Understanding property taxes is essential for homeowners and buyers in Wood County, Ohio. In 2025, taxes are based on property value, local tax rates, and levies from schools, townships, and special districts. Homeowners may qualify for exemptions like homestead or senior reductions. Staying on top of deadlines, payments, and penalties helps avoid extra costs. This guide provides a clear overview of property assessment, payment options, exemptions, and tips to manage your Wood County property taxes efficiently.
| Wood County Property Tax Rates |
The county’s official “2024 pay 2025” tax‑rate tables are published by the Wood County Auditor’s Office and can be viewed online.
Each city, village, and township in the county has different rates depending on local levies, school districts, and county needs.
Example
The official “2024 pay 2025” tax‐rate table shows small differences in gross residential/agribusiness/industrial rate factors depending on inside/outside township status (e.g., 0.0204280 vs. 0.0198630) in one township listing.
Cities in wood County (2025 Property Tax Rates)
| City | Relevant Rate Info | Notes |
| Perrysburg, Ohio | Highest “median effective” property tax rate in Wood County (~2.03%) according to data by neighborhood. (Ownwell) | Indicates that in Perrysburg city limits, homeowners may face relatively higher property tax burdens compared to other cities in the county. |
| Deshler, Ohio | One of the lower effective rate cities (~1.17%) in Wood County. (Ownwell) | Shows the variation within the county, depending on municipality, school district, levies. |
| General County Average | Effective rate across Wood County is about 1.62% of market value. (Ownwell) | Useful benchmark for comparing individual city rates to the county‐wide average. |
| Townships in Wood County |
| Township Name | Approx. Property Tax Rate (2015) |
| Bloom Township | $13.51 |
| Center Township | $13.51 |
| Freedom Township | $13.51 |
| Grand Rapids Township | $13.51 |
| Henry Township | $13.51 |
| Jackson Township | $13.51 |
| Lake Township | $13.51 |
| Liberty Township | $13.51 |
| Middleton Township | $13.51 |
| Milton Township | $13.51 |
| Montgomery Township | $13.51 |
| Perry Township | $13.51 |
| Perrysburg Township | $13.51 |
| Plain Township | $13.51 |
| Portage Township | $13.51 |
| Troy Township | $13.51 |
| Washington Township | $13.51 |
| Webster Township | $13.51 |
| Weston Township | $13.51 |
| School District Linked Tax Areas |
| Tax Area (Township – School District) | School District Code | Approx. Rate (Res/Ag) per $1,000 Assessed Value* |
| Bloom Township – Elmwood Local School District (8703) | 8703 | 46.475 |
| Bloom Township – North Baltimore Local School District (8705) | 8705 | 56.243 |
| Center Township – Elmwood LSD (8703) | 8703 | 49.858 |
| Center Township – Eastwood Local School District (8702) | 8702 | 48.897 |
| Freedom Township – Elmwood LSD (8703) | 8703 | 49.080 |
| Grand Rapids Township – Otsego Local School District (8707) | 8707 | 53.764 |
How Wood County Property Tax is Calculated
Property taxes in Wood County, Ohio are determined based on the assessed value of your property and the tax rates levied by local government entities, including the county, school districts, townships, and special districts. The calculation process involves several steps:
1. Property Valuation
The Wood County Auditor appraises each property to determine its market value, taking into account location, size, improvements, and comparable sales.
2. Assessed Value
Ohio law requires that most properties are assessed at 35% of their market value to determine the taxable or “assessed” value.
3. Tax Rates (Millage)
Multiple tax authorities impose rates (expressed in mills or dollars per $1,000 of assessed value), including:
- County government
- School districts
- Townships or municipalities
- Fire districts, libraries, and other special levies
4. Tax Calculation Formula
\text{Property Tax} = \text{Assessed Value} \times \text{Total Tax Rate (per $1,000)} \div 1,000
For example, a home with an assessed value of $100,000 and a total tax rate of 60 mills would have an annual property tax of $6,000 ÷ 1,000 = $6,000 × 60 / 1,000 = $6,000? Wait, let’s calculate carefully:
- Assessed Value: $100,000
- Rate: 60 mills = $60 per $1,000
- Tax: $100,000 ÷ 1,000 × 60 = $6,000
5. Adjustments and Exemptions
Property owners may qualify for homestead exemptions, senior reductions, or CAUV (Current Agricultural Use Value), which reduce taxable value and lower the final tax bill.
This structured approach ensures fair and consistent taxation across all properties in Wood County.
Types of Property Taxes in Wood County, Ohio
Wood County property taxes help fund local government services, schools, and special districts. Understanding the types of taxes ensures homeowners and landowners know what they owe and why.
1. Real Estate Property Tax
The primary property tax, assessed on land and buildings, funds schools, townships, municipalities, and county services. Taxes are calculated based on assessed value and applicable tax rates (millage) for each taxing district.
2. Tangible Personal Property Tax
Previously applied to business assets like machinery, equipment, and furniture. Most tangible personal property taxes have been phased out in Ohio, but public utility property may still be taxable.
3. Agricultural / CAUV Tax
The Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) program allows eligible farmland to be taxed based on agricultural value rather than full market value, reducing the tax burden for farmers.
4. Special Assessments and Levies
Additional taxes may fund fire districts, libraries, parks, or school bonds. These appear on the annual property tax bill alongside general taxes.
5. Homestead and Senior Citizen Exemptions
Eligible homeowners, especially seniors or permanent residents, may qualify for tax reductions that lower the assessed value and overall property tax.
Understanding these property tax types helps residents plan their budgets and ensures they take advantage of exemptions where applicable.
How to Pay Wood County Property Taxes
Paying property taxes in Wood County, Ohio, is straightforward. The Wood County Treasurer oversees collection for real estate, agricultural, and other taxable properties.
1. Online Payments
- Visit the Wood County Treasurer’s Online Payment Portal.
- Enter your parcel number or property ID.
- Select the amount due and pay using a credit/debit card.
- Keep the receipt or confirmation for your records.
2. Mail Payments
- Send a check or money order with your tax bill stub to:
Wood County Treasurer, One Courthouse Square, Bowling Green, OH 43402. - Ensure your payment is postmarked by the due date to avoid penalties.
3. In-Person Payments
- Visit the Treasurer’s office in Bowling Green during business hours.
- Payments accepted via cash, check, money order, or card.
4. Payment Plans and Installments
- Some properties may qualify for payment installments. Contact the Treasurer’s office to inquire about options
Property Tax Exemptions and Credits – Wood County
Wood County offers several exemptions and credits to help eligible property owners reduce their property tax burden. These programs target seniors, disabled individuals, veterans, and agricultural property owners.
1. Homestead Exemption
- Reduces taxable value for permanent residents who own and occupy their home.
- Helps lower annual property tax bills for qualifying homeowners.
2. Senior Citizen and Disabled Person Exemption
- Available to residents 65 years or older or those with a disability.
- Reduces the taxable value of the property, providing financial relief.
3. Agricultural / CAUV Program
- Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) taxes farmland based on agricultural productivity rather than market value.
- Significantly reduces taxes for qualifying farms.
4. Disabled Veteran Exemption
- Offers tax relief for eligible veterans with qualifying disabilities.
- Amount of exemption varies based on disability rating.
5. Other Credits and Programs
- Certain school, fire, or municipal levies may offer additional credits.
- Property owners should check with the Wood County Auditor for eligibility and application procedures.
How to Appeal Your Property Valuation – Wood County
If you believe your Wood County property has been overvalued, you have the right to appeal the valuation to potentially lower your property taxes.
1. Review Your Property Valuation
- Obtain your property record card and recent valuation notice from the Wood County Auditor.
- Compare your property’s assessed value to similar properties in your neighborhood.
2. Gather Evidence
- Collect supporting documentation, such as:
- Recent appraisal reports
- Comparable sales of similar homes
- Evidence of property damage or condition issues
- Strong evidence improves your chances of a successful appeal.
3. File a Complaint with the Board of Revision
- Submit a DTE Form 1 (Real Property Complaint Form) to the Wood County Board of Revision.
- Deadlines are usually set annually (check the auditor’s website for exact dates).
4. Attend the Hearing
- You may present your evidence in person.
- The Board may ask questions or request additional documentation.
5. Receive the Decision
- The Board of Revision will issue a decision adjusting or affirming your valuation.
- If unsatisfied, you can further appeal to the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals.
Understanding Your Wood County Property Tax Bill
Your property tax bill shows how much you owe and how funds are allocated. It’s based on your assessed value (usually 35% of market value) and local tax rates for county, school, township, and special districts. Additional levies, bonds, or exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran, CAUV) may adjust your total. Review your bill carefully to ensure accuracy and avoid penalties.
Where Wood County Property Tax Money Goes
Property taxes in Wood County, Ohio, fund essential local services and programs. Understanding how your payments are allocated helps homeowners see the value of their taxes.
1. Schools
- The largest portion of property taxes supports public schools, including teacher salaries, facilities, and educational programs.
2. County Services
- Funding for courts, law enforcement, public health, infrastructure, and administrative operations comes from property taxes.
3. Municipalities and Townships
- Local governments receive a portion to maintain streets, parks, utilities, and public safety services.
4. Special Districts
- Taxes may support fire districts, libraries, parks, and emergency services, depending on your location and voter-approved levies.
5. Levies and Bonds
- Voter-approved levies or bonds for school improvements or community projects are also paid through property taxes.
Conclusion
Understanding Wood County property taxes is essential for homeowners, buyers, and investors. Taxes are based on assessed property values, local tax rates, and applicable levies, with opportunities for exemptions and credits like homestead, senior, or agricultural programs. Staying informed about valuation, payment deadlines, and appeals ensures accurate billing and avoids penalties. By reviewing tax bills carefully and using available resources from the Wood County Auditor and Treasurer, residents can manage property taxes efficiently and plan their finances with confidence.
