COLUMBUS, Ohio — Franklin County property owners who believe their tentative 2026 Auditor’s Appraised Value does not accurately reflect their property now have an opportunity to request an informal review before final values are finalized later this year.
The Franklin County Auditor’s Office has launched its annual Property Value Review process, allowing residential and commercial property owners to meet with appraisal staff through September 5. The review sessions are available both virtually and in person at locations throughout Franklin County, while those who prefer not to attend a meeting may submit supporting documentation online for consideration.
County officials say the review process is designed to help ensure property records and appraised values are accurate before they are submitted to the Ohio Department of Taxation for review.
“This is the best opportunity for property owners to review their information and raise concerns before values are finalized,” Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano said. “We want people to look up their property, check the details and contact us if something does not appear right.”
Review Process Allows Owners to Submit Supporting Evidence
The informal Property Value Review gives property owners the opportunity to provide information that could influence the valuation or description of their property. Officials encourage participants to submit documentation that supports their concerns, including recent comparable property sales, professional appraisals, photographs showing the property’s condition, records of incorrect property characteristics, and estimates or documentation related to significant repairs.
Appointments typically last about 20 minutes. However, no decision is made during the meeting itself. After reviewing all submitted information, the appraisal team evaluates the evidence and notifies property owners of the final outcome once the review process has been completed.
The Auditor’s Office emphasized that attending a meeting is not required. Property owners may instead submit documentation electronically through the county’s website, allowing participation without scheduling an appointment.
Participation Remains Low Despite Large Number of Properties
Franklin County contains nearly 500,000 property parcels, yet officials report that fewer than half of one percent of property owners have requested a Property Value Review so far during the current review period.
County leaders are encouraging more residents and business owners to verify the accuracy of their property information rather than assuming an increase in appraised value automatically warrants a review.
“A review is not necessary simply because a value increased,” Stinziano said. “The question is whether the Auditor’s Appraised Value and the information we have about the property are accurate. Property owners know their homes and businesses, and we want them to be part of the process.”
Officials say the review process focuses on ensuring property records accurately reflect factors that influence value rather than disputing every increase in assessed value.
Property Value Changes Do Not Directly Determine Tax Bills
The Auditor’s Office also reminded property owners that changes in appraised values do not translate directly into equivalent changes in property tax bills.
According to county officials, property taxes are calculated using several factors beyond the appraised value of an individual property. Local tax rates, voter-approved levies, available exemptions, and changes in property values across an entire taxing district all contribute to determining the final tax obligation.
As a result, an increase or decrease in an appraised value does not automatically produce the same percentage increase or decrease in taxes owed.
Final Values Expected in December
The Property Value Review program is part of Franklin County’s 2026 Property Value Update. After the September 5 review deadline, updated values will be submitted to the Ohio Department of Taxation for evaluation before final appraised values are released.
County officials expect finalized property values to be issued in December.
Property owners who remain dissatisfied after the final values are published will still have the option of pursuing a formal appeal by filing a complaint with the Franklin County Board of Revision.
The Auditor’s Office encourages all property owners to examine their tentative appraised values, verify the accuracy of their property information, and take advantage of the review process if they believe corrections are necessary before the final assessments are issued.
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