Summit County Property Tax Appeal — Ohio

Rob Hartley·Updated February 16, 2026

Summit County is Ohio's fourth-most populous county with approximately 540,000 residents, located in Northeast Ohio with its county seat in Akron. Major cities include Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Hudson, and Barberton. Property tax appeals are particularly important here because Summit County has an effective property tax rate of 1.63%, significantly higher than the national median rate of 1.02%, resulting in a median annual tax bill of $2,683 compared to the national median of $2,400. With the county experiencing a 31.4% increase in property values in 2024 and another reappraisal scheduled for 2026, many homeowners may find their assessments inflated, making appeals a critical tool for ensuring fair taxation.

Notable cities: Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Hudson, Barberton

Median Home

$168,880

Tax Rate

1.63%

Annual Tax

$2,683

Population

540,428

2026 Appeal Deadline: March 31, 2026

Complaint forms must be filed annually between January 1 and March 31. For 2026 appeals, the deadline is March 31, 2026. Mailed submissions must be postmarked by March 31, and in-person or online submissions must be received by 4:00 p.m. on March 31.

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

How Summit County Assesses Property

35%of market value

Assessed by: Summit County Fiscal Office, Auditor Division

Assessment cycle: Sexennial reappraisal every six years with triennial updates in the third year

Notices typically mailed: Spring, typically mid-April

In Summit County, property taxes are calculated based on assessed value, which is 35% of the property's appraised market value as determined by the Fiscal Office. For example, if your home's market value is $168,880 (the county median), your assessed value would be $59,108 (35% of $168,880), resulting in approximately $2,683 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.63%. This two-step process means that while your home may be worth $200,000 on the open market, you only pay taxes on $70,000 of assessed value.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Revision. After filing your complaint, the Board of Revision will schedule a formal hearing where you'll present evidence to support your claim that your property is overvalued. Board members (or their representatives) will review your evidence, hear testimony, and may ask questions before issuing a written decision on whether to adjust your property's valuation.

Schedule an informal meeting with a Fiscal Office staff appraiser by calling(330) 643-2710 or visiting https://fiscaloffice.summitoh.net to discuss your property valuation and present your concerns before filing a formal complaint.

If you disagree with the informal review outcome, obtain Form DTE 1 from the Board of Revision by calling(330) 926-2559, emailing BOR@https://summitoh.net, or downloading it from the county website.

Complete and file Form DTE 1 between January 1 and March 31, 2026. Paper forms must be signed, dated, and notarized. Online submissions through Smartfile do not require notarization. Include supporting evidence such as comparable sales, recent appraisals, photos of property condition, or repair estimates.

Submit evidence to support your claim at least 10 days before your scheduled hearing. The Board of Revision will schedule a formal hearing to review your complaint, testimony, and evidence to determine if a valuation correction is warranted.

Attend the hearing before the Summit County Board of Revision (comprised of the Fiscal Officer, County Executive, and County Clerk of Courts or their representatives). Present your evidence and testimony. The Board will issue a decision to affirm, increase, decrease, or leave the valuation unchanged.

If you disagree with the Board of Revision's decision, appeal to the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals (located at Rhodes Tower, 30 E Broad St, 24th Floor, Columbus, OH) within 30 days of the Board's decision.

As a final option, if still dissatisfied with the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals decision, you may appeal to the Summit County Court of Common Pleas (205 S High St, 1st Floor, Akron) or ultimately to the Ohio Supreme Court, though this is rare and requires legal representation.

Required form: Form DTE 1 (Board of Revision Complaint Form)

Filing Methods

online:Electronic filing available through Smartfile system at https://fiscaloffice.summitoh.net/index.php/board-of-revision-complaint (no notarization required for online submissions)

mail:Mail to Summit County Board of Revision, 1180 South Main St., Suite 250, Akron, OH 44301 (must be postmarked by March 31)

in-person:Hand-deliver to Summit County Board of Revision, 1180 South Main St., Suite 250, Akron, OH 44301, Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

email:Contact BOR@https://summitoh.net for questions or assistance

Evidence to Bring

Recent professional appraisal with effective date within one yearComparable sales data from similar properties in your neighborhood sold within the past yearPhotographs documenting property condition, damage, or needed repairsRepair estimates or contractor invoices for structural issuesDocumentation of property defects affecting value

Summit County Assessor Contact

Summit County Fiscal Office, Auditor Division

Phone: (330) 643-2632 (Auditor Division) or (888) 388-5613 (General)

Address: 175 South Main Street, 3rd Floor, Akron, OH 44308

Website: https://fiscaloffice.summitoh.net

Online Portal: https://fiscaloffice.summitoh.net/index.php/board-of-revision-complaint

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tax Exemptions in Summit County

Homestead Exemption

$29,000 exemption on appraised value (approximately $535 average annual savings)

Reduces taxable property value for qualifying senior citizens and disabled homeowners

Eligibility: Homeowners age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled persons under 65, who own and occupy the property as their principal residence as of January 1. Income limit of $40,000 for 2026 applications or $41,000 for 2026 applications (Modified Ohio Adjusted Gross Income of applicant and spouse). Must provide valid Ohio driver's license or state ID showing current address.Deadline: December 31 of the year for which exemption is sought

Military Veteran Homestead Exemption

$58,000 exemption on appraised value for single-family homes (approximately $1,000+ average annual savings)

Enhanced exemption for 100% disabled veterans with no income restrictions

Eligibility: Military veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating OR 100% rating for compensation based on individual unemployability, as verified by VA award letter. Must own and occupy the home as principal residence as of January 1. No income limits apply.Deadline: December 31 of the year for which exemption is sought

Surviving Spouse of Fallen First Responder Exemption

$29,000 exemption on appraised value

Property tax relief for surviving spouses of public service officers killed in the line of duty

Eligibility: Surviving spouse of a public service officer (paramedic, EMT, firefighter, police officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff, or peace officer) killed in the line of duty. Must provide confirmation letter from state pension fund or the department/agency verifying death in line of duty. No income limits apply.Deadline: December 31 of the year for which exemption is sought

Owner-Occupancy Tax Reduction (2.5% Rollback)

2.5% reduction on eligible tax levies

A 2.5% reduction in taxes charged by qualified levies for owner-occupied residential properties

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the home as principal place of residence on January 1 of the year filed. Rental properties are not eligible. No age or income restrictions.Deadline: First Monday in June (typically June 1 or 2)

Official Resources

Summit County Fiscal Office - Property Tax Search →

Search your property records, view current valuations, check tax bills, and access your parcel information online.

Summit County Board of Revision - File Appeal Online →

File your property tax appeal electronically using the Smartfile system, download Form DTE 1, and access appeal information and deadlines.

Summit County Homestead Exemption Information →

Learn about homestead exemption eligibility requirements, income limits, application forms, and savings for seniors, disabled homeowners, and veterans.

Ohio Department of Taxation - Property Tax Information →

Official state resource for Ohio property tax laws, assessment procedures, exemption programs, and taxpayer rights.

Check Your Summit County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The deadline to file a property tax appeal with the Summit County Board of Revision is March 31, 2026. Appeal forms (DTE 1) must be submitted between January 1, 2026 and March 31, 2026. If mailing your appeal, it must be postmarked by March 31, 2026. If filing in person or online through the Smartfile system, submissions must be received by 4:00 p.m. on March 31, 2026. Missing this deadline means you'll have to wait until the next filing period (January 1 - March 31, 2027) to appeal your valuation.

How do I file a property tax appeal online in Summit County?

Summit County offers online filing through their Smartfile system at https://fiscaloffice.summitoh.net/index.php/board-of-revision-complaint. The online system allows you to submit Form DTE 1 electronically without notarization, which is required for paper submissions. You can also upload supporting evidence directly through the portal at the time of filing. Upon submission, you'll receive immediate confirmation that your complaint was received by the Board of Revision. The online portal is available 24/7 and provides a convenient, paperless alternative to mailing or hand-delivering your appeal.

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

The homestead exemption in Summit County provides an exemption on the first $29,000 of appraised value for qualifying homeowners, resulting in an average annual savings of approximately $535. To qualify, you must be age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled (any age), and own and occupy the property as your principal residence on January 1. Income limits apply: your Modified Ohio Adjusted Gross Income (you and your spouse combined) cannot exceed $40,000 for 2026 applications or $41,000 for 2026 applications. Disabled veterans with 100% service-connected disability receive an enhanced exemption of $58,000 with no income restrictions.

How is my assessed value calculated in Summit County, and why is it different from my home's market value?

In Summit County, your assessed value is calculated by taking your property's appraised market value and multiplying it by Ohio's statutory assessment ratio of 35%. For example, if the Fiscal Office determines your home's market value is $200,000, your assessed value would be $70,000 (35% of $200,000). Property taxes are then calculated based on this assessed value, not the full market value. This means if your property tax rate is 65 mills (effective rate), you would pay $4,550 annually ($70,000 × 65 ÷ 1,000). Understanding this distinction is crucial when appealing, as you need to challenge the market value determination, not the 35% assessment ratio.

What evidence do I need to win a property tax appeal in Summit County?

To successfully appeal your property tax valuation in Summit County, you need strong evidence proving your property is overvalued. The most effective evidence includes: a recent professional appraisal from a certified appraiser with an effective date within one year of January 1; comparable sales data showing at least 3-5 similar properties in your neighborhood that sold for less within the past year; photographs documenting property defects, damage, or conditions affecting value; and repair estimates or contractor invoices for structural issues. You must submit your evidence to the Board of Revision at least 10 days before your hearing. The burden of proof is on you as the property owner to demonstrate the county's valuation is incorrect.

When are property assessment notices mailed in Summit County, and what should I do when I receive mine?

Assessment notices in Summit County are typically mailed in the spring, reaching homeowners by mid-April each year. Your notice will show both your property's market value and assessed value (35% of market value), along with an estimate of your property tax bill. When you receive your notice, carefully review the valuation and compare it to recent sales of similar properties in your neighborhood. If you believe your property is overvalued, schedule an informal meeting with a Fiscal Office appraiser by calling(330) 643-2710 to discuss your concerns before filing a formal appeal. This informal review can often resolve valuation disputes without the need for a Board of Revision hearing.

What happens at a Board of Revision hearing in Summit County, and do I need a lawyer?

At a Summit County Board of Revision hearing, you'll present evidence and testimony to support your claim that your property is overvalued. The Board consists of the Fiscal Officer, County Executive, and County Clerk of Courts (or their representatives). You'll explain why you believe the county's valuation is too high and present your evidence, such as appraisals, comparable sales, or photos. The Board may ask questions and review all submitted documentation before issuing a written decision. While you don't need a lawyer to represent you, many property owners with complex cases or high-value properties choose to hire an attorney or property tax consultant experienced in Board of Revision appeals to maximize their chances of success.

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

The amount you can save by successfully appealing your property taxes in Summit County depends on how much your assessed value is reduced and your local tax rate. For example, if you successfully reduce your property's market value from $200,000 to $180,000, your assessed value drops from $70,000 to $63,000 (35% of market value). At Summit County's median effective tax rate of 1.63%, this reduction would save you approximately $114 annually. Over a typical three-year period before the next reappraisal, that's $342 in savings. Properties with larger valuation reductions or higher local millage rates can save significantly more—sometimes $500 to $2,000 or more annually.

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

Cuyahoga County (Cleveland)Franklin County (Columbus)Hamilton County (Cincinnati)Montgomery County (Dayton)

← All Ohio property tax appeal info

Sources: https://fiscaloffice.summitoh.net/index.php/board-of-revision-complaint | https://fiscaloffice.summitoh.net/index.php/homestead-exemption | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/ohio/summit-county | https://fiscaloffice.summitoh.net/index.php/news/417-first-half-2026-real-estate-tax-bills-in-the-mail-due-february-27-2026 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summit_County,_Ohio

Last verified: 2026-02-16