How to File a Property Value Complaint in Trumbull County

Property taxes in Trumbull County are based on the assessed market value of your property. If you believe the Trumbull County Auditor has overvalued your property, you have the right to file a Property Value Complaint. This process allows you to request a review or correction of your property’s value so that your tax bill accurately reflects its true market worth.

Understanding What a Property Value Complaint Is

A Property Value Complaint is a formal request made by a property owner (or other authorized party) to the Trumbull County Board of Revision (BOR). It challenges the property’s market value as determined by the Trumbull County Auditor’s Office.

The purpose of the complaint is not to dispute tax rates. It’s to ensure that the value placed on your property matches its real market value.

Why You Might File a Property Value Complaint

There are several valid reasons to file a complaint:

• Your property’s assessed value is higher than its actual market value.
  
• The property has been damaged (fire, flood, or structural loss) that decreased its value.
  
• Similar homes in your area are valued much lower.
  
• No improvements have been made, yet the property value increased significantly.
  

Filing a complaint gives you an opportunity to present evidence and seek a fair reassessment.

Types of Property Value Complaints in Trumbull County

Under Ohio law, the Trumbull County Board of Revision accepts three main types of property value complaints:

1. Owner’s Complaint

Filed by the property owner or taxpayer who believes the assessed value is incorrect.
This is the most common complaint type; owners provide documentation supporting a lower valuation.

2. Third Party Complaint

Filed by another entity, such as a school district or neighboring property owner.
For example, a school district may file if it believes a property is undervalued and affects local tax revenue.

3. Counter Complaint

Filed in response to an existing complaint.
If a property owner requests a reduction, a school district may submit a counter-complaint to maintain or increase the valuation. Both parties then appear before the Board of Revision for a hearing.

Filing Period and Deadlines

The filing window for property value complaints in Trumbull County runs from January 1 through March 31 of each year.
Complaints received after March 31 are not accepted for that tax year. Be sure to file within this period to preserve your appeal rights.

Required Form: DTE Form 1

To file your complaint, complete DTE Form 1 – Complaint Against the Valuation of Real Property.
This is the official form required for filing a valuation complaint in Trumbull County.

The form requires:

• Property owner’s name and parcel number
  
• Property address and contact details
  
• Current and proposed values
  
• Reason for requesting a change
  

Ensure all information is filled out completely and accurately before submission.

File a Property Value Complaint in Trumbull County: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Obtain and Complete the Form

Get DTE Form 1: Complaint Against the Valuation of Real Property.
You can obtain it from the Trumbull County Auditor’s Office or download it from their website.
Fill in all sections, including your parcel number and explanation for the value change.

Step 2: Gather Supporting Evidence

Prepare documents that support your request:

• A recent independent appraisal
  
• Real estate sales showing a lower value
  
• Photos of property damage
  
• Comparable property values in your area
  

Strong, verifiable evidence increases your chances of a favorable outcome.

Step 3: Submit the Complaint

Submit your completed form by mail or in person to the Trumbull County Board of Revision (located within the Auditor’s Office).
Keep a copy for your records.

Common BOR Forms in Trumbull County:

• DTE 1: Complaint Against the Valuation of Real Property
  
• DTE 1M: Manufactured or Mobile Home Complaint
  
• DTE 2: Complaint Against Assessment Other Than Market Value
  
• DTE 26: Application for Damaged or Destroyed Property Deduction
  

Step 4: Wait for the Board of Revision Review

After submission, your case will be reviewed. If needed, you’ll receive a notice to attend a BOR hearing to explain your reasoning and present your evidence.

Step 5: Attend the Hearing (if required)

At the hearing, the Board of Revision listens to both parties, the property owner and any opposing party (like a school district).
Be ready to clearly present your evidence and explain your proposed property value.

Step 6: Receive the Decision

Once a decision is made, you’ll receive written notification.
The Board may:

• Reduce your property value
  
• Keep it unchanged
  
• Increase it (in rare cases)
  

What Happens After the Decision

If you agree with the decision, your property’s value will be updated and reflected in your next tax bill.
If you disagree, you can appeal to the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals or to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of the decision notice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Filing after March 31
Leaving the form incomplete or unsigned
Providing weak or no evidence
Comparing to dissimilar properties
Skipping the hearing if scheduled

Avoiding these mistakes ensures your complaint is accepted and properly reviewed.

How Long the Process Takes

The process usually takes several months depending on how many complaints are filed that year.
Most cases are resolved before the end of the tax cycle so that any valuation changes appear on the next tax bill.

Conclusion

Filing a property value complaint in Trumbull County ensures your taxes are based on an accurate assessment.
By filing DTE Form 1 on time, submitting strong evidence, and following each step carefully, you can effectively challenge an incorrect valuation and achieve a fair adjustment.

If you’re unsure about your property’s value or need assistance, you can contact the Trumbull County Auditor’s Office or consult a licensed property appraiser for expert help.

FAQs