When Are Property Taxes Due in Cuyahoga County?

Property taxes in Cuyahoga County fund local government services. Property owners must pay these taxes accurately and on time. Understanding due dates and payment methods is crucial for this financial responsibility.

Understanding Property Tax Due Dates

Property taxes in Cuyahoga County are collected in two installments each year. The first half of real estate property taxes is due in mid-February, and the second half in mid-July. Manufactured home property taxes follow a similar schedule, due in early March and late July.

Due dates shift slightly each year; taxpayers receive a detailed tax bill about one month before the deadline. Property owners who have not received their tax bill or need to verify information can access electronic versions on the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Officer’s website. The Cuyahoga County Treasurer’s Office can also be contacted for assistance or to request a physical copy.

Available Payment Methods

Property owners in Cuyahoga County have several options for submitting their tax payments. Before payment, it is necessary to have the property’s parcel identification number and the amount due from the tax bill. The parcel ID can be located:
On the tax bill itself
On the property deed
On a reappraisal notice
By using online search tools provided by the county

Online payments are available via the Cuyahoga County Treasurer’s website through a third-party vendor. Electronic checks (e-checks) incur no processing fees, while debit card payments have a flat fee of $2.95 per transaction, and credit card payments are subject to a 2.3% fee with a minimum charge of $1.50. Online payments are not accepted for properties in foreclosure, bankruptcy, or those with an existing tax lien.

Payments can also be submitted by mail using a check, cashier’s check, or money order; cash should not be mailed. The payment stub from the tax bill should be included, and the parcel number should be written on the check or money order. Mailed payments should be addressed to the Cuyahoga County Treasurer, P.O. Box 94547, Cleveland, OH 44101-4547, ensuring the envelope is postmarked by the due date.

In-person payments are accepted at the Cuyahoga County Administrative Headquarters, 2079 East 9th Street, 1st Floor, Cleveland, OH 44115. Cashiers at this location accept cash, checks, money orders, and debit or credit cards, though card payments may incur fees. Drop boxes are available at the Administrative Building for checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders. Certain Key Bank branches and Auto Title locations within Cuyahoga County also accept property tax payments via check or money order.

Consequences of Missed Payments

Failing to pay property taxes by the due date in Cuyahoga County results in penalties and interest charges. A late penalty of 10% is assessed on current tax payments not received or postmarked within 10 days of the due date. However, half of this penalty, amounting to 5%, may be waived if the delinquent amount is paid within 10 days following the collection close date.

In addition to penalties, delinquent real estate taxes accrue annual interest at a rate of 12%, as determined by the Ohio Tax Commissioner. Persistent failure to pay property taxes can lead to more severe enforcement actions by the county. These actions may include the sale of tax lien certificates to third parties. Continued delinquency can result in tax foreclosure proceedings and the potential loss of the property. Taxpayers facing difficulties are encouraged to contact the Cuyahoga County Treasurer’s Office to explore payment plans.