What is the Ohio property tax assessment ratio?

Ohio law sets taxable value at 35% of market (true) value statewide, under Ohio Revised Code §5713.03. Your county auditor must use this ratio when calculating your tax bill.

How much is the Ohio Homestead Reduction in 2026?

For tax year 2026, the general Homestead Reduction shields $29,000 of market value for qualifying owners age 65+, totally disabled, or surviving spouses age 59+ with Ohio Adjusted Gross Income under $41,000. The enhanced amount for 100% disabled veterans and surviving spouses of public-safety officers killed in the line of duty is $58,000 with no income limit. File DTE Form 105A with your county auditor.

When is the Ohio Board of Revision deadline?

Ohio's statutory Board of Revision (BOR) complaint deadline is March 31 for the prior tax year, per ORC §5715.19. Complaints are filed using DTE Form 1 with your county auditor at no cost. Late filings are rejected except in very narrow clerical-error circumstances.

How much is the Ohio real property conveyance fee?

Ohio's conveyance fee has two parts: a mandatory $1.00 per $1,000 state fee (ORC §319.54(F)(3)) and a permissive county levy of up to $3.00 per $1,000 (ORC §322.02). Most Ohio counties charge the full $4.00 per $1,000. A separate $0.50 transfer fee applies per parcel. Filed using DTE Form 100 at the auditor's office at closing.

Who qualifies for Ohio's CAUV agricultural tax break?

Ohio's Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) program lets actively farmed land be taxed on its agricultural value rather than its market value. Eligibility requires 10+ acres devoted exclusively to commercial agriculture, or smaller parcels with $2,500+ in gross annual income from agriculture. Apply using DTE Form 109 and renew annually with DTE 109A. Removing land from CAUV triggers recoupment of three years of saved taxes under ORC §5713.34.

Unclaimed Property Search: Find & Claim Missing Money

U.S. Unclaimed Money · State Programs · Missing Funds · Claim Help

Trace Forgotten Money and Build a Claim That Can Be Verified

Old bank balances, payroll checks, insurance proceeds, customer refunds, utility deposits, securities and other property can eventually be transferred to a government unclaimed-property program when the owner cannot be reached.

The useful part is not simply finding a website. This guide shows where to search, which names and states to test, how to read a match, what proof may establish ownership, how heirs and businesses should prepare, when to use a separate federal database, and how to avoid paying unnecessary finder fees.

Start the free search Prepare a claim Check federal money

Do not pay simply to discover whether money exists. Official state unclaimed-property programs allow you to search and claim property without a finder fee. A paid locator may be legitimate, but using one is not required.

Quick answer: search the official state systems first

Go through NAUPA’s Unclaimed.org directory, search every state where you have lived or done business, repeat the search using former names and spelling variations, and use MissingMoney.com for a multi-state sweep of participating states. When you find a likely match, start the claim through the official program holding that property.

1 Search your states Include current and former places.

2 Try every name Maiden, former, initials and business names.

3 Verify the match Compare address, holder and property type.

4 Claim officially Upload proof only through the proper program.

Best first search: use your surname with minimal additional filters. Exact searches can miss legitimate records when an old account used an initial, maiden name, abbreviated address or different spelling.

NAUPA’s state directory is the safest starting point because it routes you to each participating jurisdiction’s official program. MissingMoney.com can then help broaden the search across participating states.

Find official state programs Search participating states

Understand what you are searching for

Unclaimed property is broader than a forgotten bank account

Unclaimed property generally starts when an organization owes money or holds property for an owner but loses contact with that owner. After the applicable state-defined dormancy process, the holder may report the property to a state unclaimed-property program.

Bank and cash accounts Checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit and other balances may eventually become unclaimed.

Payroll and checks Uncashed payroll checks, vendor checks, refunds and other outstanding payments can become unclaimed property.

Insurance proceeds Certain insurance benefits, policy proceeds or related payments can be transferred when an owner or beneficiary cannot be found.

Stocks and securities Securities, dividends, brokerage-related property and investment distributions may appear in state programs.

Refunds and credits Customer credits, overpayments, security deposits and similar balances can become unclaimed.

Utility deposits Old utility or service deposits may remain after an account is closed or a customer moves.

Business property A company can be the owner of refunds, vendor payments, credits or other unclaimed funds.

Estate property Property originally owned by someone who died may still be claimable by an authorized estate representative or eligible heir.

Recently missing money may not be in a state database yet. If a refund, payroll check or account became missing recently, contact the original employer, bank, insurer, utility or company first. The property may still be held by that organization.

Search strategy

Search names the way old companies may have recorded them

Personal-name search

Start with surname only when allowed.
Add the first name if results are too broad.
Try middle initials and no middle initial.
Try maiden and former surnames.
Search hyphenated and non-hyphenated versions.

Address-history search

List every state where you lived.
Include college and temporary addresses.
Include old rental properties.
Remember addresses tied to former employers.
Keep old ZIP codes available for claim proof.

Business or family search

Search current and former business names.
Try abbreviations such as LLC or Inc. separately.
Search deceased relatives where you may be entitled.
Try trust names.
Search joint owners separately.

Repeat each search systematically

Search your current legal name Start broad and avoid unnecessary filters.

Repeat with former names Include maiden names, married names, old legal names and spelling variations.

Search every relevant state Do not stop after the state where you live today.

Run a MissingMoney search Use it as a multi-state sweep for participating jurisdictions.

Search business and family names separately A property record may belong to an entity or deceased relative instead of you personally.

Save every plausible match Record the state, property ID, holder, reported address and property type before opening a claim.

Choose official state search Run multi-state search

State search coverage

Search your life history—not just your current address

A person who has moved several times can have separate records held by different jurisdictions. Build a short location history before assuming that one state search covers everything.

Places you lived

Current home state
Previous home states
College residences
Military or temporary assignments

Places you worked

Former employer locations
Remote employer headquarters
Seasonal jobs
States connected with payroll records

Places you did business

Old business registrations
Vendor relationships
Insurance policies
Property or service accounts

Search shortcut: NAUPA maintains a directory that routes users directly to official programs for each state or participating jurisdiction, so you do not need to guess which website is legitimate.

Open NAUPA state directory

Match verification

Do not claim a same-name result until the surrounding facts fit

Common unclaimed-property search fields and how to use them
Result field	What it tells you	How to verify it
Owner name	Name reported by the original property holder.	Compare spelling, initials, former names and joint-owner information.
Reported address	Address associated with the property when reported.	Compare with prior residences, employer locations or business records.
Holder	Company or organization that reported the property.	Ask whether you had an account, job, policy or transaction with that organization.
Property type	General category such as check, account, refund or security.	Connect the type to your known financial history.
Property ID	State or program reference for the record.	Save it before starting or calling about a claim.
Amount	Some programs display an amount or range; others may not.	Do not infer the amount when the state does not disclose it in search results.
Joint owner	Another person may be associated with the property.	Follow that state’s claim instructions rather than assuming one claimant can collect everything.

Same-name warning: a common name is not proof that the property belongs to you. Use the old address, reporting company, account relationship, joint-owner information and other available clues.

Claim workflow

Once you find a match, switch from searching to proving ownership

Open the matching property Confirm the state, owner, reported address, holder and property type.

Select the appropriate claimant type Individual owner, joint owner, estate, heir, business, trust or another authorized capacity may have different requirements.

Create the official claim Follow the state portal’s instructions and save the generated claim or confirmation number.

Read the exact document request Do not upload random financial records. Submit evidence that answers the state’s ownership question.

Upload readable copies Make sure names, dates, addresses and account clues are visible and not cut off.

Respond to follow-up requests A state may ask for additional proof if an old address, business relationship or estate authority is unclear.

Save the final confirmation Keep the claim ID, property ID, submission date and copies of everything sent.

Processing time varies. NAUPA notes that some states complete claims in less than 30 days. Complex estate, business or ownership claims may require additional review, so do not treat 30 days as a universal deadline.

Read NAUPA claim guidance

Ownership evidence

The difficult part is often proving your connection to an old address or account

Build proof around three questions

Who are you? Establish identity.

Why is this record yours? Connect yourself to the holder, account or old address.

Why are you allowed to claim it? Establish individual, estate, business, trust or other authority.

Documents a state may request depending on claim type
Proof category	Possible examples	What it helps establish
Identity	Driver license, state identification, passport or other accepted government ID.	Confirms the claimant’s identity.
Tax identity	Social Security or taxpayer-identification information as requested by the program.	Helps match the claimant to the reported owner.
Old address	Old utility bill, bank statement, lease, tax document, pay stub or other record showing the historical address.	Connects you to the address shown on the unclaimed-property record.
Account relationship	Old statement, check, policy, payroll record or correspondence from the reporting holder.	Shows why the company may owe you money.
Business authority	Entity registration, tax documentation or proof of authority to act for the business.	Shows that the claimant can legally act for the entity.
Estate or heir	Death certificate and probate, estate, heirship or relationship documents requested by the state.	Shows authority to claim property belonging to a deceased owner.
Trust	Trust documentation and evidence of current trustee authority.	Establishes authority to claim property owned by the trust.
Minor or protected person	Birth, guardianship, custodial or court documents required by the state.	Shows authority to claim for someone who cannot file personally.

Document-security rule: upload Social Security information, identification and estate documents only through an official secure claim portal or another submission method specifically provided by the government office. Do not send sensitive documents to an unsolicited finder or message sender.

Old address proof missing? Build a paper trail

Old tax returns or tax transcripts

W-2 or wage statements

Old bank or brokerage statements

Utility or telephone records

Lease or mortgage documents

Insurance documents

Employment records

Vehicle or registration records

Do not overwhelm the reviewer. If the claim asks you to prove an address from 2008, prioritize documents that actually display your name and that address instead of uploading unrelated current records.

Estate, business and joint claims

The claimant is not always the same person named in the search result

Deceased owner

A legal heir or estate representative may be eligible to pursue the property. Expect the state to determine what death, relationship and authority documents are required.

Business owner

Search the exact entity name plus previous names. A claimant may need to demonstrate both the business’s identity and authority to act for it.

Joint property

Do not assume one person can automatically claim the entire record. Follow the holding state’s instructions for joint ownership and deceased co-owners.

Dissolved business

Prepare records showing the old entity and who now has legal authority to recover assets belonging to it.

Trust property

Search both trustee and trust names where useful. The program may require proof of the trust and current trustee authority.

Minor owner

A parent, guardian or custodian may need additional proof that they are permitted to claim on the minor’s behalf.

Estate-search trick: search the deceased person’s full legal name, prior surname, initials and every state connected with their residence, employment and business history before concluding that no property exists.

Troubleshooting

No match found? Work through these causes in order

You searched only the current name Try maiden names, married names, previous legal names, initials and common spelling variations.

You searched only one state Repeat the search for every state connected with past addresses, jobs and businesses.

The money went missing recently Contact the original company. It may not have reached the state program yet.

The money came from a federal program A specialized federal database may be the correct place rather than a state search.

The property belonged to a business Search entity names, former entity names and abbreviations separately.

The owner died Search the deceased owner exactly as records may have shown the name during life.

Address information changed Search without ZIP or city filters and compare old locations after results appear.

Nothing appears anywhere Schedule another search later. New property is continually reported to state programs over time.

Beyond state databases

There is no single database for every kind of government-held money

State unclaimed-property programs hold most traditional unclaimed property, but some federal money must be searched through the agency or federal system responsible for that category.

Federal money routing console

Choose the source of the money before choosing the database.

EMPLOYER Back wages collected by U.S. Department of Labor.

RETIREMENT PLAN PBGC unclaimed retirement benefits.

VA INSURANCE Veterans Affairs unclaimed life-insurance funds.

FHA MORTGAGE HUD mortgage-insurance refund search.

FAILED BANK FDIC unclaimed insured deposits.

BANKRUPTCY U.S. Courts unclaimed-funds locator.

Federal databases worth checking when state search is not enough
Missing money type	Official source	How to search	What to know
Unpaid wages	U.S. Department of Labor — Workers Owed Wages	Search employer name or keyword, optionally filter by state, select the employer, then check your name.	The database covers certain back wages recovered by the Wage and Hour Division.
Unclaimed retirement benefit	Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation	Enter your last name and last four digits of your Social Security number.	PBGC’s search covers qualifying benefits connected with terminated private-sector retirement plans in its program.
VA life insurance	U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs	Use the VA unclaimed-insurance-funds locator.	This is separate from ordinary state unclaimed property.
FHA insurance refund	U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development	Use HUD’s FHA refund database.	Relevant to certain FHA-insured mortgage refunds.
Tax refund	Internal Revenue Service	Use IRS Refunds / Where’s My Refund with the requested tax-return information.	An IRS refund issue is not the same as a state unclaimed-property claim.
SEC enforcement distribution	U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission	Check SEC distributions to harmed investors.	Relevant to money distributed from certain enforcement matters.
Failed bank funds	Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation	Use the FDIC Unclaimed Funds search for closed institutions.	Designed for unclaimed insured deposits and related failed-bank funds.
Failed credit union funds	National Credit Union Administration	Use NCUA’s unclaimed-deposits guidance and search process.	Relevant to closed or liquidated credit unions.
Bankruptcy funds	U.S. Courts Unclaimed Funds Locator	Search creditor or debtor name and select applicable bankruptcy courts.	The court holding the money controls its claim procedure.
Individual Indian Money account	U.S. Department of the Interior	Use DOI’s search for unclaimed accounts / whereabouts unknown.	Applies to eligible Native American and Alaska Native beneficiaries.

Micro steps for the most useful federal searches

Department of Labor back wages

Search the employer name or keyword.
Use the state filter when useful.
Select the correct employer.
Continue to the employee-name search.
If matched, submit contact information and follow the claim instructions.

Search Workers Owed Wages

PBGC retirement benefits

Open PBGC’s unclaimed-benefit search.
Enter your last name.
Enter the last four digits of your SSN.
Review any returned benefit match.
Follow PBGC’s identity and benefit instructions.

Search PBGC benefits

Current PBGC detail: the agency states that its unclaimed-retirement-benefit database is updated quarterly. Use the live PBGC page rather than relying on an old downloaded list.

VA insurance funds HUD FHA refunds IRS refunds FDIC unclaimed funds NCUA deposits Bankruptcy funds DOI unclaimed accounts

Important 2026 correction

Treasury Hunt is no longer an active savings-bond search tool

Do not follow older instructions telling you to enter an SSN into Treasury Hunt. TreasuryDirect states that Treasury Hunt was discontinued on September 30, 2025.

The current TreasuryDirect guidance routes inquiries about unclaimed Treasury securities through state unclaimed-property programs. If you are dealing with a lost, stolen or destroyed savings bond, TreasuryDirect still provides the applicable savings-bond forms and claim instructions.

You believe an old Treasury security is unclaimed

Start with the state unclaimed-property program.
Search the original owner or purchaser name.
Check states connected with the owner when the bond was purchased.
Prepare identity and relationship documents if claiming for someone deceased.

Find state program

You know a paper bond was lost, stolen or destroyed

Open TreasuryDirect’s savings-bond forms page.
Select the form matching the bond problem.
Read the signature-certification instructions before signing.
Submit the form exactly as TreasuryDirect directs.

Open TreasuryDirect forms

Finder fees and scam prevention

The strongest scam filter is knowing the official process is already free

Increase caution when someone creates urgency or asks for unusual payment

A third-party finder may offer a legitimate paid service, but you do not need one to search or file through the official state program. Verify the record independently before signing a fee agreement or sharing sensitive documents.

Official-claim behavior versus warning signs
Situation	Lower-risk behavior	Warning sign
Search fee	Official state program lets you search free.	Someone says payment is required just to reveal the property.
Claim filing	Claim begins through the state holding the property.	A stranger insists you must use their private claim portal.
Sensitive information	Documents are uploaded through an official secure claim process.	Unsolicited email or text asks for a full SSN, ID image or bank login.
Payment	You verify the government office independently.	Gift card, cryptocurrency, wire or immediate payment is demanded to “release” money.
Finder contract	You understand the fee and know you could claim directly yourself.	The fee or authorization is hidden, vague or presented as mandatory.

Verification trick: if you receive an unclaimed-money letter, search your name independently through NAUPA or the relevant state program before contacting the sender.

Read NAUPA free-search guidance

After submission

Treat the claim like a case file until the property is returned

Claim submitted Save confirmation immediately.

Documents received Confirm upload or delivery status.

Ownership review Respond to requests for extra proof.

Claim approved Review payment or property-return instructions.

Funds received Keep the payment and claim records together.

Keep this claim log

State or agency holding the money

Property ID

Claim number

Owner name used in the record

Date claim was submitted

Documents submitted

Follow-up request dates

Final payment or property-return date

If a claim appears stuck: contact the program holding the property with your claim number and ask what specific item is still needed. “Is anything missing from my claim?” is more useful than starting a second duplicate claim.

Repeat-search strategy

One search today does not permanently rule out future property

Businesses and institutions continue reporting unclaimed property over time. A person who finds nothing today can still have a new record reported later.

After moving Keep former address records and update financial institutions so future payments can reach you.

After changing names Keep records linking old and new names. Those documents may later help prove an older account belongs to you.

During estate review Search the deceased person’s states, names, former addresses and employer history rather than relying only on bank statements found at home.

10 high-intent answers

Unclaimed property and missing money FAQs

How do I search for unclaimed money for free?

Use NAUPA’s Unclaimed.org to reach official state unclaimed-property programs. You can also use MissingMoney.com to search participating states. Official state searches and claims are free.

Which states should I search for unclaimed property?

Search every state where you have lived, worked, owned property or conducted business, including states connected with former addresses and employers.

What names should I use in an unclaimed property search?

Search your current legal name, maiden or former surnames, initials, common spelling variations, business names, trust names and the names of deceased relatives whose property you may legally claim.

What documents are needed to claim unclaimed property?

Requirements vary by state and claim type. Common examples include government identification, Social Security or tax identification information, proof connecting you to the reported address or account, and additional estate, business, trust or guardianship documents when applicable.

Can I claim unclaimed money belonging to a deceased relative?

A legal heir or authorized estate representative may be able to claim property owed to a deceased person. The state holding the property determines the documentation required, which may include a death certificate and evidence of legal authority or relationship.

How long does an unclaimed property claim take?

Processing varies by state and claim complexity. NAUPA notes that some state claims are completed in less than 30 days, while claims involving estates, businesses, missing documentation or ownership questions may take longer.

Do I have to pay a company to claim unclaimed property?

No. Official state unclaimed-property searches and claims are free. Third-party finders may charge fees, but their services are not required to recover property through the official state program.

Why did I find no unclaimed property under my current name?

The property may be listed under a former name, old address, initials, business name or another state. Recently abandoned funds may also still be with the original company and may not yet have been transferred to a state.

Where do I search for unclaimed pensions or unpaid wages?

Use the U.S. Department of Labor Workers Owed Wages database for certain back wages and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation’s unclaimed retirement benefits database for qualifying terminated private-sector retirement plans.

Is Treasury Hunt still available for lost savings bonds?

No. TreasuryDirect states that Treasury Hunt was discontinued on September 30, 2025. Unclaimed Treasury securities are now routed through state unclaimed-property programs, while TreasuryDirect provides forms and guidance for lost, stolen or destroyed savings bonds.

Information checked August 10, 2026: state search and claim guidance was reviewed using NAUPA and USAGov. Federal routes were checked against the U.S. Department of Labor, PBGC, VA, HUD, IRS, SEC, FDIC, NCUA, U.S. Courts, Department of the Interior and TreasuryDirect. Treasury Hunt discontinuation was checked directly against current TreasuryDirect guidance.

Khushboo Bobade

Khushboo Bobade is the editor and digital publisher of CountyAuditors.org. She oversees the research and editorial process for the website, ensuring that information about county auditor offices, property records, and government resources is accurate, verified, and easy for visitors to understand.

Ohio Auditor Tools · Tax Year 2026

10 Ohio Property Tax Calculators & Auditor Tools

Built specifically for Ohio's 35% assessment ratio, current DTE forms, and 2026 Homestead, Owner-Occupancy, CAUV, Conveyance Fee, and Board of Revision rules. Every number reflects verified Ohio Department of Taxation amounts.

Homestead: $29,000 Enhanced Vet: $58,000 OAGI limit: $41,000 Assessment: 35% of market BOR filing: Free · DTE 1

Annual Tax Bill Estimator

OHIO

Applies Ohio's 35% assessment ratio plus your county's effective millage tier — the actual math your auditor uses.

County tier

Your effective rate (%)

Market (appraised) value ($)

Pick a county tier and enter your market value.

Homestead Reduction Calculator

DTE 105A

2026 Ohio Homestead: $29,000 general or $58,000 enhanced (100% disabled vet, KIA spouse). OAGI under $41,000 required for non-veteran applicants.

Exemption type

Home market value ($)

County effective rate (%)

Pick your situation and enter your home value.

Owner-Occupancy & Non-Business Credits

DTE 105C

Every Ohio owner-occupied home qualifies for the 2.5% Owner-Occupancy Credit plus the automatic 10% Non-Business Credit. Most owners don't realize these stack.

Current annual property tax ($)

Enter your annual tax to see both credit amounts.

Conveyance Fee Calculator

ORC 322

When you sell or transfer Ohio property, the auditor collects $1 state + up to $3 county per $1,000, plus $0.50 per parcel. Counties choose their rate.

Sale / consideration price ($)

County fee rate

Number of parcels

Enter sale price and pick your county rate.

CAUV Agricultural Savings

DTE 109

Ohio's Current Agricultural Use Value cuts taxable value dramatically for farmland (10+ acres, or smaller with $2,500+ annual gross income).

Market value of farmland ($)

CAUV value (from auditor) ($)

County effective rate (%)

Enter both market and CAUV values to see savings.

Mill Rate Converter

Ohio tax rates appear three ways on auditor sites: mills, percent, or dollars per $1,000. Convert between them instantly.

Convert from

Value

Enter a rate to see all three forms.

Parcel Number Cleaner

Ohio's 88 counties each format parcels differently — Franklin uses 010-123456-00, Cuyahoga uses 001-23-456, Hamilton uses 100-0001-0001-00. Auto-detects.

Parcel / APN / PIN

Paste any Ohio county parcel to format it.

35% Ratio Sanity Check

Ohio law sets taxable value at 35% of market value. If yours is significantly higher, you're a strong BOR appeal candidate.

Taxable value (from tax bill) ($)

Likely market value ($)

Enter both values to compare against Ohio's 35% target.

BOR Appeal Savings

DTE 1

A successful Board of Revision complaint typically cuts your value 10–20%. Filing is free and stays in effect until the next reappraisal.

Current annual tax ($)

Likely value reduction

Enter your tax bill and reduction estimate.

BOR Deadline Countdown

MAR 31

Ohio's statutory Board of Revision filing deadline is March 31 for the prior tax year. Miss it and you wait until next year — no extensions.

Filing deadline (default March 31)

Set your deadline to start the countdown.

Verify with the official Ohio source

These calculators use the verified 2026 Ohio Department of Taxation amounts and statutory rules. For your exact bill, exemption status, and county-specific deadlines, always confirm with your county auditor and the Ohio Revised Code:

Ohio Dept. of Taxation — Real Property DTE Forms (105A, 105C, 1, 109) ORC 5715 — Board of Revision ORC 5713 — Taxable Real Property ORC 322.02 — Conveyance Fee ORC 319.54(F)(3) — State Fee ORC 5713.30 — CAUV tax.ohio.gov — Main Portal

Estimates use Ohio's 35% statutory assessment ratio and effective tax rate tiers averaged across major Ohio counties. Your actual bill depends on local school levies, voted millage, inside vs. outside millage splits, House Bill 920 reduction factors (HB 920), and special assessments. The 2026 Homestead general amount ($29,000) and enhanced amount ($58,000) reflect HB 187 inflation indexing — your county auditor's office may show slightly different transitional figures. Nothing here is legal or tax advice. CountyAuditors.org is an independent informational directory, not affiliated with any county government.