Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do I owe?
2. When are taxes due?
3. Is a post mark acceptable?
4. Is there a penalty if I don’t pay my taxes?
5. What if I can't afford to pay my delinquency? Is there a payment plan available?
6. Where can I make payments?
7. Do you take credit cards?
8. I did not receive a bill. What should I do?
9. How do I change my mailing address?
10. On my tax bill, what if my name is mispelled or I need other information changed?
11. Do you sell real property for taxes owed?
12. There are two amounts listed on the bill. Which one do I pay?
13. Who do I contact regarding the calculations of special assessments?
14. What do I do if I want to add or delete my bank account that currently has my taxes under an escrow agreement?
15. I recently purchased my home. How do I determine if the taxes were paid by the previous owner?
16. How does the 10% penalty and interest get calculated?

What do I owe?

You can view your tax bill online at this website [start here] or call our office at (740) 455-7118.

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When are taxes due?

Bills are issued twice a year; once in January/February and a second in May/June. The exact closing date for each collection varies and is on your tax bill.

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Is a post mark acceptable?

Yes, a post mark by the established due date is acceptable.

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Is there a penalty if I don't pay my taxes?

Ohio Revised Code 323.17 requires a penalty of 10% be added to your current taxes due if not paid by the due date. The penalty is compounded and interest is added for a full year delinquency if not paid by December of that year. If you think you are going to be late, you may consider paying by credit card, or you can talk to someone in the Treasurer's Office at (740) 455-7118.

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What if I can't afford to pay my delinquency? Is there a payment plan available?

For delinquent taxpayers, the Muskingum Treasurer's office can offer a payment plan. Please contact the Treasurer's Office at (740) 455-7118 for more information.

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Where can I make payments?

Do you take credit cards?

Yes, you can pay by credit card online via Point and Pay. The link will be on your property's tax detail page. Just click the "Pay this amount link next to the first half or second half due amount. [start here]

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I did not receive a bill. What should I do?

It is the responsibility of the taxpayer to ensure the prompt payment of any taxes. If you have not received a taxbill by mail, please call the Treasurer's Office at (740) 455-7118. Also remember, it is the taxpayer's responsibility to notify the treasurer's office of a change of address.

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How do I change my mailing address?

This must be done in writing. Please complete our change of address form or contact our office for information.

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On my tax bill, what if my name is mispelled or I need other information changed?

Call the Muskingum County Recorder's Office at (740) 455-7107 or click here to search for a property and look up deed information. The recorder's office will check the name on the deed. The Treasurer's Office can only change the mailing address information.

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Do you sell real property for taxes owed?

Real property cannot be sold for the dollar amount owed in back taxes. However, if the taxes owed are two years delinquent and a payment plan has not been followed to bring the taxes current, the property may be sold at Sheriff's sale by the Treasurer, for 2/3 of the appraised value, unless the taxpayer has filed bankruptcy protection. Tax lien sales are not conducted in Muskingum County.
Example: If a property is worth $100,000.00 and there are taxes due for $5,000.00, we cannot sell the property for $5,000.00.

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There are two amounts listed on the bill. Which one do I pay?

In February, you may choose to pay only the first half or the whole year. If you pay the whole year, you will not receive another bill until January of the next year. If you pay the half year, you will receive a bill in May, due in June of that year. In either case, the total amount you pay is the same.

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Who do I contact regarding the calculations of special assessments?

For questions regarding special assessments charges, please contact the Auditor's Office at (740) 455-7109.

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What do I do if I want to add or delete my bank account that currently has my taxes under an escrow agreement?

Please call the Treasurer's Office.

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I recently purchased my home. How do I determine if the taxes were paid by the previous owner?

Call the Treasurer's Office to see if the taxes have been paid by the title company or any other agency that closed your purchase. If they haven't, check your settlement statement for a tax proration and subsequent credit against the closing expenses or call the closing agent.

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How does the 10% penalty and interest get calculated?

There is a 10% penalty on current year late payments. There is interest added on August 1 to all prior year delinquencies and on December 1 to all taxes that are due, both current and past.

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