Gallia County Auditor's Office

09/07/2026

09/03/2026

Gallia County Auditor’s Office Provides Update on HB 186

Now that statewide information is becoming available regarding Ohio House Bill 186, County Auditor offices are getting a clearer picture of how the new property-tax law affected taxpayers and school districts.

HB 186 created a property-tax credit intended to provide relief to certain taxpayers affected by increases associated with school districts on the 20-mill floor.

The concept was straightforward: provide taxpayers a credit and reimburse school districts for the revenue lost because of that credit.

However, the reimbursement formula enacted in HB 186 does not simply reimburse school districts for the actual amount of credits received by their taxpayers.

That produced some unusual results.

Taxpayers in the Gallipolis City School District received approximately $11,966 in HB 186 tax credits. The school district received $0 in state reimbursement. No real relief for taxpayers and a burden for the schools.

Meanwhile, the portion of Gallia County Local School District located in Jackson County received approximately $25,446 in taxpayer credits, while the school district received approximately $27,515 in reimbursement — approximately $2,069 more than the credits provided to taxpayers.

These differences occur because the reimbursement formula can be affected by other changes in school tax rates and levies rather than being based solely on the amount of HB 186 relief provided to taxpayers.

Gallia County is not alone.

Statewide information compiled by the County Auditors' Association of Ohio shows that school districts receiving reimbursements above their actual taxpayer credits collectively received nearly $54 million more than the credits provided. Other districts were under-reimbursed by approximately $15 million.

The statewide net difference was nearly $39 million more in school reimbursements than the actual HB 186 credits provided to taxpayers.

Implementation has also required significant time and resources from County Auditor offices and property-tax software providers throughout Ohio.

Gallia County continues to experience software problems associated with the HB 186 calculations. At this time, the Auditor’s Office has been unable to complete its normal tax settlement while our software provider continues working to correct those errors.

Settlement is the process through which collected property-tax revenue is distributed to schools, townships, municipalities and other local governments, so these delays have real consequences for our local taxing authorities.

The Gallia County Auditor’s Office believes there is a much simpler approach:

If taxpayers receive $1 million in legitimate HB 186 tax credits, reimburse the affected school district $1 million.

Taxpayers should receive the relief intended by the law. Schools should be reimbursed for the amount of relief actually provided. County offices should also be able to administer the law efficiently and accurately.

Property taxation is already complicated.

Our goal should always be to make it as understandable, accurate and transparent as possible.

Gallia County Auditor’s Office

08/14/2026

GALLIA COUNTY AUDITOR WARNS OF FAKE TAX RELIEF VIDEOS AND ARTICLES

GALLIA COUNTY, OHIO — Gallia County Auditor Robbie Jacks is warning property owners to be wary of fake videos and articles circulating online that claim there is a federal property tax freeze or refer to Form 1098-SR or a “Federal Senior Homeowner Tax Review Request” form.

An entirely AI-generated, approximately 30-minute video has been circulating online in various formats. The video targets older homeowners and instructs them to contact their county auditor to obtain a “Federal Senior Homeowner Tax Review Request” form.

That form does not exist, and the information in the video is false.

“We are hearing from county auditors across Ohio who are receiving calls from residents about this,” Jacks said. “I certainly understand why people are asking questions. Property taxes are a major concern for many of our residents, especially seniors living on fixed incomes. Unfortunately, that makes people particularly vulnerable to misinformation that promises tax relief that simply does not exist.”

Jacks encourages Gallia County property owners who see the video or similar posts to report them as misinformation and, most importantly, not to provide personal or financial information in response to them.

“If you see something online about a new property tax relief program and you aren't sure whether it is legitimate, call us,” Jacks said. “We would much rather have you call our office and ask than rely on something you saw on social media that may have been generated by artificial intelligence.”

County auditors administer property tax relief programs authorized by the State of Ohio. The primary program providing targeted property tax relief to older Ohioans is the Homestead Exemption. It is available on an eligible homeowner's primary residence when the homeowner meets the applicable age, disability, ownership, and income requirements.

For the current program, homeowners who qualify based on age must generally be at least 65 years old and meet the state's income eligibility requirements. For tax year 2025, the income threshold is less than $41,000 in Ohio Adjusted Gross Income. Social Security benefits are generally not included in Ohio Adjusted Gross Income.

Jacks also encourages residents to be cautious about where they obtain information concerning property taxes and government programs.

“With AI, social media and the speed at which information travels today, something can look and sound very official and still be completely false,” Jacks said. “When it comes to your property taxes, exemptions or programs that supposedly require you to contact the Auditor's Office, please verify it with us. We're here to help.”

Gallia County property owners with questions about the Homestead Exemption, property tax relief programs or information they encounter online may contact the Gallia County Auditor's Office at 740-446-4612, ext. 1201.

08/13/2026

Today was celebration day at the office! Both Heidi and Misty celebrated birthdays and we also sent off Lincoln and Chloe (Pelé) who will be leaving this week after serving in the Auditor’s Office over the summer. They did an awesome job and we are super proud of them!

07/28/2026

Understanding Gallia County’s 2026 Property Values

The Gallia County Auditor’s Office has received a number of questions regarding the recently released 2026 property values. We understand these changes have generated concern, and we hope the information below helps explain the valuation process and answer some of the most common questions.

A Few Important Facts

• The values currently posted are property values, not your final tax bill.

• Ohio law requires county auditors to periodically update property values to reflect the real estate market. The Auditor’s Office is responsible for determining fair market value as required by state law. County auditors do not create Ohio’s property tax laws or establish tax policy.

• While property value is one factor used to calculate property taxes, an increase in value does not automatically mean your tax bill will increase by the same percentage. Ohio’s tax reduction factors, voter-approved levies, and other provisions of state law all affect the final amount of taxes paid.

• If you believe your property’s value does not reflect its fair market value, Ohio law provides a process for property owners to file a complaint with the Board of Revision for an independent review.

Why Did Values Increase?

The answer is simple: the real estate market has changed significantly over the past several years. Homes throughout Gallia County have generally been selling for considerably more than they were during the last reappraisal cycle.

Ohio law requires county auditors to analyze those sales and adjust values to reflect the market.

The market establishes value. The Auditor’s Office measures it.

Our responsibility is to ensure similar properties are valued similarly, regardless of ownership or location. That is what fairness means in the valuation process.

Value vs. Taxes: Here’s the Difference

One of the easiest ways to understand the process is to look at your own property.

Pull up your property record and ask yourself one simple question:

“If someone offered me the amount shown as my market value, would I seriously consider selling my property?”

If your answer is, “That sounds about right,” then your concern is likely not with the valuation itself. Your concern is with how Ohio’s property tax system uses that value to calculate taxes.

If your answer is, “There is no way my property is worth that much,” we encourage you to contact our office. Staff members are happy to review your property record, explain how the value was determined, and answer any questions. If an error has been made, we want to correct it.

Understanding the difference between property value and property taxation is one of the most difficult aspects of Ohio’s property tax system. While the two are related, they are not the same thing.

What Happens Next?

The valuation process is only one part of the overall property tax system.

The Gallia County Budget Commission will carefully review every lawful option available to help reduce the burden on taxpayers wherever possible. If opportunities exist under Ohio law to provide relief while still meeting our obligations to schools and local governments, those options will be carefully considered.

The Auditor’s Office remains committed to administering the law fairly while looking for every available opportunity to serve the taxpayers of Gallia County.

The Need for Meaningful Reform

The Gallia County Auditor has consistently expressed support for meaningful, long-term property tax reform in Ohio.

Local officials continue communicating with members of the Ohio General Assembly regarding concerns shared by property owners across our county. While recent legislative changes addressed some issues, many local officials believe additional reforms are necessary to improve Ohio’s property tax system.

Meaningful reform will require a collective voice from property owners across Ohio. Citizens who believe changes are needed are encouraged to respectfully communicate with their state legislators. Public input plays an important role in shaping future policy.

What Should Property Owners Do?

If you have questions about your property’s value:

1. Review your property record.
2. Consider whether the market value reasonably reflects what your property would sell for in today’s market.
3. If you believe the value is inaccurate, contact the Gallia County Auditor’s Office. Staff members are available to explain the valuation process and answer your questions.

Thank You

The Gallia County Auditor’s Office appreciates the many citizens who have contacted us with thoughtful questions over the past several days. We understand property taxes are an important issue for every property owner.

Our commitment is simple:

* Administer Ohio law fairly and uniformly.
* Provide accurate and transparent information.
* Correct mistakes when they occur.
* Continue working with local and state leaders to improve Ohio’s property tax system.

Thank you for allowing the Gallia County Auditor’s Office to serve the citizens of Gallia County.

07/28/2026

Weights and Measures Inspector John Elliott has checked the fair scales. Everything is good to go! Can’t wait to see everyone at the fair.

07/08/2026

2nd Half Real Property Tax Bill Update – House Bill 186

The issuance of 2nd half 2026 (Tax Year 2025) real property tax bills has been delayed due to the implementation of the new Inflation Cap Credit created by recently enacted House Bill 186.

Gallia County will transmit tax bill information to our printing and mailing vendor on July 8, 2026. If processing proceeds as expected, taxpayers should begin receiving their bills on or before July 22, 2026.

Payment Due Date Extended

Because of this statewide delay, the Ohio Tax Commissioner has approved an extension of the due date for timely payment. The payment deadline is Friday, August 14, 2026.

Please do not submit payment until you have received your tax bill or can verify the exact amount due on the Gallia County Auditor’s Real Estate Search website. Paying an estimated amount could result in an overpayment.

Escrow Borrowers: No action is required. If your property taxes are paid through an escrow account, your mortgage servicer will receive the necessary billing information.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as counties across Ohio implement the changes required by House Bill 186. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your continued support. Unfortunately, this is beyond local control.

06/16/2026

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR SOME.

WHAT ABOUT EVERYONE ELSE?

Over the last two years, property taxes have become one of the most discussed issues in Ohio.

That discussion did not emerge in a vacuum.

Homeowners attended meetings.

They contacted legislators.

They shared their experiences.

They organized grassroots efforts.

And they brought increased attention to concerns regarding Ohio’s property tax system.

Recently, Ohio lawmakers approved additional relief through a one-time expansion of the Homestead program.

For seniors and disabled homeowners who qualify, that relief may be welcome and appreciated.

However, many taxpayers are asking a broader question:

What is the long-term plan for everyone else?

What about the young family purchasing their first home?

What about the working couple trying to keep up with rising costs?

What about the homeowner who does not qualify for a special exemption but still experienced a significant increase in property taxes?

What about the single parent trying to make ends meet?

These taxpayers are part of the conversation as well.

One-time relief and long-term reform are not necessarily the same thing.

Targeted relief and system-wide reform are not necessarily the same thing.

The proposed Homestead expansion is currently a one-time benefit.

As a result, many Ohio homeowners are already asking an important question:

What happens next year?

If Ohio determines that certain taxpayers need additional protection from rising property taxes, policymakers may ultimately need to consider whether temporary relief, permanent relief, or broader reforms are the most effective long-term solutions.

The recent grassroots movements surrounding property taxes have succeeded in bringing these issues to the forefront of public discussion.

Regardless of where individuals stand on the issue, citizen involvement has played a significant role in elevating property tax reform as a statewide priority.

The progress that has occurred demonstrates the impact of public engagement.

The ongoing discussion demonstrates that many taxpayers believe additional questions remain unanswered.

The Gallia County Auditor’s Office believes taxpayers benefit from a property tax system that is:

• Fair

• Understandable

• Transparent

• Sustainable

And accessible to all Ohio homeowners.

Relief measures may provide assistance to qualifying taxpayers.

At the same time, many Ohioans continue to ask broader questions regarding the long-term structure of Ohio’s property tax system.

Those conversations will likely continue as future reforms are considered.

To learn more about the recent Homestead proposal:

https://ohiocpa.com/for-the-public/news/2026/06/12/lawmakers-advance-targeted-tax-relief-in-budget-corrections-bill

Continue the Conversation

Representative Jason Stephens
Phone: (614) 466-1366
Email: [email protected]

Senator Shane Wilkin
Phone: (614) 466-8156
Email: [email protected]

Speaker Matt Huffman
Phone: (614) 466-6344
Email: [email protected]

Senate President Rob McColley
Phone: (614) 466-8150
Email: [email protected]

The Gallia County Auditor’s Office remains committed to providing accurate information and helping taxpayers better understand Ohio’s property tax system.

06/16/2026

WHAT TAXPAYERS DON’T SEE

Over the last 18 months, property tax reform has become one of the most discussed issues in Ohio government.

In response to growing concerns from homeowners, the Ohio General Assembly has enacted several changes aimed at providing property tax relief and limiting future tax growth.

Some of those changes may provide meaningful benefits to taxpayers.

However, there is another side of the discussion that is often overlooked.

Every legislative change must also be implemented.

That means new calculations.

New programming.

New testing.

New reporting requirements.

New training.

And significant modifications to the software systems counties rely upon to administer Ohio’s property tax laws.

Those costs do not disappear.

They become part of the overall cost of administering Ohio’s property tax system.

This does not mean reform is a bad idea.

It does mean taxpayers deserve to understand the full picture.

The Gallia County Auditor’s Office supports meaningful property tax relief for homeowners and supports efforts to assist seniors living on fixed incomes.

At the same time, we believe local officials should have a seat at the table when reforms are developed so relief can be delivered as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.

In many cases, county officials and software vendors are responsible for implementing reforms that were designed at the state level.

As future reforms are considered, taxpayers should expect both effective policy and efficient implementation.

Good policy should also be efficient policy.

Taxpayers deserve both.