Franklin County Property Tax Due Dates: The February 28 and July 20 Schedule, Penalties, Fees and Payment Plans

Franklin County homeowners pay real estate taxes twice a year to the Franklin County Treasurer, and the dates changed in 2026: the first half is now due February 28 and the second half July 20, instead of January 31 and June 20 [1][2]. This guide covers homes in Franklin County. If your Columbus address is in a neighboring county, that county’s treasurer bills you.

The new due dates

The Treasurer says the later dates give the county more time to prepare and mail accurate bills, give owners more time between getting a bill and paying it, and line Franklin County up with other Ohio counties [1]. The total tax doesn’t change, only the dates [1]. Manufactured homes have their own dates: March 1 and July 31 [1].

The first-half bill in 2027. In 2026, February 28 fell on a Saturday and the Treasurer set the first-half due date as Monday, March 2 [2]. February 28, 2027 is a Sunday. The Treasurer hadn’t posted the 2027 date when we checked, so use the date printed on your bill, and don’t wait for the last day.

What paying late costs

The Treasurer lists these charges [1]:

• 5% penalty if you pay the full balance within the first 10 days after the due date.
• 10% penalty if it’s still unpaid after those 10 days.
• Interest on delinquent taxes under Ohio Revised Code 323.121.

Not receiving a bill doesn’t excuse a late payment, so keep your mailing address current and call 614-525-3438 if a bill hasn’t arrived [1][2].

Penalty forgiveness. You can ask the Treasurer to remit a late penalty on form 23A if, for example, you didn’t get a correct bill and tried to get one within 30 days of the due date, you mailed the payment on time but it never arrived (with proof of timely mailing; a private meter postmark doesn’t count), a serious injury, hospitalization or death prevented payment, or an Auditor or Treasurer error caused the delay [4]. The Board of Revision reviews requests based on other reasonable cause [4].

Ways to pay

The Treasurer doesn’t charge a returned-item fee, but penalties can still apply if the tax isn’t paid by the due date [2].

When your payment counts

• By mail: credited by the postmark on the envelope, not the day it arrives; processing takes about 10 to 15 business days [3].
• Online: credited on the transaction date you choose when you pay; processing takes 3 to 5 days [3].
• Drop box: open 24 hours for real estate and manufactured home payments. Payments dropped during business hours are credited that day; after hours, on weekends or on holidays, the next business day. No cash [3]. Because of construction, the box is inside the 373 S. High St. government center entrance, on the north wall [3][8].

The office is closed November 26 and 27 for Thanksgiving and December 25, 2026 [8].

If you can’t pay it all at once

Pay monthly ahead of time. The Treasurer lists three ways to pay: one payment early in the year, two installments, or monthly installments [7]. The Budget Payment Program takes monthly prepayments into an escrow account in your name and applies them automatically when each half is due. You can set up direct debit from checking or savings. It’s open to owners whose taxes are current [2].

Already behind? The Treasurer’s Delinquent Tax Division offers monthly payment plans for delinquent and unpaid current taxes, which it says stop further interest and penalties from being added. When you call, it can also review reductions you may qualify for and explain how to appeal a penalty [5]. Call 614-525-3438 [5].

Families with children. Franklin County Job and Family Services’ emergency assistance program can pay current-year real estate taxes, first half or second half, up to $2,000, for TANF-eligible families who own and live in the home [6]. Ask at a county Opportunity Center; see our Columbus rental assistance guide for how to apply.