Intro:

Ever opened your property tax bill and thought, “Where on earth did they get this number?” You’re not alone. In Central Ohio, tax assessments can feel like a black box — especially when two similar homes on the same street have totally different bills. Let’s pull back the curtain on how your real estate taxes are actually calculated.

1. It Starts with the County Auditor’s “Assessed Value”

Every home in Franklin, Delaware, and Union Counties has an auditor-assessed value — that’s the foundation for your taxes. The county updates this value periodically (usually every three years) based on comparable home sales in your area — Powell, Dublin, or Westerville included.

2. Assessed Value ≠ Market Value

Here’s the trick: the county’s assessed value is typically 35% of your home’s market value. So if your home’s worth $600,000, your taxable assessed value might be $210,000. That’s the number used to calculate your property taxes.

3. Then Come the Millage Rates

Each taxing authority — school district, township, city, library, park district — adds its own millage rate (a “mill” equals $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value). Add them up, and that’s your total tax rate. School levies make up the largest chunk in most Central Ohio suburbs.

4. Levies and Reappraisals Shake Things Up

When voters approve new levies, or during a countywide reappraisal, your tax bill can jump even if your home’s value hasn’t changed much. That’s why two identical houses in different school districts might have drastically different annual taxes.

5. How to Double-Check or Appeal Your Value

Think your valuation’s off? You can appeal it through the county auditor’s office. It’s a formal process — and worth exploring if your assessment feels out of line with recent sales nearby. A Realtor who knows the local market (👋) can help you pull comps to make your case.

CTA:

👉 Curious whether your property taxes line up with your home’s true market value? Let’s talk — I’ll pull current comps for your neighborhood and help you see where your numbers stand.

[Contact Patrick Murphy, Realtor — Columbus, Powell & Dublin Expert]