Auditor

The Franklin County Auditor's Office plays a critical role in ensuring fair and accurate assessments for the county's property values, overseeing important community services like dog licensing, and safeguarding consumers through weights and measures inspections. This article provides an in-depth look into the many functions of the Franklin County OH Auditor's Office, the resources available to residents, and how the office serves the community. Whether you're looking for property tax information, seeking ways to dispute property valuations, or interested in the county's financial oversight, this guide will walk you through it all.

What Does the Franklin County Auditor Do?

The Franklin County Auditor is the chief fiscal officer for the county, ensuring that all financial activities align with state laws and regulations. The office provides transparency in managing public finances, including overseeing property valuations, tax reduction programs, and financial reporting. As a public service entity, the Auditor's Office also offers critical services like property search tools, tax assessments, and weights and measures inspections.

Property Value Assessments and Tax Implications

One of the primary responsibilities of the Franklin County Auditor is the assessment of property values, which directly influences the amount of property taxes collected within the county. Understanding property assessments is essential for property owners, as these valuations are used to determine how much tax an individual or business will pay.

How Property Value Impacts Taxes: Property tax is calculated by applying the tax district’s rate to the appraised value of a property. This means that changes in your property’s appraised value can directly affect your tax obligations.

Reappraisals and Updates: The Auditor’s Office conducts a full reappraisal of all properties every six years and performs triennial updates to reflect changes in the real estate market. If you believe your property’s value has been incorrectly assessed, you can challenge the valuation through the Franklin County Board of Revision (BOR).

For more details on property taxes and related programs, the Auditor’s website provides Property eAlerts and Property Search tools.

Key Programs Managed by the Auditor's Office

Several programs and services are available through the Franklin County Auditor’s Office to support residents and businesses:

Dog Licensing and Consumer Services

The Auditor's Office manages the mandatory dog licensing program in Franklin County. All dogs must be licensed annually, and the office ensures compliance with state law. In addition to dog licenses, the Consumer Services Division of the Auditor’s Office oversees various other consumer protection programs, such as ensuring that commercial scales and gas pumps are accurate and functioning properly.

Dog Licensing: Residents can license their dogs online, in person, or via mobile office events across the county. For more information on dog licensing, visit the Dog Licensing Portal.

Consumer Protection: The Auditor’s office inspects over 15,000 devices annually, including gas pumps, retail scales, and point-of-sale systems, ensuring that residents are not shortchanged by faulty devices.

Weights and Measures

The Weights and Measures Division of the Auditor's Office ensures that scales, gas pumps, and other commercial measuring devices provide accurate results. This department is also responsible for inspecting large systems like rail scales, which weigh railroad cars, and smaller devices such as jewelry scales.

Consumer Tips: The office offers helpful resources to consumers regarding common issues like inaccurate weights and measures.

Complaint Handling: If you encounter discrepancies with a gas pump or store scanner, the Auditor’s office is equipped to investigate and resolve the issue.

For more details, visit the Weights and Measures Section.

Property Tax Reduction and Incentives

In addition to property assessments, the Auditor’s office offers several tax reduction programs aimed at providing relief to homeowners, especially seniors, veterans, and low-income individuals.

Homestead Exemption: This program offers property tax reductions for senior citizens and permanently disabled individuals who meet specific income thresholds. Veterans with 100% disability are also eligible for enhanced exemptions.

Owner Occupied Credit: Homeowners who occupy their properties may qualify for a reduction in their property taxes, which is processed by the Auditor’s office.

To learn more, explore the Homestead Exemption Program or the Tax Incentives Hub.

The Role of the Board of Revision (BOR)

The Board of Revision plays a key role in resolving disputes over property valuations. If you believe the value of your property has been inaccurately assessed, you can file a complaint with the Board.

How to File a Complaint: Property owners can challenge their assessments by submitting a Complaint Against the Valuation of Real Property (DTE 1) form. The BOR will review the case and may adjust the property value if evidence supports the claim.

Mediation: For those who wish to avoid a formal hearing, the mediation program provides a way to resolve disputes amicably with the assistance of a neutral third party.

For more information on the BOR, visit the Board of Revision Page.

Transparency in Financial Reporting

As the chief fiscal officer, the Franklin County Auditor oversees the county's financial operations, ensuring transparency and accountability. The office’s financial reporting services provide detailed reports on the county’s expenditures, revenue, and budget, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and effectively.

Unclaimed Funds: The Auditor’s office also manages unclaimed funds, which can be searched by residents through an online portal. If you believe you are owed unclaimed funds, visit the Unclaimed Funds Search Page.

Budget Commission: The Budget Commission ensures that the county's finances are balanced and complies with legal requirements. The Auditor’s office works with the Budget Commission to prepare financial reports that are accessible to the public.

For more details, visit the Fiscal Services Page.

Contact Information for the Franklin County Auditor’s Office

Here are the essential contact details for the various departments within the Franklin County Auditor's Office:

Auditor's Office
Address: 373 S. High St., 21st Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-525-4663

Real Estate Division
Phone: 614-525-4663

Consumer Services Division
Phone: 614-525-3260

Weights and Measures Division
Phone: 614-525-4663

Fiscal Services
Phone: 614-525-7520

Budget Commission
Phone: 614-525-3743

Board of Revision
Phone: 614-525-3913

Dog Licensing
Phone: 614-525-3260

These departments provide essential services that directly affect property owners, consumers, and businesses in Franklin County, Ohio. For further assistance, residents are encouraged to contact the office during regular business hours.

Franklin County Auditor FAQs

How Does My Property Value Impact My Taxes?

Your property value is a significant factor in determining the amount of property taxes you owe. Taxes are calculated by applying your tax district's rate to your property's appraised value. The Franklin County Auditor’s office appraises properties to ensure fairness in property assessments. Tax reductions, like the Homestead or Owner Occupied Credit, may also impact your tax obligations. However, it’s important to remember that tax rates and the approval of property tax levies are determined by voters, not the Auditor's office. If you feel your property’s value is incorrect, you can challenge it through the Board of Revision.

How Do I Dispute My Property's Valuation?

If you believe your property has been wrongly appraised, you can file a complaint with the Board of Revision. This allows you to present evidence such as recent appraisals or sales data to support your case. The board will review your complaint, and if necessary, schedule a hearing. You can also explore the mediation program as an alternative to formal hearings, offering a chance for an amicable resolution. More details on filing complaints and the mediation process are available on the Auditor's website.

How Do I License My Dog in Franklin County?

Franklin County requires all dogs to be licensed annually. You can obtain a dog license through various methods, including online, at the Franklin County Dog Shelter, or during mobile office events across the county. If you need more information about dog licensing fees or registration, visit the Dog Licensing FAQ section.

What is the Board of Revision (BOR), and How Can I Participate?

The Board of Revision (BOR) plays an essential role in resolving disputes over property valuations. Homeowners can file complaints with the BOR if they feel their property's value has been inaccurately assessed. You may also utilize the mediation service offered by the BOR for a less formal resolution. The BOR is made up of the county auditor, treasurer, and the president of the board of county commissioners.

How Do I Apply for the Homestead Exemption?

The Homestead Exemption offers property tax relief for senior citizens and individuals with permanent disabilities. To apply, you must submit an online application or complete the Homestead Exemption Application for senior citizens or disabled persons. Veterans with disabilities also qualify for an enhanced exemption. For more information on the application process, visit the Homestead page.