Belmont County Property Tax Appeal — Ohio

Rob Hartley·Updated April 3, 2026

Belmont County is located in eastern Ohio along the Ohio River, 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 is part of Ohio's Appalachian region and includes notable communities such as Bellaire, Shadyside, and Bridgeport. Property tax appeals are particularly important in Belmont County following the 2024 reappraisal, which resulted in property value increases averaging 16.44% - the smallest increase among Ohio counties that underwent reappraisal that year, yet still significantly impacting many homeowners. 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.

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

Median Home

$74,065

Tax Rate

1.29%

Annual Tax

$992

Population

66,497

2026 Appeal Deadline: March 31, 2026

For the 2026 appeal cycle, complaints must be filed between January 1 and March 31, 2026. The complaint must be received or postmarked by March 31, 2026, or it will be rejected. Late filings are not accepted in Ohio.

Property in Belmont County, Ohio — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Belmont County Assesses Property

35%of market value

Assessed by: Belmont County Auditor

Assessment cycle: sexennial (every six years with triennial updates)

Notices typically mailed: Spring (typically mid-April)

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. Hearings can be conducted in person or by speaker phone, and typically last 15-20 minutes.

Step 1: Review your property assessment notice, typically mailed in mid-April. Compare your property's market value to similar homes in your area using the county's online 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 (incorrect square footage, bedroom count, etc.) and may make adjustments without 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, recent appraisals, photos of damage, or 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

Step 5: The Board of Revision (consisting of the County Auditor, County Treasurer, and a County Commissioner) will review your complaint. You may receive an offer letter for settlement, or be scheduled for a hearing. Hearings can be conducted by phone if preferred

Step 6: If dissatisfied with the Board of Revision's decision, you may appeal to the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals or Belmont County Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of receiving the decision

Step 7: Continue paying your property taxes as billed during the appeal process. If your appeal is successful, you will receive a refund or credit for any overpayment after the decision becomes final

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

Filing Methods

in-person:Belmont County Auditor's Office, 101 W Main Street, St. Clairsville, OH 43950. Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

mail:Mail to: Belmont County Auditor, 101 W Main Street, St. Clairsville, OH 43950 (must be postmarked by March 31)

email:Forms can be filed by email; contact the Auditor's Office at(740) 699-2130 for instructions

online:Forms available for download at https://belmontcountyauditor.org

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable sales of similar properties in your areaProfessional appraisal dated near January 1 of the tax yearPhotos documenting property damage or condition issuesRepair estimates for structural problems or deferred maintenanceDocumentation of property-specific factors affecting value

Belmont County Assessor Contact

Belmont County Auditor

Phone: (740) 699-2130

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

Website: https://belmontcountyauditor.org/

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

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

Tax Exemptions in Belmont County

Homestead Exemption

$29,000 reduction in taxable value (indexed annually for inflation)

Reduces the taxable value of your primary residence for eligible seniors, disabled persons, and surviving spouses

Eligibility: Must be 65+ years old OR permanently disabled OR surviving spouse of qualifying homeowner; own and occupy property as primary residence; Ohio Adjusted Gross Income of $40,000 or less for tax year 2025 (increases to $41,000 for 2026)Deadline: December 31 of the application year

Enhanced Homestead Exemption for Disabled Veterans

$52,300 reduction in taxable value (indexed annually for inflation)

Provides greater property tax relief for qualifying disabled veterans

Eligibility: 100% service-connected disabled veterans or those receiving compensation at that rate; no income limitDeadline: December 31 of the application year

Owner-Occupancy Credit (2.5% Rollback)

2.5% reduction on tax bill

Automatic reduction for owner-occupied primary residences

Eligibility: Primary residence owners (applied automatically, verify it appears on your tax bill)Deadline: Automatic - no application required

Agricultural Land Use Valuation (CAUV)

Varies based on agricultural use valuation rather than market value

Preferential tax treatment for farmland and agricultural property

Eligibility: Owners of 10 or more acres devoted to commercial agricultural useDeadline: Contact Auditor's Office for application requirements

Official Resources

Belmont County Auditor Official Website →

Access property records, download appeal forms, search property values, and find contact information for the assessor's office.

Belmont County Treasurer - Tax Payment Portal →

Pay property taxes online, view tax bills, access homestead exemption applications, and find tax payment information.

Ohio Department of Taxation - Real Property Division →

State resources on Ohio's property tax system, homestead exemption information, and official DTE forms for appeals.

Belmont County Board of Revision Forms →

Download DTE Form 1 and other required documents for filing property tax appeals and exemption applications.

Belmont County Appeal Statistics

% Who Appeal

1.6% (1,032 appeals filed in 2025)

Check Your Belmont County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your Belmont County property is overassessed.

✓ 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. Your complaint must be received by the Belmont County Board of Revision or postmarked by March 31, 2026. Late filings are not accepted, and missing this deadline means you lose your right to challenge your 2025 assessment values. It's recommended to file well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues with mail delivery or office closures.

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 file in person at the Auditor's Office at 101 W Main Street, St. Clairsville, by mail to the same address (must be postmarked by March 31), or by email with scanned documents. Include all supporting evidence such as comparable sales, appraisals, or photos when you file. Forms can also be picked up in person during office hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Belmont County, and who qualifies?

The homestead exemption in Belmont County reduces your property's taxable 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. You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence, and your Ohio Adjusted Gross Income cannot exceed $40,000 for tax year 2025 (increasing to $41,000 for 2026). 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.

What happens after I file my appeal with the Belmont County Board of Revision?

After filing your appeal with the Belmont County Board of Revision, a staff appraiser will review your complaint and supporting evidence. You may receive an offer letter proposing a settlement value, which you can accept or reject. If no settlement is reached, you'll be scheduled for a hearing before the Board (consisting of the County Auditor, County Treasurer, and a County Commissioner). As of mid-2025, Belmont County reported processing over 1,000 appeals, with some resolved through settlements and others requiring hearings. The Board has six months to make a decision after receiving your complaint. Hearings can be conducted by phone if you prefer not to attend in person.

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

Potential savings from a successful appeal vary based on your property's overassessment and the evidence you present. In Belmont County, where recent reappraisals increased some property values by 40-50% or more, homeowners challenging inflated assessments could see significant reductions. For example, if you successfully reduce your home's market value from $100,000 to $80,000, at the 35% assessment ratio and 1.29% tax rate, you would save approximately $91 annually. Over time, these savings compound. Nationally, about 25% of homes are overassessed by an average of $1,346 annually. The key is providing strong evidence like recent comparable sales or professional appraisals to support your case.

What evidence do I need to win my Belmont County property tax appeal?

Strong evidence is essential for a successful appeal in Belmont County. The Board of Revision values recent comparable sales of similar properties in your area (same size, age, condition, and location), professional appraisals dated near January 1 of the tax year, photos documenting damage or poor condition, and contractor estimates for needed repairs. Also provide documentation of property-specific issues like foundation problems, water damage, or other defects not visible during the county's mass appraisal. The Board will not consider your percentage tax increase or comparisons to nearby properties' valuations - only evidence of your property's true market value. Submit your evidence with your DTE Form 1 or at least 5 days before your hearing.

Do I still have to pay my property taxes while my appeal is pending in Belmont County?

Yes, you must continue paying your full property tax bill on time even while your appeal is pending with the Belmont County Board of Revision. Property tax payments are due February 20, 2026 (first half) and July 17, 2026 (second half). Failure to pay can result in penalties, interest, and potential tax lien foreclosure proceedings. If your appeal is successful and the Board reduces your property value, you will receive a refund or credit for any overpayment after the decision becomes final and the 30-day appeal period expires. County officials specifically remind taxpayers that the complaint process does not postpone payment obligations.

Can I appeal my Belmont County property taxes if I already appealed in recent years?

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. In Belmont County, which underwent a full reappraisal for tax year 2024, all property owners had the right to appeal the new values regardless of prior appeals. If you filed in 2025, you typically cannot file again until 2028 unless one of the qualifying changes occurs. Check with the Belmont County Auditor's Office at(740) 699-2130 to confirm your eligibility.

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://belmontcountyauditor.org/ | https://www.belmontcountytreasurer.org/ | https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/community/2025/02/state-mandated-reassessments-lead-to-skyrocketing-property-bills-in-belmont-county/ | https://sdglegal.net/ohio-property-tax-deadline-2026/ | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/ohio/belmont-county | https://rivernews.org/2025/06/24/more-than-1000-belmont-county-residents-file-property-tax-appeals-auditors-office-provides-update/

Last verified: 2026-04-03