Auditor Joan Kasotis reminds property owners that they are required to file a building notice if they have made improvements to their property. If a building notice is not filed and when the office discovers the improvement, Ohio Revised Code Section 5713.17 requires the county auditor to add a penalty equal to fifty percent of the amount of taxes that would have been charged.

New homeowners expect their contractor to file notice on their behalf, but this doesn't always happen. Other types of construction that are required to be reported include additions, garages, decks and out buildings.

The building notice that is required to notify the Auditor of any property improvement can be downloaded by clicking here, or obtained by contacting the office at (740) 223-4020. This form should be filed within 60 days of the beginning of construction. There is no application or notification fee.

Property ownders are also asked to submit a form when a taxable structure on their property is damaged, demolished or removed. After the Auditor's office received a destroyed proerty form and verifies that the structure is damaged or no longer in existence, the assessed value could be reduced or reomoved for real eststate taxes. A destroyed or damaged property form may be downloaded here.

For any additional questions, taxpayers should contact the Auditor's office by calling the Real Estate Division (740) 223-4028. The office hours of the Auditor's office are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.