Ross County Delinquent Property Tax List

Property taxes can feel overwhelming especially when terms like delinquent balances, penalty charges or foreclosure proceedings start appearing in county notices. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, real estate investor, or simply reviewing public tax information for Ross County, this guide provides a clear, well-organized explanation you can rely on.

In the sections below, you’ll understand exactly what the Ross County Delinquent Property Tax Roll is, why a property may be listed on it, how to view the updated list, the steps required to remove your parcel from delinquent status, available repayment and relief options, associated fees, assistance programs, required forms, key deadlines and the legal process the county follows when unpaid taxes continue to accumulate.

What Is the Ross County Delinquent Property Tax Roll?

The Ross County Delinquent Property Tax Roll is an official public record that lists all property owners who have not paid their property taxes by the prescribed deadline.

When a property’s taxes remain unpaid past the due date, the Ross County Treasurer designates the property as delinquent and adds the owner to this roll.

Why Does Ross County Publish This List?

• To inform the public about properties with unpaid taxes
• To initiate the county’s tax collection and recovery process
• To prepare delinquent properties for potential tax lien sales or foreclosure actions
• To comply with Ohio’s public-records requirements

Typically, the list is published annually, although updates may occur periodically throughout the year.

What Details Are Included in the Delinquent Tax Roll?

The Ross County Delinquent Property Tax Roll may contain:

• Owner’s full name
• Property location/address
• Parcel ID (or permanent parcel number)
• Tax year and outstanding amount
• Penalties and accrued interest
• Total balance due
• Status indicators (delinquent, lien, foreclosure pending)

All of this information is publicly accessible, as property tax records fall under Ohio’s public-records law.

How to Check the Ross County Delinquent Property Tax Roll (Online Method)

You can access the delinquent property tax information in a few straightforward ways:

1. Visit the Ross County Treasurer’s Website
   Ross County provides the delinquent tax roll through multiple formats:
   • PDF version – a complete list of delinquent properties for reference
   • Interactive search tool – allows you to search by owner name, address, or parcel number
   • Downloadable reports – exportable data for detailed review and research

These online tools make it easy for homeowners, investors and researchers to confirm the status of any property and view current balances, penalties and tax years in question.

How to Search the Ross County Delinquent Property Tax Roll

You can access the delinquent property information using the following methods:

1. Search Online by:

• Owner Name
• Parcel ID (Permanent Parcel Number)
• Property Address

2. Use the Ross County Auditor Property Search

While the Auditor’s system primarily tracks property assessments, it often displays:

• Current tax status
• Delinquency indicators
• Outstanding balances

This allows property owners and researchers to verify unpaid taxes alongside the official Treasurer’s roll.

3. Request the List In-Person or By Mail

Office Location:

Ross County Treasurer’s Office
46 North Paint Street
Chillicothe, OH 45601

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Telephone: 740-702-3080

You may also request copies via:

• Email – [Insert official Treasurer email]
• Fax – [Insert fax number]
• Public Records Request – submit a formal request following Ohio’s public-records guidelines

Why a Property Becomes Delinquent in Ross County

A property is classified as delinquent when the owner fails to meet their property tax obligations. Common causes include:

1. Missing Payment Deadlines
   Ross County generally divides taxes into two installments:
   • First-half taxes
   • Second-half taxes
     Missing either installment can result in delinquency.
2. Ignoring Notices or Reminders
   The Treasurer issues:
   • Standard mailed reminders
   • Certified letters
   • Online notifications (in some cases)
3. Accumulating Unpaid Taxes Over Multiple Years
   In serious cases, prolonged non-payment can trigger:
   • Substantial penalties and interest
   • Tax liens filed against the property
   • Sheriff sale or foreclosure

What Happens if Your Name Appears on the Ross County Delinquent Property Tax Roll?

Being listed on the delinquent tax roll does not mean immediate loss of your property, but several steps and consequences can follow:

1. Accumulation of Penalties and Interest

Late fees and interest are automatically applied to any unpaid balance, increasing the total amount owed over time.

2. Certified Notices Are Issued

Ross County sends official certified letters to alert property owners about:

• Delinquent taxes
• Potential tax liens
• Foreclosure risk if unpaid balances continue

3. Tax Lien Sale

Under Ohio law, Ross County may assign or sell the unpaid tax debt to a tax lien purchaser, who then has the right to collect payment directly from the property owner.

4. Foreclosure

If taxes remain unpaid for multiple years:

• The property may be referred to the Board of Revision
• It may eventually be listed for a Sheriff Sale

Foreclosure is a lengthy process, but it is the final step for chronically unpaid property taxes.

How to Get Removed from the Ross County Delinquent Tax Roll

The good news: removal is possible if you address the unpaid taxes promptly.

1. Pay the Full Amount Due

Once the overdue taxes (including penalties and interest) are paid:

• Your property status is updated
• Your name is removed during the next published update

2. Set Up a Payment Plan

The Ross County Treasurer may offer:

• Monthly installment plans
• Structured repayment agreements
• Interest-inclusive payment options

This approach is particularly helpful for homeowners experiencing temporary financial difficulties.

3. Apply for Eligible Tax Relief Programs

Homestead Exemption

• For seniors (65+) and disabled homeowners
• Benefits: reduces the taxable home value, lowering the annual tax bill

CAUV (Current Agricultural Use Value)

• For farmland owners
• Helps reduce agricultural property taxes significantly

Owner-Occupancy Credit

• Reduces tax bills for primary residences

Required Forms & Documents

Depending on the method you choose to resolve delinquency, you may need:

For Payment Plans:

• Payment plan application
• Photo ID
• Proof of income (if requested)

For Homestead Exemption:

• Driver’s license or state ID
• Proof of age or disability
• Application form DTE 105A

For CAUV:

• Agricultural use documentation
• Renewal form

For Public Records Requests:

• Basic request form
• Parcel number or property address

Fees, Penalties and Additional Costs

Properties on the delinquent roll may incur the following:

1. Late Fees – assessed after the payment due date
2. Interest Charges – accrue monthly until the tax balance is paid
3. Certified Mail Fees – applied when official notices are sent
4. Tax Lien Costs – additional charges if a lien is sold
5. Foreclosure Expenses – legal, filing, and Sheriff Sale fees in extreme cases

Can Real Estate Investors Utilize the Ross County Delinquent Property Tax Roll?

Yes, many investors leverage this list to:

• Identify distressed properties
• Locate motivated sellers
• Participate in tax lien sales
• Acquire properties subject to foreclosure

However, investors should exercise caution and conduct thorough research, including:

• Ohio foreclosure and property tax laws
• Lien redemption periods
• Comprehensive due diligence on each property

Conclusion

Navigating the Ross County Delinquent Property Tax Roll doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re a homeowner resolving unpaid taxes or a researcher seeking accurate property data, this guide provides detailed, step-by-step information on rules, procedures, required documentation, fees and available solutions.

FAQ’s