Belmont County Property Tax Appeal, Ohio

Travis Bunn·Updated July 25, 2026

Belmont County is located in eastern Ohio's Appalachian region with St. Clairsville serving as the county seat and Martins Ferry as the largest city. With a population of approximately 66,497 as of 2020, the county includes notable communities such as Bellaire, Shadyside, and Bridgeport. The median home value in Belmont County is $74,065, substantially below the national median of $239,800, while the effective property tax rate of 1.29% is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Despite the higher tax rate, Belmont County's median annual property tax bill of approximately $992 is $1,408 lower than the national median of $2,400. Property tax appeals are particularly important in Belmont County following the 2024 reappraisal, which resulted in property value increases averaging 16.44%.

Notable cities: St. Clairsville, Martins Ferry, Bellaire, Shadyside, Bridgeport

Median Home

$74,065

Tax Rate

1.29%

Annual Tax

$992

Population

66,497

On the typical Belmont County home, valued near $74,065 at the county’s effective tax rate of 1.29%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you appeal it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

2026 Appeal Deadline: March 31, 2026

This year's appeal window has passed in most of Ohio. Order now and we re-run your numbers free when the window reopens, so your evidence is ready the day your next notice lands.

For the 2026 appeal cycle, complaints must be filed between January 1 and March 31, 2026. The complaint must be received by the Belmont County Board of Revision or postmarked by March 31, 2026. Late filings are not accepted in Ohio, and there are no extensions to this statutory deadline. Missing the deadline means you lose your right to challenge your 2025 assessment values.

See if your Belmont County home is over-assessed

Free analysis in 30 seconds. If the numbers support a appeal, your complete evidence packet is $49.

✓ All 50 states✓ Instant results✓ $49 flat fee

Ohio residential street of family homes. Belmont County appeal guide.

How Belmont County Assesses Property

35%of market value

Assessed by: Belmont County Auditor's Office

Assessment cycle: Sexennial reappraisal (every 6 years) with triennial updates (every 3 years)

Notices typically mailed: Spring (typically April-May following reappraisal)

In Ohio, property taxes are calculated based on assessed value, which is 35% of the property's market value. For example, if your home's market value is $74,065 (the county median), at Ohio's 35% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $25,923, resulting in approximately $956 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.29%. Understanding this distinction is crucial because appeals focus on challenging the market value determination, not the assessed value calculation.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Revision. The Belmont County Board of Revision conducts hearings to determine fair market value based on evidence presented. Board members include County Auditor Cindi Henry, County Treasurer Katherine Kelich, and County Commissioner Vince Gianangeli. You'll typically have 5-15 minutes to present your case, and the Board will issue a written decision.

Step 1: Review your property assessment notice and compare your property's assessed market value to recent comparable sales in your neighborhood using the Belmont County Auditor's property search tool at https://belmontcountyauditor.org.

Step 2: Contact the Belmont County Auditor's Office informally at (740) 699-2130 to discuss your concerns. The auditor's staff can review your property details for errors such as incorrect square footage, bedroom count, or condition, and may make adjustments without requiring a formal appeal.

Step 3: If the informal review doesn't resolve your concern, obtain and complete DTE Form 1 (Complaint Against the Valuation of Real Property) from https://belmontcountyauditor.org or the Auditor's Office. Gather supporting evidence including comparable sales data, recent independent appraisals, photographs of property damage or condition issues, and repair estimates.

Step 4: File your completed DTE Form 1 with the Belmont County Board of Revision between January 1 and March 31, 2026. Submit in person, by mail (postmarked by deadline), or by email with all supporting documentation attached. Ensure the form is notarized and includes your parcel number, contact information, and opinion of value.

Step 5: The Board of Revision will schedule a hearing (typically 5-15 minutes) where you can present your evidence. Board members include the County Auditor, County Treasurer, and a County Commissioner. The Board will issue a decision which may maintain, increase, or decrease your property value.

Step 6: If you disagree with the Board of Revision's decision, you have 30 days from the date of the decision letter to file DTE Form 4 to appeal to either the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals or the Court of Common Pleas.

Step 7: If necessary, further appeals can be made from the Board of Tax Appeals decision to the Ohio Court of Appeals on questions of law.

Required form: DTE Form 1 (Complaint Against the Valuation of Real Property)

Filing Methods

online:Download forms at https://belmontcountyauditor.org or https://belmontcountyauditors.org/forms/

mail:Mail to: Belmont County Auditor, Attn: Board of Revision, 101 West Main Street, St. Clairsville, OH 43950. Must be postmarked by March 31, 2026.

email:Submit DTE Form 1 and supporting documentation via email (check with office for current email address)

in-person:Deliver to Belmont County Auditor's Office, 101 West Main Street, St. Clairsville, OH 43950 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data from recently sold similar properties in your areaRecent independent appraisal (within the last year)Photographs documenting property condition, damage, or defectsRepair estimates or contractor invoices for needed repairsDocumentation of property characteristics errors (incorrect square footage, bedroom count, etc.)Purchase contract and settlement statement if recently purchased

Belmont County Assessor Contact

Belmont County Auditor's Office

Phone: 740-699-2130

Address: 101 West Main Street, St. Clairsville, OH 43950

Website: https://belmontcountyauditor.org

Online Portal: https://belmontcountyauditors.org/forms/

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Tax Exemptions in Belmont County

Homestead Exemption

$29,000 reduction in market value for tax year 2025 (indexed annually for inflation)

Reduces the taxable value of a primary residence for eligible seniors, disabled homeowners, and surviving spouses

Eligibility: Must be 65 years or older by December 31 of the tax year, permanently and totally disabled, or the surviving spouse of someone who qualified. Must own and occupy the property as primary residence. Ohio Adjusted Gross Income cannot exceed $40,000 for tax year 2025 ($41,000 for 2026).Deadline: December 31 annually. Apply with the Belmont County Auditor's Office using DTE Form 105A.

Disabled Veterans Exemption

$52,300 exemption for 100% service-connected disabled veterans (no income limit)

Enhanced property tax exemption for qualifying disabled veterans with service-connected disabilities

Eligibility: Must be a veteran with 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA. Partial exemptions available for veterans with disability ratings between 10-90%.Deadline: December 31. Apply with the Belmont County Auditor's Office using DTE Form 105I.

Owner Occupancy Credit

2.5% reduction in assessed value (taxable value)

Provides a 2.5% reduction on assessed value for properties used as the owner's primary residence

Eligibility: Property must be occupied as the owner's primary residence on January 1 of the tax year. Only one property per owner qualifies. Rental properties, vacation homes, and commercial buildings do not qualify.Deadline: First-time applicants should file as soon as possible. Apply using DTE Form 105C with the Belmont County Auditor's Office.

Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV)

Varies based on land type and use; typically 50-90% below standard assessed value

Allows qualifying agricultural land to be assessed at current use value rather than market value, resulting in dramatically lower taxes

Eligibility: Land must be actively used for commercial agricultural production. Minimum acreage requirements apply (typically 10+ acres).Deadline: Initial applications (DTE Form 109) due before the first Monday in March. Renewal applications (DTE Form 109A) due by the first Monday in March every three years.

Belmont County Appeal Packet · $49

Comparable sales evidence, county-specific filing guide, and professional cover letter. Enter your address to get started.

✓ All 50 states✓ Instant results✓ $49 flat fee

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Belmont County for 2026?

The deadline to file a property tax appeal in Belmont County is March 31, 2026. Under Ohio law, appeals must be filed between January 1 and March 31 of each year for the previous tax year's assessment. Your complaint must be received by the Belmont County Board of Revision or postmarked by March 31, 2026. Late filings are not accepted in Ohio, and there are no extensions to this statutory deadline. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to challenge your 2025 assessment values and will have to wait until the 2027 filing window to appeal.

How do I file a property tax appeal in Belmont County online or by mail?

To file a property tax appeal in Belmont County, you must complete DTE Form 1 (Complaint Against the Valuation of Real Property), available at https://belmontcountyauditor.org or by calling (740) 699-2130. You can submit the completed form and supporting documentation by mail to Belmont County Auditor, Attn: Board of Revision, 101 West Main Street, St. Clairsville, OH 43950 (postmarked by March 31, 2026), by email, or in person during business hours Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. The form must be notarized and include your parcel number, contact information, opinion of value, and supporting evidence such as comparable sales or appraisals.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Belmont County for 2026?

The homestead exemption in Belmont County reduces your property's taxable market value by $29,000 for tax year 2025 (this amount is indexed annually for inflation). To qualify, you must be 65 years or older, permanently disabled, or the surviving spouse of someone who qualified, and your Ohio Adjusted Gross Income cannot exceed $40,000 for tax year 2025 (increasing to $41,000 for 2026). For a property at the county's median value of $74,065, this exemption could save approximately $373 per year in property taxes. Disabled veterans with 100% service-connected disability qualify for an enhanced exemption of $52,300 with no income limit. Applications must be submitted to the Belmont County Auditor's Office by December 31 using DTE Form 105A.

What happens at a Board of Revision hearing in Belmont County?

After you file your DTE Form 1 complaint, the Belmont County Board of Revision will schedule a hearing where you present evidence supporting your valuation claim. The Board consists of County Auditor Cindi Henry, County Treasurer Katherine Kelich, and County Commissioner Vince Gianangeli. You'll typically have 5-15 minutes to present your case, including comparable sales data, appraisals, photographs, and other evidence. The burden of proof is on you as the property owner to demonstrate that your assessed value is incorrect. After reviewing the evidence and hearing testimony, the Board will issue a written decision that either maintains, increases, or decreases your property's market value. If you disagree with the Board's decision, you have 30 days to appeal to the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals or Court of Common Pleas.

How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Belmont County?

The amount you can save depends on how overassessed your property is and the evidence you present. With a median effective tax rate of 1.29% in Belmont County, every $10,000 reduction in market value saves approximately $45 per year in property taxes (calculated as $10,000 × 35% assessment ratio × 1.29% tax rate). If your home is overassessed by 10% on the county median value of $74,065, a successful appeal could reduce your valuation by $7,407, saving approximately $33 annually. Larger overassessments can result in savings of several hundred dollars per year. Statistics show that about 25% of homes nationally are unfairly overassessed and pay an average of $1,346 too much annually. Professional appeal services report that Belmont County homeowners can reduce their property taxes by an average of $493 per year through successful appeals.

What evidence do I need for a Belmont County property tax appeal?

The most effective evidence for a Belmont County property tax appeal includes recent comparable sales data from similar properties in your neighborhood that sold within the past 6-12 months, a recent independent appraisal conducted by a licensed appraiser, and photographs documenting property condition issues, damage, or defects. You should also include repair estimates or contractor invoices for needed repairs, documentation of errors in property characteristics listed by the auditor (such as incorrect square footage, bedroom count, or lot size), and if you recently purchased the property, your purchase contract and settlement statement. The Belmont County Board of Revision gives the most weight to actual market transactions and professional appraisals. Organize your evidence clearly and prepare to explain why your property's market value should be lower than the auditor's assessment in a 5-15 minute presentation.

Can I appeal my Belmont County property taxes every year, or are there restrictions?

Generally, you can only file a property tax appeal once every three years in Ohio unless specific circumstances apply. However, you may file a new complaint if there has been a change in use of the property, new construction or destruction of property, the property was split or combined, or if there was an error in the application of the assessment ratio. Belmont County underwent a full reappraisal for tax year 2024, which means all property owners had the right to appeal the new values regardless of prior appeals. If you filed an appeal in 2025 for tax year 2024, you typically cannot file again until 2028 unless one of the qualifying changes occurs. The next scheduled reappraisal for Belmont County is in 2030, with a triennial update in 2027. Check with the Belmont County Auditor's Office at (740) 699-2130 to confirm your eligibility before filing.

Should I contact the Belmont County Auditor informally before filing a formal appeal?

Yes, it is strongly recommended to contact the Belmont County Auditor's Office informally at (740) 699-2130 before filing a formal DTE Form 1 complaint with the Board of Revision. The auditor's staff can review your property record for obvious errors such as incorrect square footage, bedroom count, condition rating, or other property characteristics, and may make administrative corrections without requiring a formal appeal process. This informal review can save you time and effort, and approximately 20-30% of valuation concerns are resolved at this stage. If the informal review doesn't resolve your concern or if you disagree with the auditor's assessment of your property's market value, you can then proceed with filing a formal complaint with the Board of Revision. The informal review does not affect your right to file a formal appeal, and both processes can be completed within the January 1 to March 31 filing window.

Official Resources

Belmont County Auditor Official Website →

Access property search, assessment information, tax records, and downloadable forms for appeals and exemptions.

Belmont County Auditor Forms and Board of Revision →

Download DTE Form 1, homestead exemption applications, and other official forms for property tax appeals and exemptions.

Ohio Department of Taxation - Property Tax Division →

State resources on Ohio's property tax system, assessment ratios, exemption programs, and official DTE forms for appeals.

Belmont County Property Search Tool →

Official online property search portal to look up assessment values, tax history, and parcel information by owner name, address, or parcel number.

For state-wide appeal information including Ohio's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Ohio Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More Ohio Counties

Adams County (West Union)Allen County (Lima)Ashland County (Ashland)Ashtabula County (Jefferson)Athens County (Athens)Auglaize County (Wapakoneta)

← All Ohio property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.appealdesk.com/appeals/ohio/belmont | https://belmontcountyauditor.org | https://belmontcountyauditors.org/forms/ | https://auditor.bcohio.gov/real_estate/homestead_new/index.php | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/ohio/belmont-county

Last verified: 2026-07-25