Understanding Tax Bill

There are two major factors that influence the amount of real estate taxes you pay:

  1. the value of your property as determined by the Hancock County Auditor and
  2. tax levies, most of which are approved by the voters.

Tax Bill Detailed Explanation

  • Tax Year - The tax year and period the tax bill reflects (real estate taxes are always based on prior year)
  • Due Date - Last date payment can be made without penalty.

Parcel Information

  • Parcel Number - Number that has been assigned to permanently identify your property
  • Classification - Numerical code assigned based on property classification (Agricultural, Residential, Commercial, Exempt, and Personal Property)
  • Tax District - The township, corporation, and school district where your property is located.
  • Owner - Name of the deed owner as of the time Bill was printed.
  • Legal Description - Legal description assigned to the location of parcel.
  • Parcel Values - List the 100% market value and the taxable value (35% of market value of the land and 35% of the market value of all the buildings on the property).
  • CAUV Savings - The amount of tax savings on this bill because of the CAUV (Current Agricultural Use Value) program. On farmland only.
  • Homestead - Value for those qualifying for the Homestead Credit - contact the Auditor's office for further explanation.

Tax Rates

  • Gross Tax Rate (Mills) - Total millage for your taxing district. Learn more on the Auditor page.
  • Reduction Factor - Millage is reduced by this factor to lessen the impact of inflationary property values. The factor is calculated by the State, based on property values in your district.
  • Effective Rate - Total millage adjusted by the reduction factor.
  • Non-Business Credit (%) - Percentage used to calculate credit for Non-Business parcels.
  • Owner Occupancy Credit (%) - Percentage used to calculate credit for Owner Occupied parcels.

Calculation of Taxes

  • Real Estate Taxes- Half-year tax before any deductions. It is calculated by multiplying the Effective Tax Rate (Mills) by the Total Taxable Value and dividing by two.
    • Tax Credit/HB920 - Calculated by multiplying the Real Estate Tax by the Reduction Factor.
  • Adjusted Tax- Amount of half-year tax after the tax reduction.
    • Non-Business Credit - State-mandated reduction.
    • Owner Occupancy Credit - State-mandated reduction applicable only to owner-occupied residential property.
    • Homestead - Reduction given to those who have applied and qualified for the Homestead Exemption. (Please contact the Auditor's Office for an application. 419-424-7015
  • Real Estate Net- Current net general tax due. Represents half-year.
    • CAUV Recoupment - Half-year amount of prior years' taxes that have been recouped due to the removal of this land from the Current Agricultural Use Value program. (Please contact the Auditor's Office for an explanation. 419-424-7015
    • Prior Delinquent - Balance due from prior year tax collection periods
    • 1st Half Balance - Balance not paid by 1st half due date
    • Penalty - Charge for paying taxes late
    • Prior Interest - Interest on prior years unpaid balance
    • Adjustment - Adjustments made by the auditor (Please contact the Auditor's office for an explanation. 419-424-7015
  • Special Assessments
    • Current Charges - The total of the 1st half charges listed under 'Special Assessments' section of your bill
    • Prior Delinquent - Balance due from prior year special assessments
    • 1st Half Balance - Pay this amount if you wish to pay only one-half of your Real Estate Taxes. This is the amount that is due by the due date on this bill.
    • Penalty - Charge for paying special assessments late
    • Prior Interest - Interest on prior years unpaid special assessments
    • Adjustment - Adjustments made to special assessments by the auditor (please call Auditor's Office for explanation 419-424-7015
  • Payments - Payments applied toward tax/special assessments charged
  • 1st Half Balance - To pay only the 1st half balance
  • Overpayment Applied to 2nd Half - Any excess funds received on 1st half balance that have been applied to 2nd half balance
  • Full Year Balance - To pay the full year taxes.

Related Information

  • Payments must have a U.S. Postal cancellation on or before the due date to avoid penalty.
  • Mailing address changes must be submitted in writing to the Hancock County Treasurer.
  • If you need a receipt, you must enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with your payment.
  • If you have any questions concerning the valuation or the calculation of your taxes, please call the Hancock County Auditor's Office at 419-424-7015.
  • If you have any questions in regard to payment of your taxes, please call the Hancock County Treasurer's Office at 419-424-7213.