In Trumbull County, Ohio, property reappraisals happen every six years. This is because of Ohio law. The last reappraisal was in 2023 for the 2024 tax year. The next one is set for 2029.
There will also be a triennial update in 2026. This update will adjust values based on market trends. It makes sure property values reflect current market conditions for fair taxation.
What Are Property Reappraisals?
Property reappraisals update the value of all real estate in a county. In Trumbull County, the Auditor’s Office checks properties. They make sure tax assessments match current market values.
This is required by Ohio Revised Code for fair taxation. Reappraisals look at recent home sales and neighborhood data. They also consider property characteristics like age and condition.
They aim for fairness, not to increase or decrease taxes. This ensures property taxes are based on accurate, up-to-date valuations.
Why Do Reappraisals Happen in Trumbull County?
Ohio law requires counties to reappraise properties every six years. This is called a sexennial reappraisal. Trumbull County follows this schedule to meet state regulations.
There’s also a triennial update three years after each reappraisal. For example, the 2023 reappraisal had a triennial update in 2020. The next update is planned for 2026.
The goal is to keep property taxes fair. It aligns assessed values with what properties would sell for today. This prevents homeowners from paying too much or too little.
When Was the Last Reappraisal in Trumbull County?
The last sexennial reappraisal in Trumbull County was in 2023. It affected property taxes for the 2024 tax year. The process started in 2021 and involved inspecting every property’s exterior.
The Trumbull County Auditor’s Office used sales data from 2021 to 2023 to set new values. Tentative values were released in mid-2023, with notices sent in the fall.
Final valuations were approved by the Ohio Department of Taxation by late 2023. Property owners could review their valuations online or schedule informal hearings with the Auditor’s Office. Over 100 hearings were held in November 2023 to address concerns.
When Is the Next Reappraisal Scheduled?
The next sexennial reappraisal in Trumbull County is in 2029. A triennial update will happen in 2026 to adjust values based on market changes. These updates ensure property taxes remain equitable without waiting for the full reappraisal.
Property owners will receive notices of updated values in mid-to-late 2026 for the triennial update. The 2029 reappraisal will follow a similar process, with inspections starting in 2027.
Keeping track of these dates helps homeowners plan for tax bill changes. Checking the Auditor’s website regularly is a good way to stay informed.
How Does the Reappraisal Process Work in Trumbull County?
The reappraisal process in Trumbull County is structured for accuracy and fairness. It starts with a visual inspection of each property’s exterior by appraisers from the Auditor’s Office. They note physical characteristics like size, age, and condition.
Appraisers also analyze recent home sales in each neighborhood to determine market trends. They use this data, along with property characteristics, to estimate a property’s fair market value.
Once values are calculated, the Ohio Department of Taxation reviews and approves them. Property owners receive notices and can request informal reviews if they believe their valuation is incorrect.
What Factors Influence Property Values During Reappraisals?
Several factors determine property values during a reappraisal in Trumbull County:
- Recent Home Sales: Sales data from comparable properties in the same neighborhood heavily influence valuations.
- Property Characteristics: Size, age, condition, and improvements like renovations are considered.
- Market Trends: Changes in the local real estate market, such as rising or falling home prices, impact values.
- Location: Neighborhood-specific factors, like proximity to amenities or schools, play a role.
These factors ensure that valuations reflect what a property would sell for in the current market. The Auditor’s Office aims for consistency across similar properties.
How Do Reappraisals Affect Property Taxes?
Reappraisals update property values, which can impact tax bills, but they don’t directly raise or lower taxes. In Ohio, property taxes are based on 35% of a property’s appraised value, known as the assessed value. For example, a $100,000 home has a taxable value of $35,000.
Tax rates may adjust after a reappraisal to collect the same revenue as the previous year for voted levies, a process called the certified tax rate. But, “inside millage” (up to 10 mills) can fluctuate with property values, potentially affecting taxes.
Voter-approved levies, like those for schools or services, also influence tax bills. In 2023, Trumbull County had 23 levies on the November ballot, which could impact 2024 taxes if passed.
Can Property Owners Appeal Reappraisal Values?
Yes, property owners in Trumbull County can appeal their reappraisal values if they believe they’re inaccurate. The process starts with an informal review, where owners can discuss their valuation with the Auditor’s Office. In 2023, reviews were scheduled through November 14.
If unresolved, owners can file a formal complaint with the Board of Revision between January 2 and March 31 of the tax year (e.g., January 2 to March 31, 2025, for 2024 values). Complaints require evidence, such as recent sales data or property condition details.
The Auditor’s Office provides resources like the “Know Your Home Value” guide to help owners understand their valuations and prepare for appeals.
How to Check Your Property’s Reappraisal Value
Property owners can check their reappraisal values on the Trumbull County Auditor’s website at property.co.trumbull.oh.us. The site offers a “Property Search” tool to view current valuations and tax history. Owners can also see comparable sales data used in the reappraisal process.
For questions, contact the Auditor’s Office at 330-675-2895. The office encourages owners to review their property card, which details the characteristics used in the valuation.
Checking values early helps owners prepare for possible tax changes or decide if an appeal is needed.
Trumbull County Reappraisal and Update Schedule
| Year | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Sexennial Reappraisal | Full reappraisal of all properties, completed in 2023 for 2024 taxes. |
| 2026 | Triennial Update | Adjustment of property values based on market trends. |
| 2029 | Sexennial Reappraisal | Next full reappraisal, starting inspections in 2027. |
| 2032 | Triennial Update | Adjustment of values based on market changes from 2029. |
This table outlines the key dates for property reappraisals and updates in Trumbull County.
How Does Trumbull County Compare to Nearby Counties?
Trumbull County follows the same six-year cycle as other Ohio counties like Mahoning and Geauga for reappraisals. In 2023, Mahoning County saw values rise by about 30%. Trumbull County’s increases varied by neighborhood. Columbiana County, which reappraised in 2022, saw values jump between 18% and 50%.
Ohio adjusts tax rates after reappraisals to keep revenue balanced. For example, Hamilton County lowered its tax rate to $1.51 per $100 of assessed value in 2025, down from $2.23.
Comparing counties helps homeowners understand how local market trends affect their property values and taxes.
What Should Homeowners Do After a Reappraisal?
After getting a reappraisal notice, homeowners should take these steps:
- Review the Notice: Check the new property value and compare it to recent sales in your area.
- Visit the Auditor’s Website: Use the Property Search tool to see your property card and comparable sales.
- Contact the Auditor’s Office: Call 330-675-2895 for questions or to schedule an informal review.
- Consider an Appeal: If the value seems inaccurate, prepare evidence for an informal review or Board of Revision complaint.
- Plan for Taxes: Estimate possible tax changes based on the new value and local tax rates.
Taking these steps helps ensure your property is fairly valued and your tax bill is accurate.
Common Misconceptions About Reappraisals
Many homeowners misunderstand the reappraisal process. Here are some common myths:
- Myth: Reappraisals always increase taxes.
Fact: Reappraisals aim to update values, not raise taxes. Tax rates often adjust to maintain revenue levels. - Myth: The Auditor’s Office sets tax rates.
Fact: Tax rates are set by voter-approved levies and the Ohio Department of Taxation, not the Auditor. - Myth: You can’t challenge a reappraisal value.
Fact: Owners can request informal reviews or file formal complaints with the Board of Revision.
Understanding these facts helps homeowners approach reappraisals with confidence.
Pros and Cons of Property Reappraisals
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ensures fair and equitable property valuations | May lead to higher assessed values, affecting taxes |
| Reflects current market conditions | Can cause confusion or concern for homeowners |
| Supports accurate funding for schools and services | Requires time to review or appeal values |
| Aligns taxes with property improvements | Informal reviews may not always resolve disputes |
This table summarizes the benefits and challenges of the reappraisal process.
How to Prepare for the 2026 Triennial Update
The 2026 triennial update will adjust property values based on market changes. Homeowners can prepare by:
- Monitoring Local Sales: Track home sales in your neighborhood to anticipate value changes.
- Maintaining Property Records: Keep records of improvements or issues that could affect your property’s value.
- Checking the Auditor’s Website: Stay updated on announcements about the 2026 update.
- Budgeting for Taxes: Plan for possible tax changes based on updated values.
Proactive preparation helps homeowners avoid surprises when new values are released.
Why Trust the Trumbull County Auditor’s Office?
The Trumbull County Auditor’s Office, led by Auditor Martha Yoder, is all about being open and fair. They offer tools like the “Know Your Home Value” guide and a Property Search tool. They also help with informal reviews and appeals.
Yoder says their main goal is to get property values right, not to raise taxes. They follow Ohio law and work with the Department of Taxation for fair valuations.
Homeowners can trust the process by working with the Auditor’s Office. They can use the office’s resources to learn about their property values.
External Resources for More Information
For more details, homeowners can check out these trusted sources:
- Trumbull County Auditor’s Website – Property search, tax rates, and reappraisal info.
- Ohio Department of Taxation – State rules on reappraisals and tax calculations.
- Know Your Home Value – Trumbull County’s guide to property valuations.
These resources offer reliable info for homeowners to understand the reappraisal process.
Conclusion
Property reappraisals in Trumbull County happen every six years. The last one was in 2023, and the next is in 2029. A triennial update in 2026 will keep values current with the market.
By understanding the process and checking your property’s value, homeowners can keep their taxes fair. Visit the Trumbull County Auditor’s website and check your property’s value often. This way, you can manage your taxes with confidence.
