Buying a home in Worthington Village North comes with one big question: what will your property taxes be, and how do they work? You want a clear picture before you write an offer or set a monthly budget. In this guide, you’ll learn how taxes are calculated in Franklin County, which local factors matter in Worthington, and what to check before closing so there are no surprises. Let’s dive in.
Property taxes in Franklin County: The basics
Assessed value vs. market value
In Ohio, your tax bill is based on an assessed value, not the full market value. Counties follow state guidance from the Ohio Department of Taxation to set that assessed value as a fraction of market value. The Franklin County Auditor maintains the official record for each parcel. If the county updates your value after a reappraisal or due to renovations, your future tax bills can change.
Millage and the formula
Your annual tax is the assessed value multiplied by the total millage for the taxing authorities that apply to your parcel. Millage is the rate set or voted in by local entities such as the school district, city or township, county, and special districts. A simple way to think about it is:
- Tax = (Assessed Value ÷ 1,000) × Total Mills
Total millage varies by parcel. Two homes in Worthington Village North that sit in different school districts or service districts can have different tax bills, even if their market values match. Always confirm the specific mills for the exact parcel you are buying.
What appears on your bill
A typical Franklin County tax bill includes:
- School district levies, often the largest part of the bill
- County levies for services and operations
- City or village levies if the parcel is inside municipal limits
- Township levies if the parcel falls outside a city
- Library, park, fire, and health or mental health levies
- Special assessments for items like sidewalks or utilities, which may appear as separate line items
What to check in Worthington Village North
Confirm your parcel details
Before you estimate taxes, verify the exact parcel or Property ID. Pull the property record card to confirm the assessed value, land use, and any recent changes. Make sure the record matches the home you are buying, including square footage and improvements.
School district and local levies
School district levies are a major driver of property taxes in and around Worthington. Much of the area is served by Worthington City Schools, but district boundaries are not uniform across every street. Verify the specific school district tied to the parcel, since this affects both millage and future levy changes. Also confirm whether your parcel lies inside the City of Worthington or within an adjacent township, because city and township levies differ.
Special assessments and utilities
Some Worthington parcels have special assessments for infrastructure like sidewalks, sewers, or stormwater projects. These charges are not the same as property tax millage, but they can appear on your bill and affect your total annual cost. Always check for active or pending assessments for the exact parcel you are considering.
Estimating your tax before you buy
Pull records and recent payments
Start with the county parcel record to review assessed value, current levies, and the tax history. Then confirm whether the seller has paid the current bill and whether there are any delinquencies by checking tax payment status. This helps you spot trends, see if bills are increasing, and avoid surprises at closing.
Watch for reassessments and improvements
New construction, additions, and major renovations can trigger an increase in assessed value. If there are recent or open permits, plan for the possibility that the next tax cycle could reflect a higher assessed value. Ask for details on recent work and timing so you can set a realistic budget.
Use examples to set expectations
You can use a simple example to understand the math. If a home has a market value of $300,000 and an assessed value set at a fraction of that, and you apply the total millage for the parcel, you can estimate the annual bill using the formula listed above. This is only an illustration. Always rely on the parcel’s actual assessed value and mills for your final estimate.
At closing: proration, escrow, and who pays
Typical proration in Franklin County
Property taxes are usually prorated between buyer and seller at closing based on how long each party owned the home during the tax year. The purchase contract sets the method and dates for proration. If there are delinquent taxes or special assessments, address them in the contract and confirm how they will be paid.
Mortgage escrow and monthly budget
If you finance your purchase, your lender will likely set up an escrow account for taxes and insurance. This means part of your monthly mortgage payment will be set aside so the lender can pay bills when they come due. Ask for an initial escrow disclosure so you understand your monthly payment and any cushion required at closing.
Tax relief, exemptions, and appeals
Owner-occupant credits and rollbacks
Ohio has mechanisms that can reduce the tax burden for certain owner-occupied properties. These credits are administered through state rules and applied at the county level. Check your eligibility and confirm how they are applied to your parcel. Do not assume you will receive a credit without verifying.
Homestead and disability programs
Seniors and permanently disabled homeowners may qualify for homestead exemptions that reduce taxable value or provide credits. These programs have income and eligibility rules, and you must apply through the county auditor. Benefits do not transfer automatically to a new owner, so plan to apply if you qualify.
If you disagree with your value
If you believe the assessed value is incorrect, you can file an appeal with the Franklin County Board of Revision. Deadlines and procedures are strictly enforced. Strong evidence includes comparable sales, an independent appraisal, and documentation of any property record errors.
Buyer checklist for Worthington Village North
Use this quick checklist to keep your due diligence on track.
- Before making an offer:
- Pull the parcel record to confirm assessed value, parcel number, and school district assignment.
- Review the tax history and note trends or recent changes.
- Check for voted levies that affect the parcel, including school, city, library, parks, and fire.
- Confirm with county records whether taxes are current or delinquent.
- During contract and inspection:
- Include a clear tax proration clause and address any delinquencies or special assessments.
- Ask the seller for the most recent paid tax bill and any escrow statements.
- Verify whether recent permits or improvements could change assessed value soon.
- Before closing:
- Ask your lender for an initial escrow disclosure and confirm the monthly escrow amount.
- Confirm there are no tax liens or pending special assessments that are not already addressed in the contract.
- If you may qualify, gather documents to apply for homestead or other exemptions with the county auditor.
- After closing:
- Verify that the deed is recorded and that county records reflect your mailing address for tax notices.
- Review your first tax bill under new ownership and compare it with your escrow disbursement to confirm accuracy.
Seller notes to prevent hiccups
If you are selling in Worthington Village North, gather your most recent tax bill and proof of payment. If you escrow with a lender, obtain a recent escrow statement so the buyer can see what has been paid. Disclose known special assessments and any notices you have received about pending assessments. Clear delinquent taxes and liens before closing or negotiate responsibility in the contract to keep the path to closing smooth.
Local watch items for Worthington parcels
- School levies can materially change tax bills. Track levy activity for the district assigned to your parcel.
- City of Worthington or township levies fund services that can differ by location within the neighborhood. Confirm which apply to your property.
- Renovations and new permits are common drivers of assessed value changes. If you are buying a recently updated home, plan for possible increases in the next cycle.
Work with a local guide
Property taxes are manageable when you know what to look for. With the right records and a clean plan at closing, you can set a realistic budget and avoid surprises. If you want help pulling parcel data, interpreting levies, or building your monthly payment plan with escrow, our team is here for you. Start a conversation with the neighborhood-focused advisors at Core Realty Collection and make your Worthington Village North purchase with confidence.
FAQs
How are property taxes calculated in Franklin County, Ohio?
- Taxes are based on an assessed value that is a fraction of market value and multiplied by the total millage for all taxing authorities that apply to the parcel.
What should Worthington Village North buyers check about school taxes?
- Verify the exact school district assigned to the parcel and review its voted levies, since school levies are often the largest part of the tax bill.
Who pays property taxes at closing in Worthington?
- Taxes are typically prorated between buyer and seller based on the time each owned the property during the tax year, as set by the purchase contract.
Will my Worthington taxes go up after I buy?
- They can change due to new levies, county updates, or changes in assessed value tied to recent sale price signals or improvements.
How do I find delinquent taxes or tax liens in Franklin County?
- Check county tax payment records for the parcel and ask the seller for statements confirming taxes paid through a specific date.
Are special assessments part of my property taxes in Worthington?
- Special assessments are separate charges for items like sidewalks or sewers, but they often appear on the same bill and affect your total cost.
Can I lower my tax bill as a new owner in Worthington?
- If eligible, apply for owner-occupant credits or homestead programs, and consider appealing the assessed value through the county’s Board of Revision.
What is the timeline to appeal my assessment in Franklin County?
- Appeals follow county deadlines and procedures that are strictly enforced, so review current rules and file within the stated window using solid evidence.
