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Property values are going up by 32% on average across Cuyahoga County in the latest round of reappraisals. But that doesn’t mean next year’s property tax bills will increase by the same proportion.

County officials laid out the reappraisal results in a news conference Tuesday as letters with new valuations begin going out to property owners. This round of reappraisals is the latest update in property values since 2021.

“We know that that will come as a shock to most taxpayers,” County Treasurer Brad Cromes said of the valuation increases. “We want to reiterate to everyone that an increase in valuation does not equate, dollar for dollar, to an increase in taxation.”

That’s because a decades-old law, commonly known as HB 920, essentially dampens the effect of inflation on property tax bills. Read on for more information about how to estimate your new tax bill.

A map of property value increases by city across Cuyahoga County. Credit: Cuyahoga County

The jumps in valuation are higher in the inner-ring suburbs. East Cleveland values are increasing by 67% and Maple Heights values by 59%. Hunting Valley, by contrast, is seeing a 15% increase.

The large percentage increases in cities like East Cleveland reflect just how far property values fell after the 2008 financial crash. Michael Chambers, the county’s fiscal officer, said that East Cleveland’s property values have not yet recovered to their 2006 levels.

State law requires these reappraisals every six years. The county also performs a three-year update of property values in the middle of each six-year period. Appraisers inspect properties and calculate values based on market trends, upgrades and neighborhood characteristics, according to the county.

The county has set up a web page with more information on the reappraisal process – including the dates and times of information sessions on the new values.

How do I see my new tax bill?

Cuyahoga County is directing homeowners to the county’s online property tax calculator. The tool asks for a property owner’s taxing district, old value and new value. It offers an estimate of next year’s new tax bill.

As an example, a $100,000 house in Cleveland that increased at the city’s average rate would now be valued at $149,000. That homeowner would see property taxes go up from $2,645.04 to $3,098.64 – an increase of $453.60, according to the calculator.

How can I contest my new property value?

Homeowners can file informal complaints about their new property values online here. Complaint forms and supporting documents can also be filed in person at the fiscal office or mailed to:

Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office

Appraisal Department, 3rd Floor

2079 East Ninth Street

Cleveland, OH 44115

According to the county, complaints require at least one of the following supporting documents: a property appraisal report from the last 36 months, a purchase agreement and closing statement, construction costs for a new house certified by the builder, certified repair estimates from a contractor, or photographs of a property showing damage and estimates for repair.

The deadline for informal complaints is Aug. 30. A formal complaint process will take place between Jan. 1 and March 31 next year, according to the county.

Is there property tax assistance available?

Cromes, the county treasurer, said that a taxpayer assistance program is in the works. The aid would be aimed at seniors and people who are behind on their taxes. It would include housing and financial counseling.

Although the program isn’t yet ready, Cromes said it was “likely to happen sometime in the fall, and it will certainly be available when the bills that are associated with this revaluation are in the mail come January of 2025.”

Homeowners can prepay their taxes using the county’s EasyPay system. Property owners may also be eligible for the owner occupancy credit, homestead exemption or military deferment.