Real estate prices are rising throughout Cuyahoga County

In Cuyahoga County, property values ​​increased by an average of 32% in the most recent round of reassessments, but that doesn’t mean property tax bills will increase by the same amount next year.

County officials presented the reassessment results in a press conference Tuesday, while letters with new assessments were sent to property owners. This round of reassessments is the most recent update of property values ​​since 2021.

“We know this will come as a shock to most taxpayers,” said County Treasurer Brad Cromes about the increases in value. “We want to make it clear to everyone that an increase in value does not mean a tax increase.”

That’s because a decades-old law, commonly known as HB 920, essentially dampens the impact of inflation on the property tax bill. Read on for more information on estimating your new tax bill.

Value increases are higher in the inner suburbs. In East Cleveland, values ​​are up 67% and in Maple Heights, 59%. In Hunting Valley, however, the increase is 15%.

The large percentage increases in cities like East Cleveland reflect how much property values ​​fell after the 2008 financial crisis. County treasurer Michael Chambers said property values ​​in East Cleveland have not yet recovered to 2006 levels.

State law requires these reassessments to be done every six years. The county also conducts a three-year update of property values ​​in the middle of each six-year period. Appraisers examine properties and calculate value based on market trends, improvements and neighborhood characteristics, the county said.

The district has set up a website with further information on the revaluation process – including the dates and times of information meetings on the new values.

How can I see my new tax assessment?

Cuyahoga County directs homeowners to the county’s online property tax calculator. The tool asks for the property owner’s tax district and the old and new values. It provides an estimate of next year’s new tax bill.

For example, a $100,000 home in Cleveland that appreciates at the city’s average rate would now be worth $149,000. The homeowner would see a property tax increase from $2,645.04 to $3,098.64 – an increase of $453.60, according to the calculator.

How can I challenge the new value of my property?

Homeowners can submit informal complaints about the increase in value of their property online here. Complaint forms and receipts can also be submitted in person to the tax office or sent to the following address:

Cuyahoga County Tax Office

Valuation Department, 3rd Floor

2079 East Ninth Street

Cleveland, Ohio 44115

According to the county, complaints require at least one of the following supporting documents: a property appraisal report from the past 36 months, a sales contract and final settlement, construction costs for a new home certified by the developer, certified repair estimates from a contractor, or photographs of a property with damage and estimates for repairs.

The deadline for informal complaints is August 30. A formal complaints process will take place between January 1 and March 31 of next year, according to the district.

Is there support for property taxes?

Cromes, the county treasurer, said a taxpayer assistance program is in the works. The assistance will be aimed at seniors and people who are behind on their taxes. It will also include housing and financial counseling.

Although the program is not yet ready, Cromes said it will “probably be ready sometime in the fall and will certainly be available when the bills associated with this reassessment are mailed in January 2025.”

Homeowners can prepay their taxes through the county’s EasyPay system. Property owners may also be eligible for the homeowner tax credit, property tax exemption, or military deferment.