Ross County Treasurer David Jeffers Reminds Residents: First Half Property Taxes Due February 20, 2026

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Chillicothe, OH — Ross County Treasurer David Jeffers is reminding property owners that first half property tax payments are due February 20, 2026.

“As the due date approaches, we want to make sure residents have clear information about their tax bills, how to access them, and the changes that may be impacting what they see this year,” Jeffers said.

Why Property Tax Bills Changed This Year
Ohio law requires every county auditor to complete a full reappraisal of property values every six years, with a triennial update occurring at the midpoint between reappraisals. Ross County completed its state-mandated full reappraisal in 2025, which adjusted property values to reflect current market conditions.

Property owners can review their updated property valuation at any time on the Ross County Auditor’s website at:
https://auditor.rosscountyohio.gov/Search

Local Efforts to Reduce Tax Rates
In anticipation of higher valuations, local officials across Ross County took steps to reduce tax rates where permitted by law:

• All sixteen townships in Ross County reduced the millage they collect
• The Ross County Commissioners reduced the millage supporting the County General Fund
• The City of Chillicothe reduced its millage rate

“These reductions helped offset some of the impact of rising property values,” Jeffers said. “However, when residents look at their tax bills, they will see that the largest portion typically goes to school districts.”

Under Ohio law, most school districts are already at the 20-mill floor and are not permitted to reduce their operating tax rates further. As a result, increases in property values often affect the school district portion of tax bills more significantly.

State Property Tax Reform
Governor Mike DeWine recently signed several property tax reform bills into law, including House Bills 124, 129, 186, 309, and 335. These measures are designed to improve transparency, limit certain revenue growth, and provide additional protections for taxpayers.

House Bill 186 is particularly important for property owners, as it creates a credit intended to limit school district revenue growth above inflation. Because the legislation was passed late in the billing cycle, the impact of HB 186 is will not be reflected on bills until the second half collection period later this year.

More information about these bills is available on the Ohio Legislature’s website at: https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/

Paperless Billing and Payment Reminders
Property tax bills are also available online, and residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for paperless billing, which allows immediate access to bills and avoids potential mail delays.

Residents can sign up for paperless billing at:
https://rosscountyohio.smartpayworks.com/registration/

Important Mailing Reminder
The Treasurer’s Office also reminds residents who plan to mail their payments to be mindful of recent changes to U.S. Postal Service processing and postmark practices. Taxpayers are encouraged to mail payments well in advance of the due date or consider paying online or in person to ensure timely receipt.

“Our goal is to make this process as clear and convenient as possible,” Jeffers said. “If anyone has questions about their bill, valuation, or payment options, we encourage them to contact our office directly. We are always happy to help.”