Auditor, treasurer outline property tax assistance

Officials offering assistance to those experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 pandemic

Lake County Treasurer Lorraine Fende and Lake County Auditor Christopher Galloway announced this week the process for taxpayers who are experiencing financial difficulties due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

According to the officials, there are no provisions currently under Ohio Revised Code for a property tax reduction due to

COVID-19.

However, Fende and Galloway said they have been meeting regularly to review ways to assist those struggling and want Lake County taxpayers affected to know there is assistance available.

“I have placed an insert in Second Half tax bills outlining the process for applying for a payment plan on taxes and requesting a Remission of Penalty on a delinquent tax balance,” Fende said. “Pay what you can, reach out to us, after July 16, and get on a payment plan for the balance. If taxes are not paid by the July 15 due date, the taxpayer should call my office at 440-350-2516 to discuss delinquent payment plans.

A delinquent payment plan can be interest and penalty free.”

Any penalties for being late apply starting July 16.

“Although we don’t have authority to reduce or waive taxes, Ohio law allows the treasurer and auditor to work with the public on these matters and it is our intention to help in any way the law allows,” Galloway said.

According to the county, any remission of penalty for delinquent taxes is individually reviewed by the treasurer and auditor on a case-by-case basis. Taxpayers seeking remission due to COVID-19 financial hardship will need documentation detailing the hardship.

Examples include documents showing a layoff, unemployment application or business closing.

“A taxpayer that makes a good faith effort to make a partial payment and go on a payment plan will have a very good chance of having the penalty removed from their tax bill,” Galloway said. “I want to encourage those that need the help to ask for help.”

Information on the Remission of Penalty and applying for COVID-19 tax assistance is available on both the auditor and treasurer’s respective websites.

“Due to ‘social distancing,’ paying your real estate tax in person will be more challenging,” Fende added. “Please consider mailing your payment, using our drop box or our drive-thru.”

Fende Galloway