What happens if you owe back property taxes in Franklin County?

Franklin County delinquent property taxes are real estate taxes the owner has not paid. The taxes are owed to schools, agencies and local governments. The County Treasurer collects them through the yearly tax lien sale.

Back property taxes in Franklin County can lead to a tax lien certificate sale. The Treasurer sells certificates for the full delinquency under ORC 5721.30 to 5721.43. All eligible certificates are sold together as one portfolio. Ohio law does not provide for sales of single certificates. A house is not eligible when it is set for sheriff sale. A house in bankruptcy or under a tax contract is not eligible either.

Yes, you can pay off a tax lien certificate with interest for one year. The year runs from the sale date. The owner pays the certificate in full, with interest.

After one year, the certificate holder may start a foreclosure on your house. The holder goes through the county Prosecutor or private counsel. The Prosecutor must start the case within 90 days of the foreclosure request.

Franklin County holds its tax lien sale between late October and early November. The Treasurer says the sale takes place once a year.

Yes, Franklin County can foreclose on a house for back taxes through the Prosecutor. The Prosecutor may begin the action in the Treasurer's name. The action can start after the Auditor delivers the delinquent land tax duplicate. The duplicate is a list of unpaid land taxes. A mortgage foreclosure can end in a Franklin County sheriff sale, covered on that page.

When can a tax foreclosure start in Ohio?

A tax foreclosure can start two years after the Auditor first lists the unpaid taxes. ORC 5721.18(B) sets that rule. A tax lien certificate holder can request a foreclosure after one year.

How long do I have to answer a tax foreclosure?

You have 28 days after service to answer a tax foreclosure. The 28 days start when the court papers count as served. A default judgment may be taken when no answer is filed within 28 days.

Can I redeem my house during a tax foreclosure?

Yes, you can redeem your house by paying the Treasurer before the sale is confirmed. Before a tax foreclosure starts, the amount is the taxes, penalties, interest, charges and costs. After a foreclosure starts, you must also show the house meets code. The codes cover zoning, land use, building, health and safety.

Does a payment plan stop a tax foreclosure?

No, a payment plan does not stop a tax foreclosure case that has already started. The plan is called a delinquent tax contract. The contract can run up to five years after the first payment. The statute is ORC 5721.25.

A judgment becomes a lien on your land once a certificate of judgment is filed. The certificate is filed with that county's common pleas clerk. The clerk dockets and indexes the certificate under the debtor's name. ORC 2329.02 sets this rule.

How long does a judgment lien last in Ohio?

A judgment lien goes dormant after five years unless the creditor takes certain steps. A dormant judgment no longer acts as a lien. The five years run from the judgment or any renewal, whichever is later. ORC 2329.07(B)(1) sets this rule. The rule covers judgments not in favor of the state.