Confused by your Worthington property tax bill or trying to estimate taxes before you buy? You are not alone. Property taxes mix county valuations, local levies, and credits that can feel complicated. In this guide, you will get a clear, step-by-step overview of how taxes work in Worthington, how to estimate your bill, and the practical moves to make as a buyer or seller. Let’s dive in.
How Worthington property taxes work
Property taxes in Worthington are part of Ohio’s county-based system. Several agencies play specific roles so you know who does what:
- Ohio Department of Taxation sets the statewide rules and administers exemptions.
- Franklin County Auditor appraises property values and assigns taxing districts.
- Franklin County Treasurer issues bills, collects payments, and manages payment options and escrow details.
- Local taxing authorities, such as the City of Worthington, Worthington School District, library and park districts, set levies that create your tax rate.
Your tax bill reflects these parts working together. The county auditor estimates market value, then a portion of that value is taxed. Local levies, often approved by voters, create the millage applied to your assessed value.
A Worthington mailing address does not guarantee the same tax rate for every home. Parcels can fall into different school districts, municipalities, or special districts. The Franklin County Auditor’s parcel records show the exact taxing district for each property.
Calculate your bill step by step
Here is the simple flow from value to final bill:
- Appraised or market value. The county auditor estimates what the property would sell for.
- Assessed value. Ohio taxes a fraction of market value. In Ohio, assessed value equals 35% of the appraised value.
- Total millage. Local levies add up to a total rate, expressed in mills per $1,000 of assessed value.
- Pre-credit tax. Multiply assessed value by total millage divided by 1,000.
- Apply credits or exemptions. Certain credits reduce the final amount due.
A simple example
- Market value: $300,000
- Assessed value: 35% of $300,000 = $105,000
- Total millage: 100 mills (that is $100 per $1,000 of assessed value)
- Pre-credit tax: $105,000 × (100/1000) = $10,500
- After a hypothetical 10% residential rollback: $10,500 − $1,050 = $9,450
These figures are illustrative. Actual millage and credits vary by parcel and year. Always confirm details for the specific property you are buying or selling.
What appears on a Worthington bill
A typical Worthington tax bill can include several components:
- Franklin County general millage
- City of Worthington or the local municipality or township portion
- School district levies, often the largest share
- Library district levy
- Park or Metro Parks levies, if applicable
- Bond and renewal levies approved by voters
- Special assessments for specific improvements, which appear as separate line items
New construction and significant improvements can trigger a revaluation by the county auditor. When the appraised value changes, your assessed value and taxes can change too.
Why bills change over time
Voter-approved levies are a common reason taxes rise in Ohio communities. School district levies, city bond issues, and other local measures can increase millage. Keep an eye on recent election results and upcoming ballot measures in Worthington and the Worthington schools.
It also helps to separate your property taxes from Worthington’s municipal income tax. The income tax is a separate obligation that does not appear on your property tax bill.
Buyer checklist in Worthington
Use this quick list during your search, pre-offer, and due diligence:
- Look up the parcel on the Franklin County Auditor’s property search to confirm appraised value, assessed value, current tax totals, and taxing districts.
- Ask the seller for the most recent property tax bill or recent escrow statements to verify what was paid.
- Check for special assessments or pending local improvement projects that could add costs in the future.
- Review levy history for the school district and city, and check for upcoming levy ballots to estimate near-term tax changes.
- Talk with your lender about how taxes are prorated at closing and whether you will escrow taxes in your mortgage.
Factor property taxes into your monthly budget. Build in a cushion for possible levies or value changes so your payment stays comfortable after you close.
Seller checklist in Worthington
Make your sale smoother and build buyer confidence by preparing these items:
- Provide your last property tax bill and any documentation on credits or exemptions you receive.
- If you plan to contest a recent valuation change, start early. Board of Revision deadlines are strict.
- Expect to prorate taxes at closing based on the contract terms and local customs.
- Confirm that any unpaid taxes or special assessments are handled per the purchase agreement.
Clear, organized paperwork helps buyers and reduces surprises during escrow.
Closing and proration essentials
At closing, property taxes are typically prorated between buyer and seller. The method, such as to the date of closing, is spelled out in the purchase contract. Ask your agent and title company to explain the calculation so you understand your credits and charges.
Special assessments can be due at closing if the contract requires the seller to satisfy them. Review the settlement statement carefully and ask questions before you sign.
Credits, exemptions, and appeals
Several programs can reduce what you pay, depending on your situation:
- Residential rollback or credit for owner-occupied homes, which can reduce the school district portion for eligible homeowners.
- Homestead exemption and senior or disabled programs for qualifying taxpayers.
- Disabled veteran exemptions for eligible owners.
- CAUV for qualifying farmland, which usually does not apply to single-family homes.
Eligibility rules vary. Applications and guidance run through the Franklin County Auditor and the Ohio Department of Taxation. Some are one-time filings and others need updates, so verify requirements and deadlines.
If you disagree with the auditor’s value, you can file an appeal with the Franklin County Board of Revision. Prepare evidence such as recent comparable sales, inspection notes, and documentation of property condition. Appeals are time sensitive, so do not wait.
Missing filing deadlines can cost you a year of savings or relief. If in doubt, contact the county auditor or treasurer to confirm dates and required documents.
Estimating future taxes
When you plan for next year’s bill, consider:
- Market value trends from the auditor that may affect appraised value
- Recent levy results and future ballot proposals for the city and schools
- The impact of any improvements you plan to make at the property
This approach gives you a realistic range when you model your mortgage payment and cash flow.
Local resources to use
For the most accurate, parcel-specific answers:
- Franklin County Auditor for parcel search, values, taxing district details, and Board of Revision guidance
- Franklin County Treasurer for current bills, due dates, payment options, delinquencies, and escrow information
- Ohio Department of Taxation for statewide rules, rollbacks, homestead, and veteran exemptions
- City of Worthington for municipal levies and local tax updates
- Worthington City School District for levy information and ballot results
- Franklin County Board of Elections for recent and upcoming levy ballots
Start with the auditor for parcel details, then the treasurer for billing status. Use the other resources to track levies and plan ahead.
Your next step
Property taxes are manageable once you understand how value, millage, and credits fit together. If you want help projecting your taxes before you list or while you shop, you will benefit from a clear, numbers-first review.
As a former CPA with deep local experience, Jason Peeler can walk you through your specific parcel, credits, and closing pro-rations so you make a confident decision. Get your questions answered and Get Your Free Home Valuation.
FAQs
Where do I find my Worthington property tax details?
- Use the Franklin County Auditor for parcel values and taxing districts, and the Franklin County Treasurer for current bills and payment status.
How are Worthington, OH property taxes calculated?
- The county auditor sets market value, Ohio taxes 35% of that value, local levies create total millage, then credits or exemptions reduce the final bill.
Will my tax bill change after I buy a home in Worthington?
- The purchase itself does not change value, but reappraisals, significant improvements, and new voter-approved levies can change your future tax bill.
What credits or exemptions could lower my Worthington taxes?
- Possible options include a residential rollback for owner-occupied homes, the homestead exemption for eligible seniors or disabled owners, and specific veteran exemptions.
How do I appeal a Franklin County property value I think is too high?
- File with the Franklin County Board of Revision by the deadline and include evidence such as comparable sales and documentation of condition or defects.
What are special assessments on a Worthington tax bill?
- Special assessments fund a specific local improvement, for example sidewalks or sewers, and appear as separate line items or installments apart from general taxes.
