Brown County Property Tax Complete Guide 2025

Property tax in Brown County is a local tax applied to real estate, including homes, land, and buildings. It provides essential funding for public schools, roads, emergency services, parks, and other community programs that residents rely on every day.

This guide covers property tax rates, how taxes are calculated, available exemptions, payment methods, appeal options and where your property tax money goes in Brown County.

Brown County Property Tax Rates 2025

Property tax rates in Brown County are expressed in mills. One mill equals $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value (assessed at 35% of market value under Ohio law).

Example (2025):

• A total tax rate of 75 mills means $75 in tax for every $1,000 of assessed value
• Certain areas, such as Georgetown or other incorporated villages, may have slightly higher rates due to local school levies, park levies, or municipal services.
• Property tax rates can change annually if local voters approve new levies or bond issues.

Cities, Villages in Brown County (2025 Property Tax Rates)

Brown County’s major cities, villages and townships have distinct property tax rates based on local levies, school district funding and municipal services. These rates help support schools, public safety, roads and other community services.

Note: These rates are approximate and may vary slightly depending on local levies or voter-approved bond issues. Property owners should check the Brown County Auditor’s official site for the most current rate applicable to their property.

Townships in Brown County (2025 Property Tax Rates)

Property taxes in Brown County townships vary based on school district funding, local levies, and infrastructure needs. Rural townships typically have slightly lower rates, balancing affordability with essential community services like roads, fire protection, and public safety.

Note: These rates are approximate and may change slightly depending on voter-approved levies or bond issues. Property owners should always verify rates through the Brown County Auditor’s official website.

School District Linked Tax Areas in Brown County (2025)

School district taxes form a significant portion of property tax rates in Brown County. These taxes ensure strong support for local education, maintaining quality schools and fostering community growth.

Important: Final tax rates depend on the exact school district + township combination. Always confirm using the Brown County Auditor’s Property Search.

How Brown County Property Tax is Calculated

Property taxes in Brown County are calculated using assessed value and the millage rate. Here’s a step-by-step explanation:

1. Determine Market Value
   The Brown County Auditor first estimates your property’s fair market value, which reflects what your home or land would sell for on the open market.
2. Calculate Assessed Value
   In Ohio, property is assessed at 35% of its market value.
   Formula: $$\text{Assessed Value} = 35\% \times \text{Market Value}$$Assessed Value= 35%×Market Value
3. Apply Total Millage Rate
   Each property has a total millage rate based on its township, city/village, and school district.
   • 1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed valueFormula:
   $$\text{Annual Property Tax} = \frac{\text{Assessed Value} \times \text{Total Mills}}{1,000}$$Annual Property Tax= 1,000Assessed Value×Total Mills​

Example Property Tax Calculation (2025)

• Market Value: $200,000
• Assessed Value: 35% × $200,000 = $70,000
• Total Millage Rate: 75 mills
• Annual Property Tax: $70,000 × 75 ÷ 1,000 = $5,250

Tips for Property Tax Calculation

• Use the official Brown County Property Tax Calculator for precise figures.
• Check your school district + township combination rates can vary even within the same city.
• Remember: Exemptions or credits (Homestead, Disabled Veteran, CAUV) reduce the taxable value before applying mills.

Types of Property Taxes in Brown County

Property taxes in Brown County consist of several components. All rates are applied to the assessed value (35% of market value):

1. General (Ad Valorem) Tax – Primary tax based on assessed value of property.
2. Special Assessments – For local improvements like sidewalks, drainage, or road repairs.
3. School District Levies – Fund local public schools and education programs.
4. Township/Municipality Levies – Support fire, police, roads, and local services.
5. County-Wide Levies – Fund county services like parks, senior services, and health departments.
6. Bond & Emergency Levies – Temporary taxes approved by voters for construction, renovation, or emergency projects.

Tip: All these levies together form the total millage rate applied to your assessed value.

How to Pay Brown County Property Taxes

Property taxes in Brown County can be paid to the Brown County Treasurer using several convenient methods:

1. Online Payment:
   • Pay securely via the Brown County Treasurer Online Payment Portal.
2. By Mail:
   • Send a check along with your tax bill to the Treasurer’s office:
     Brown County Treasurer, 800 Mt Orab Pike, Georgetown, OH 45121
3. In-Person:
   • Visit the Treasurer’s office during normal business hours to pay in person.

Billing Schedule:

• Property taxes are billed twice a year:
  • First half is typically due in Januarary
  • Second half is typically due in July

Important: Late payments may incur penalties and interest, so always ensure payment is made before the due date.

Property Tax Exemptions and Credits in Brown County

Certain property owners in Brown County may qualify for tax relief, exemptions, or credits to reduce their overall property tax burden.

1. Homestead Exemption:
   • Available for seniors (age 65+) or permanently disabled homeowners.
   • Reduces the taxable value of the property, lowering the total tax bill.
   • Applications are submitted through the Brown County Auditor’s Office.
   • Applications must be filed by the deadlines set by the Brown County Auditor to apply for the current tax year.
2. CAUV (Current Agricultural Use Valuation):
   • Applies to farmland primarily used for agricultural purposes.
   • Property taxes are calculated based on agricultural value instead of full market value.
   • Administered by the Brown County Auditor.
3. Charitable and Religious Properties:
   • Certain nonprofit or church-owned properties may qualify for a full exemption.
   • Applications are processed through the Brown County Auditor’s Office.

How to Appeal Your Property Valuation in Brown County

If you believe that your property in Brown County has been overvalued, you have the right to appeal the assessed value through the proper channels.Many property owners successfully appeal by providing recent sales or appraisal data.

1. File a Complaint:
   • Submit a complaint with the Brown County Board of Revision.
2. Submit Required Documents:
   • Provide necessary documents such as valuation forms, evidence of market value, or comparable property data.
3. Attend the Hearing:
   • Present your case at the scheduled hearing. The Board will review your documentation and may adjust the assessed value if justified.
4. Filing Period:
   • The typical filing period runs from January 1 to March 31 each year.

Note: Property owners are encouraged to carefully prepare evidence and review the Brown County Auditor’s guidelines to ensure a successful appeal.

Understanding Your Brown County Property Tax Bill

Your Brown County property tax bill provides detailed information about your property taxes, helping you understand how your payments are calculated and where your money goes. Key details include:

• Parcel Number and Property Location: Unique identifier for your property and its location within Brown County.
• Assessed Value and Taxable Value: The assessed value is determined by the Brown County Auditor, and taxable value is used to calculate your property tax.
• Millage Rates Applied: Shows the specific mill rates for your city, township, and school district.
• Breakdown of Tax Allocation: Indicates how your tax dollars are distributed among schools, parks, fire departments, police, and other local services.
• Payment Due Dates: Displays deadlines for each half of your property tax bill.

Each section of your bill clearly illustrates how much of your payment supports specific community services, providing transparency and helping property owners understand how their taxes are utilized.

Where Property Tax Money Goes in Brown County

Your property taxes directly fund local services. Approximate allocations (based on total mills collected):

Note: Percentages are approximate and may vary depending on voter-approved levies or special assessments.

Conclusion

Managing property taxes in Brown County doesn’t have to be confusing. By understanding tax rates, exemptions, payment deadlines, and appeals, you can save money, avoid penalties, and stay in control of your property.

Take advantage of programs like the Homestead or Disabled Veterans exemptions, keep track of due dates, and plan ahead. Staying informed ensures your taxes are fair, your savings are maximized, and you contribute wisely to the local community services that make Brown County a great place to live.

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