made monthly during a six month period.. You must be current to be included in TIPP. If you are behind in your taxes, see Additional Real Estate Programs. If you are interested in the TIPP program, please call, stop in, or email us at treasurer@defiance-county.com

 

• Homestead Exemption: This exemption gives a tax discount to people over 65 years of age or totally disabled people. For additional information on relief of tax burden, please contact the County Auditor's office at 419-782-1926. Deadline for filing is the 1st Monday in June.

• Board of Revision: If you feel your property is valued too high, you may file an appeal with the Board of Revision. (Ohio Revised Code Section 5715.19) You must file with the County Auditor's Office between January 1st and March 31st.

• Delinquent Contract Plan: This payment plan provides taxpayers with a vehicle for the payment of delinquent taxes while maintaining payment of current tax billings. The plan was developed to assist taxpayers who have been faced with financial problems and find themselves with delinquent tax balances. Taxpayers can now avoid foreclosure actions with the availability of this plan. Please contact Sue at 419-782-8741 in the Treasurer’s office if you are interested. If you go on a delinquent contract and miss a payment, the contract will be void and foreclosure proceedings will continue.

HOW ARE MY TAXES CALCULATED?
Two factors establish the amount of taxes you pay.

• 1st - The primary factor is the market value of your property. The County Auditor assesses your property according to market value not historical cost. Every six years your property will be re-appraised. The next triennial update will be 2002 (payable in 2003) and the next reappraisal will be 2005 (payable in 2006).

• 2nd - The second factor is the levies or additional taxes that the voters choose to pay in order to receive additional benefit or service.