Treasurer

The Franklin County Treasurer's Office plays a critical role in managing public funds and providing essential services for the residents of Franklin County, Ohio. As the chief investment officer of the county, the Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the management of over $1 billion in revenue annually. This revenue is used to fund local government operations and services, including public safety, education, and infrastructure development. In addition to managing these funds, the Treasurer's office also handles real estate tax collection, delinquent taxes, and various taxpayer services.

This article will explore the essential functions of the Franklin County Treasurer’s Office, from property tax collection to investment management, tax savings programs, and delinquent tax processes. We’ll also highlight various payment options and services available to residents, ensuring that taxpayers understand how to engage with the Treasurer’s office effectively.

The Primary Responsibilities of the Franklin County Treasurer

The Franklin County Treasurer’s Office is tasked with several important responsibilities that directly impact residents. These include managing the county’s finances, collecting property taxes, and implementing tax savings programs.

Financial Management and Investments

One of the key roles of the Franklin County Treasurer is managing the county’s funds, ensuring their safety, liquidity, and maximizing returns. The Treasurer’s Office oversees an annual revenue of more than $1 billion, which is carefully invested to support county operations. This is achieved through an adherence to strict investment policies, ensuring transparency and ethical practices.

The investments made by the Treasurer’s Office are handled in line with the county’s Investment Policy and its Ethics Policy. These policies help maintain financial stability while ensuring that all investments are made responsibly. The office’s investment advisory meetings, which are open to the public, allow residents to stay informed about how their money is being managed.

For those interested in doing business with the county, the Treasurer provides clear guidelines on how to become a depository bank for Franklin County, and further investment opportunities can be found on the official Investment Advisory Meetings page.

Property Tax Collection: Real Estate and Manufactured Homes

The Franklin County Treasurer’s Office handles the collection of property taxes, which fund critical services such as education, public safety, and local infrastructure. Taxes are assessed on real estate properties, including residential and commercial properties, as well as manufactured homes.

Understanding the property tax system can be challenging for many, but the Treasurer’s office offers a range of resources to help residents understand their bills. The Real Estate Taxes page provides an in-depth explanation of how taxes are calculated, as well as details on tax rates, due dates, and payment options.

Delinquent Taxes: Collection and Payment Plans

When property taxes are not paid by the due date, they become delinquent. The Franklin County Treasurer’s Office is responsible for the collection of delinquent taxes. The office provides assistance to taxpayers by offering payment plans and working with individuals to resolve unpaid taxes.

To help individuals get back on track, the Treasurer’s office offers delinquent tax payment plans that allow taxpayers to spread out their payments over time. If you are facing delinquent taxes, it’s important to contact the office to explore your options. The office also works with homeowners facing foreclosure due to delinquent taxes, providing resources and tips to help them navigate the process.

Payment Methods: Convenience and Flexibility

The Franklin County Treasurer’s Office strives to make it as easy as possible for residents to pay their taxes. The office offers a variety of payment methods, including online payments, payments by mail, and in-person payments.

For online payments, residents can use credit cards, debit cards, or electronic checks (eChecks) to settle their taxes. The office’s secure online payment portal accepts payments through major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. An additional processing fee applies to credit card and debit card payments, but there are no fees for eCheck payments.

Residents can also make payments by mail by sending a check or money order to the Treasurer’s office. For those who prefer to pay in person, the office offers in-person services at their downtown Columbus location. For more details on payment options, visit the Payments page.

Tax Savings Programs: Reductions and Assistance

The Franklin County Treasurer’s Office also offers several tax savings programs to help residents reduce their property tax burden. These programs are designed to assist homeowners and senior citizens in particular, ensuring they receive all eligible reductions and benefits.

One popular program is the Owner-Occupied Tax Reduction, which provides a reduction in property taxes for homeowners who occupy their property as their primary residence. This program helps make homeownership more affordable by reducing the overall tax rate for qualifying homeowners. Additionally, the Treasurer’s office administers the Homestead Exemption program, which offers tax reductions for senior citizens and people with disabilities. For those in active military service, the office provides an Active-Service Extension to defer tax payments for military personnel.

More details on these programs, including eligibility criteria, can be found on the Tax Savings page.

Handling Overpayments: Refunds and Adjustments

At times, taxpayers may overpay their property taxes. This can occur if payments are made in error or if mortgage companies overpay on behalf of homeowners. The Franklin County Treasurer’s Office provides a streamlined process for residents to request refunds for overpayments.

Taxpayers can search for overpayments by property address or parcel number on the office’s website, ensuring they are entitled to a refund. If an overpayment is identified, residents must complete an Application for Refund form and submit it along with any supporting documentation, such as proof of payment. Refunds typically take six to eight weeks to process, depending on the time of year. More information on how to request a refund can be found on the Overpayments page.

Foreclosures and the Franklin County Land Bank Program

The Treasurer’s Office plays a role in helping address properties that are in danger of foreclosure due to unpaid taxes. Through the Land Bank Program, the office helps residents understand their options if they are facing foreclosure.

The Land Bank allows for the acquisition and revitalization of vacant, abandoned, and tax-delinquent properties in Franklin County. This program is aimed at reducing the number of vacant properties and promoting neighborhood stabilization. Homeowners facing foreclosure due to delinquent taxes are encouraged to review the Foreclosures Land Bank section of the Treasurer’s website for helpful resources and steps to take if they are at risk of losing their property.

Important Contact Information

For residents looking to contact the Franklin County Treasurer's Office, here are the key details:

Franklin County Treasurer
Address: 373 S. High St., 17th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-525-3438
Fax: 614-221-8124

Delinquent Tax Department
Phone: 614-525-3438

Investment Officer
Jaclyn Treadwell
Phone: 614-525-3444
Email: jetreadw@franklincountyohio.gov

By understanding the services offered by the Franklin County Treasurer's Office, residents can ensure they are taking full advantage of the resources available to them, from paying taxes on time to utilizing tax savings programs and exploring payment flexibility options. The Treasurer’s Office is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and assistance to all Franklin County residents.

Franklin County Treasurer FAQs

How Can I Pay My Property Taxes in Franklin County?

The Franklin County Treasurer's Office offers several convenient methods for paying property taxes. You can make online payments using credit or debit cards, as well as eCheck, without additional fees for eCheck. Alternatively, payments can be mailed using a check or money order, or made in person at the Treasurer’s office. For those who prefer to pay in cash, payments can also be made at participating CheckFreePay locations across the county. For detailed information on how to make a payment, visit the Online Payment Information page.

What Should I Do If I Didn't Receive My Tax Bill?

If you did not receive your property tax bill, it is your responsibility to ensure you obtain it on time. You can access a duplicate bill through the Franklin County Treasurer's website or contact the Treasurer's office directly for assistance. For more details, refer to the FAQ about Missing Tax Bills.

Can I Appeal My Property's Tax Penalty?

If you disagree with a tax penalty or feel it was applied unfairly, you can request penalty forgiveness. However, Ohio law allows penalty forgiveness only in specific circumstances. For further details on how to request penalty forgiveness, visit the Request for Penalty Forgiveness page.

What Happens If I Overpaid My Taxes?

If you believe you have overpaid your taxes, you can request a refund. The Franklin County Treasurer’s Office provides a process for verifying overpayments, which can be accessed by searching your property details online. Once confirmed, you can submit an Application for Refund along with supporting documentation. Learn more about this process on the Overpayments page.

How Do I Change My Address for Tax Bills?

It’s crucial to notify the Franklin County Treasurer’s Office whenever you move or need to update your address to ensure that your property tax bills are sent to the correct location. You can update your address online through the Address Change form. For further guidance, visit the Address Change Form.