Butler County, Ohio Property Tax Due Dates and Penalties (2026)

Discover exact 2026 property tax due dates, penalties for late payment, and practical tips to stay compliant and avoid fines in Butler County, Ohio. This complete guide gives you the deadlines, consequences of late payment, and methods to confirm and submit payments using accurate information from county government sources.

Property Tax Due Dates in Butler County, Ohio

Property taxes in Butler County are paid in two installments each year. The Treasurer’s Office publishes official deadline notices annually, and for 2026, these are the key dates based on the 2025 tax year that are payable in 2026:

• 
  The first half of real estate taxes for 2025 is officially due on February 26, 2026.
• The second half payment deadline varies slightly each year but is typically in late July or early August; the exact date is printed on your tax bill.
• Property tax bills are mailed well before the deadlines, and failure to receive a bill does NOT excuse late payment — you are still responsible for paying on time.

Tip: Always check your latest tax bill or the Treasurer’s website to confirm your exact due dates, as they are specific to each tax year’s billing cycle.

Why These Dates Matter

Paying property tax on time ensures that local services — such as schools, police and fire departments, road maintenance, and libraries — are funded. The Treasurer’s Office automatically assesses penalties and interest on overdue taxes in accordance with Ohio law.

Penalties and Interest for Late Payment

Property tax payments that are not received by the due date are subject to penalties as required by the Ohio Revised Code and enforced by the county.

Penalties

• Late Penalty: If not paid by the due date, a penalty (usually 10%) is added to the unpaid balance.
• Ohio law also allows interim penalty rates (often 5% if paid within a short grace period), but the full 10% penalty will apply if not paid promptly after the deadline.

Interest

• Monthly interest accrues on the unpaid balance for every month or part of a month after the due date until the tax and penalty are paid in full, as stated in Ohio law.

⚠️ If you pay only part of your tax bill, penalties and interest continue to accrue on the unpaid portion.

Example of How Penalties Work (illustrative)

Suppose your second-half property tax bill is $1,000 and you pay 15 days late after the due date:

• Tax Due: $1,000
• Penalty (10%): $100
• Interest (accrued monthly): Depends on days late (e.g., a few dollars)
  👉 Total Due: ~$1,100+ (depending on interest)

Example numbers are illustrative; actual interest is charged monthly based on Ohio law.

Who Must Pay Property Taxes

Every property owner in Butler County as of January 1 of the tax year is responsible for paying property taxes, including:

• Residential homeowners
• Commercial property owners
• Vacant landowners
• Agricultural property owners

Even if a mortgage company pays your taxes from escrow, you should monitor the status to ensure on-time payment each year.

How to Avoid Penalties

Avoid fines and interest with these common best practices:

• Calendar reminders for your first and second half due dates
• Online payments through the Treasurer’s official payment portal — often the fastest way to record your payment before a deadline.
• Automatic payments or escrow (if offered by your mortgage lender)
• Confirm your mailing address with the Auditor/Treasurer to ensure tax bills reach you on time
• Check your tax bill immediately upon receipt for exact deadlines and amounts due

Confirming Your Exact Tax Dates and Paying

You can always confirm your specific property tax due dates and pay online or in person:

Butler County Treasurer — Property Tax Office
📍 315 High Street, 10th Floor, Hamilton, OH 45011
☎️ (513) 887-3181
🌐https://treasurer.bcohio.gov — official payment portal and bill lookup (enter your parcel # or owner name for details)

Payment Methods Accepted:

• Online via credit/debit card or e-check
• By mail (check or money order)
• In person at the Treasurer’s office

Final Takeaways

• First Half 2025 taxes are due February 26, 2026.
• Second Half 2025 taxes are due in late July/Early August 2026 (see bill).
• Late payments trigger penalties + interest automatically per Ohio law.
• Always verify dates on your tax bill or through the Treasurer’s website.

FAQs