Washington County Property Tax Records
Washington County property tax records are kept by the county auditor in Marietta, Ohio. This southeastern Ohio county holds the distinction of being the site of the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory. Marietta sits at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, and the county's landscape includes river valleys, Appalachian hills, and rural farmland. The auditor handles all assessed values, tax bills, and parcel data. Historic properties in Marietta and the surrounding area can present unique valuation challenges for the auditor's office.
Washington County Overview
Washington County Tax Assessment Process
The Washington County Auditor handles all real property assessments. Under ORC Chapter 319, the auditor must view and value every parcel of land and buildings. This includes homes, farms, commercial buildings, vacant lots, and any other type of real property in the county. The auditor sets market value for each parcel, then applies the 35% assessment rate that Ohio law requires. That assessed value is the basis for your tax bill each year.
Full reappraisals happen every six years in Washington County. A triennial update occurs at the midpoint to keep values in line with market conditions. During a reappraisal, county staff may visit your property or review recent sales data to adjust values. If you feel your assessed value is too high, you can file a complaint with the Board of Revision between January 1 and March 31. DTE Form 2 is required, along with evidence such as comparable sales or a recent appraisal from a licensed appraiser.
Washington County's long history means some properties have been in the same families for generations. Historic homes in Marietta's downtown and along the rivers may have special considerations during appraisal. The auditor also tracks mineral rights in parts of the county where oil, gas, or coal reserves exist beneath the surface. These mineral estates can be valued and taxed separately from the surface property.
Searching Washington County Property Records
You can look up property tax records at the Washington County Auditor's office in Marietta. Staff can search by owner name, property address, or parcel number. Check with the auditor to see if an online search portal is available for remote access to property data. Many Ohio counties now offer web-based tools for looking up parcels and tax data.
Each property record shows the owner's name and mailing address, parcel number, legal description, and lot size. You will also see the land use class, land value, building value, and total assessed value. Tax amounts due and payment history are included in the record. The Ohio Department of Taxation provides general guidance on how property taxes work across the state.
This state resource outlines how assessments and tax rates work in Ohio, which helps Washington County residents understand their bills.
Washington County Tax Rates and Levies
Tax rates in Washington County vary by tax district. Each district has its own set of levies for schools, fire protection, roads, and other local services. Rates are measured in mills. One mill equals one dollar per thousand dollars of assessed value. The rate in your district depends on what levies voters have approved over the years.
ORC Chapter 5705 sets the rules for tax levies in Ohio. Most new levies need voter approval. House Bill 920 provides reduction factors that help limit your tax bill increase when property values rise during a reappraisal. The auditor calculates these factors each year and applies them to your bill. The 2.5% owner-occupied credit and 10% non-business credit also reduce bills for qualifying homeowners who live in their property.
Property Tax Exemptions in Washington County
Several tax relief programs are available to Washington County property owners. The homestead exemption lets seniors age 65 and over, or permanently disabled residents, exempt up to $25,000 of their home's market value from property taxes. Disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected rating can exempt up to $50,000. You apply through the Washington County Auditor's office in Marietta.
Farmland owners may qualify for the Current Agricultural Use Value program, known as CAUV. This program taxes farmland based on its production value rather than full market value. The auditor handles CAUV applications and reviews eligibility each year. Forest land may also qualify for reduced rates under ORC Chapter 5713.
- Homestead exemption for seniors 65 and older or permanently disabled residents
- Enhanced homestead for disabled veterans with 100% service-connected disability
- CAUV program for agricultural and forest land
- Owner-occupied credit of 2.5% for primary residences
- Non-business credit (10% rollback) for qualifying residential property
Paying Washington County Property Taxes
The Washington County Treasurer collects property taxes. Bills go out by the end of December each year. The first half is due in late January or February. The second half is due in July. Missing a deadline means interest and penalties start adding up. Under ORC Chapter 5715, the treasurer can certify delinquent taxes and pursue a tax lien sale on the property.
You can pay at the treasurer's office in Marietta. Check with the treasurer about mail and online payment options. Keep your receipt as proof of payment in case of any future questions or disputes.
Board of Revision Appeals
If you believe your Washington County property value is set too high, file a complaint with the Board of Revision. The board meets at the courthouse in Marietta and includes the county auditor, treasurer, and president of the county commissioners. Filing is free. You will need comparable sales data or a recent appraisal to support your case. Hearings are typically held between April and June. Decisions can be appealed to the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals if you disagree with the outcome.
Nearby Counties
Washington County borders several other Ohio counties. These links may help if you own property near a county line or want to compare tax rates.