How to Transfer Property Ownership in Butler County, Ohio

Transferring property ownership in Butler County, Ohio requires following specific county procedures so the change is legal, complete, and properly recorded. Whether you’re selling, gifting, inheriting, or adding a name to a deed, this guide explains exactly what you must do, what forms you need, where to file them, and how much it will cost all based on official Butler County Auditor and Recorder standards.

Step 1: Identify Why You’re Transferring Ownership

The reason for a transfer affects:

The type of deed you use
Whether taxes or fees apply
What forms you must file

Common reasons include:

• Selling the property
  
• Gifting property to family members
  
• Inheriting property
  
• Divorce or settlement transfers
  
• Adding/removing names
  
• Estate or trust planning
  

Selecting the wrong type of transfer or deed can cause delays or legal problems. Consulting a real estate attorney is always recommended if you are unsure.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Type of Deed

Which deed you use depends on your situation:

All deeds must meet Ohio and Butler County recording requirements.

Step 3: Prepare and Complete the Deed Form Correctly

Accuracy is crucial mistakes can result in rejection.

Every deed must include:

Full legal names of the Grantor (current owner)
Full legal names of the Grantee (new owner)
Complete legal property description
Parcel number as shown in the Auditor’s records
Clear transfer language transferring ownership
Notarized signatures of all required parties

Helpful Tip: You can use templates for Butler County deeds (warranty, quitclaim, etc.) but ensure they’re filled out properly and match county standards (including legal description and Ohio requirements).

Step 4: Submit for Conveyance Processing with the County Auditor

Before a deed can be recorded, it must be presented to the Butler County Auditor’s Office so ownership can be transferred on the tax list and required fees collected.

Butler County Auditor – Real Estate / Conveyance Dept.

Address: 130 High Street, 3rd Floor, Hamilton, OH 45011
Phone: (513) 887-3154
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (Conveyance Desk until ~3:30 pm)

Required Items for Conveyance

Deed submitted for transfer review
Conveyance Fee Statement (DTE Form 100)
If claiming an exemption (gift, family transfer, etc.): DTE Form 100EX
Correct transfer fees paid (see below)

NOTE: The Auditor’s office must endorse the transfer before the Recorder will accept it for recording.

Step 5: Pay Transfer & Conveyance Fees

These fees are set by Ohio law and Butler County, and must be paid before recording.

Butler County Conveyance Fees:

Conveyance Fee: $3.00 per $1,000 of sale price (rounded up to the next $100)
Transfer Tax Fee: $0.50 for every parcel transferred

The grantee typically completes and submits the DTE 100 or DTE 100EX form with payment to the Auditor.

Step 6: Record the Deed with the Butler County Recorder

Once the Auditor signs your deed indicating the ownership transfer, bring it to the Recorder’s Office for official recording.

Butler County Recorder’s Office

Address:
130 High St., 2nd Floor, Hamilton, OH 45011
Phone: (513) 887-3192
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (recording until ~3:30 pm)

Recorder Fees (Typical)

$39 for the first two pages
$8 per additional page
$20 Non-Standard Document Fee for non-compliant formatting (margins, etc.)

Note: A properly transferred deed should already be stamped or endorsed by the Auditor before recording.

Step 7: Update Property Tax & Billing Information

After recording:

Confirm the Auditor’s tax listing shows the new owner
Update any billing addresses as necessary
Verify property tax responsibilities fall under the new owner

Most counties provide an online property search portal where you can check ownership and tax information.

Step 8: Keep Your Copies

Retain the following records in a safe place:

Certified copy of the recorded deed
Auditor transfer endorsement
DTE 100 / 100EX forms and receipt
Recorder fee receipt
Tax billing updates

These documents are legal proof of ownership and are needed for future transactions or legal identification of ownership.

Important Legal Notes

• Complete all forms entirely before submission
  
• Ensure accurate legal descriptions and parcel numbers
  
• Notarization and witness requirements must be met
  

Incorrect or incomplete forms may be rejected by the Auditor or Recorder

Final Thoughts

Transferring property in Butler County requires attention to detail and completion of specific county forms and fees. Following these official steps from correct deed selection, Auditor conveyance approval, to Recorder filing ensures a smooth, accurate, and legally valid transfer of ownership.

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