Butler County Treasurer Nancy Nix supplied the Journal with answers to common tax bill questions.
By now, Butler County property owners should have received their first- half 2011 tax bills in the mail. County Treasurer Nancy Nix recently supplied the Middletown Journal with questions frequently asked of her office about the tax bills.
When are tax bills due? The timing of tax bills is dependent upon when the treasurer's office receives tax figures from the state and county auditors' offices, which depends on property valuations, new levies, and other complexities. Tax bills were mailed the first week of February. Payments should be postmarked, paid online, or brought to our office by Feb. 29.
My property value decreased; why didn't my taxes? When levies or bond issues are passed, the state tax commissioner sets the tax rate at the level which produces the amount "promised" by the levy. Levies may comprise up to 80 percent of bills, meaning a reduction in value won't mean a proportional decrease in taxes because the tax rate has been increased to cover any shortfall to the taxing district. The only proportional tax relief from the reduced value of property is found in the "inside millage" portion, which can be 15 to 20 percent of a tax bill, depending on location of property.
My taxes are too high. Is there anything I can do? If you occupy your home, make sure your bill reflects the 2.5 percent rollback. If you are disabled or 65 or older, you may qualify for the Homestead Exemption. Please contact the county auditor's office for information regarding the rollback or Homestead. Lastly, your tax bill is based upon the valuation of your home. You may apply to contest your value through the Board of Revision process.
How do I contest my property value? Since the Butler County Auditor is tasked with assessing property values, taxpayers should contact the auditor's office at (513) 887-3154 or visit the auditor's website, butlercountyauditor.org, to fill out a Board of Revision application. Applications can only be filed with the auditor during the period Jan. 1 through March 31. Applying to the Board of Revision is your right as a property owner, and it is free of charge. During a hearing, you must present evidence as to why you believe your property is valued too high. Please be advised that state law places the burden of proof on the taxpayer. Appraisals, purchase price, and sales comparisons of surrounding properties are good evidence for taxpayers to present to the board.
I received a letter from a company wanting to help me appeal my tax value. Is their service worth the $100 fee? We would caution taxpayers against paying an unknown company to produce reports that may be ineffectual in the Board of Revision process. The values on solicitations from these companies seem outrageously low in an attempt to get your attention and fee. Normally, the auditor's office will explain to taxpayers exactly what is needed for their hearing. Only the auditor, Board of Revision, or State Board of Tax Appeals have the authority to change property values.
I always pay on time, but paid a day late. Can you remove the penalty? Nearly all procedures in the treasurer's office are prescribed by state law, and interest and penalties added to late tax payments are no exception. If your payment is less than 10 days late, there is a state-mandated late charge of 5 percent of your tax bill. A 10-percent late charge is added to any payment over 10 days late. The law does provide a process to remit penalties in limited instances. To request an application, you can visit our website at butlercountytreasurer.org or call our office.
Can I pay my tax bill monthly? The treasurer's office provides an escrow payment plan for homeowners who do not pay their taxes through their mortgage company and who are current on their taxes. We are also introducing an "auto pay" escrow option for those who want monthly payments automatically deducted from their bank account. Taxpayers may sign up for escrow and the new auto-pay system through our website: butlercountytreasurer.org. I'm behind on my taxes. How can I catch up? The treasurer's office offers a contract tax-payment plan that allows taxpayers who are behind to budget their monthly payments. To qualify, taxpayers must be able to make monthly contract payments while also staying current on their taxes. For a contract payment plan, call the Delinquent Tax Division at (513) 785-6759.
Contact the treasurer’s office at (513) 887-3181.
About the Author