Auditor Stinziano Announces New E-Filing and Assistance Programs for Franklin County Homeowners

Franklin County OH Auditor

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Monica Moran, 614.378.2879

Monica.Moran@franklincountyohio.gov

New E-Filing and Assistance Program to Make BOR Process Easier, Accessible for Homeowners

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano announced the launch of two new initiatives that will make the Franklin County Board of Revision (BOR) complaint process easier and more accessible for homeowners challenging the value of their homes as determined by the Auditor’s office.

For the first time, the office has added an e-filing option for homeowners to file their Board of Revision complaints about the value of their homes electronically. E-Filing allows homeowners an efficient way to file a complaint from the comfort of their homes via the BOR website at www.franklincountyauditor.com/real-estate/board-of-revision. The new capability applies to filing the DTE-1 form, which is used to challenge the value of a home. Complaints can also still be filed by email, mail or fax.

Additionally, Stinziano announced the launch of the new Franklin County Board of Revision Pro Bono Assistance Program, which is designed to help low-to-moderate income homeowners file complaints about the value of their homes.  The program consists of a clinic, where volunteer attorneys and real estate professionals provide guidance about whether to file a complaint, and help completing the complaint form. Homeowners with qualifying incomes may also be able to get legal representation at the BOR hearing. 

“I want to ensure that the voice of homeowners is heard as part of this important process,” Stinziano said. “Through this new e-filing capability and the assistance program, more homeowners will be able to have a more active role in determining their home value, helping them remain in their homes.”

The new initiatives come as the Auditor’s office has completed the Triennial Update, which updated the property values of every parcel in the county to keep them in line with the current real estate market. BOR complaints can be filed now through March 31, 2021. Once a complaint has been filed, a hearing will be scheduled before the Board where evidence about a home’s value can be presented. Due to public health concerns, all BOR hearings are currently being held via Zoom.

                                                               ###