Property taxes in the Dayton area have gone up a lot in recent years, and falling behind can happen to anyone after a job loss, a medical bill, or an inherited house nobody budgeted for. If you are behind, the most important thing is not to ignore it. Penalties and interest keep adding up, and in Ohio, the county can eventually take a seriously delinquent property through tax foreclosure.
The good news is that you likely have options, and some of them let you keep your house. Here is an honest look at them.
Option 1: Set up a payment plan with the county
The Montgomery County Treasurer offers a delinquency payment plan. Based on the Treasurer’s website, it is a monthly payment contract that generally requires a down payment (on a basic plan, 20% of the total owed, including the current year’s taxes). While you stay current on the plan, it can protect your property from tax foreclosure and tax lien sales. Miss a payment, though, and the plan can be voided and paused penalties and interest added back.
To ask about a plan, call the Treasurer’s Office at 937-225-4010 (option 2) or visit the Montgomery County Treasurer website. If your house is in another county, contact that county’s treasurer, since rules can differ.
Option 2: Look for help and reductions
- Homestead Exemption: Ohio offers a reduction for qualifying seniors, people with disabilities, and certain veterans. Ask the county auditor if you qualify.
- Owner-occupancy credit: If you live in the house, make sure the auditor has you listed as owner-occupied.
- Value challenge: If you think your property value is too high, you may be able to file a complaint with the county Board of Revision during the filing window.
- Free counseling: A HUD-approved housing counselor (1-800-569-4287) can help you look at your budget and options at no cost.
Option 3: Sell the house
If keeping the house no longer makes sense, selling it before the county takes action is often the best way to protect your equity. Back taxes are typically paid off at closing out of the sale proceeds, so you do not need to come up with the money first. You may be able to list it with an agent, or sell it as-is to a cash buyer like us if you need speed or the house needs work.
We will look at your numbers with you and tell you honestly whether a payment plan, a listing, or a sale to us makes the most sense.
How it works with us
- 1. Call, text, or fill out the form. Tell us about the house and roughly how much is owed in taxes.
- 2. We walk through the house and your numbers. We will show you what you could walk away with after the taxes are paid.
- 3. Close at a local title company. The title company pays the back taxes from the sale, and you get the rest at closing.
Areas we serve
We help homeowners behind on property taxes in Dayton, Kettering, Huber Heights, Trotwood, West Carrollton, Miamisburg, Germantown, Centerville, Beavercreek, Springboro, Franklin, Middletown, and the surrounding areas.
Do not wait until it is too late. Call or text Darren at 513-601-9176, or fill out the form above. No pressure, and no cost to talk.