Over 41,000 Homeowners in Cuyahoga County Risk Delinquency as Property Tax Deadline Looms; $76 Million Unpaid

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Over 41,000 Cuyahoga County homeowners are behind on their property tax payments just days before the second half is due on July 17, putting nearly $76 million in local revenue at risk and adding pressure to already strained county services. This represents about 7% of the county’s 564,000 property owners, a percentage consistent with last year, but the total amount delinquent has sharply increased from $56 million, according to the county treasurer.

“I’ve never seen delinquency to this level,” said County Budget Director Walter Parfejewiec, who previously warned of a $19.2 million projected deficit in the county’s Health and Human Services Levy reserves due in part to rising unpaid taxes.

The surge in tax delinquencies follows a recent countywide property reappraisal that raised home values by an average of 32%, significantly increasing bills for many. While County Treasurer Brad Cromes acknowledged the impact of higher valuations, he noted the percentage of non-payments has not changed from the previous year. “It’s too soon to say at this point,” Cromes said, but added, “If nothing else changes, we are prepared for there to be an increase.”

Despite the financial strain, county data indicates a decline in the number of residents enrolling in payment plans this year compared to 2024. So far, 2,015 homeowners have signed up, down from 2,476 the year prior. Cromes encouraged residents to consider available tax breaks like the homestead exemption and to contact the Treasurer’s Office for payment assistance options. “We want to help people stay in their homes and reach financial stability,” he said.

Payments must be made by July 17 to avoid penalties. The county has extended Treasurer’s Office hours to accommodate residents, opening from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the due date. Payments can be submitted online, in person, by phone, or via postmarked mail.

Simultaneously, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has convened a task force to review property tax reforms, with a report expected by September 30. The effort comes amid increasing calls for solutions to escalating tax burdens that, as illustrated by data from the Policy Analysis No. 990 by the Cato Institute, are exacerbated by federal and state spending inefficiencies and growing corporate welfare programs that redirect funds from essential public services. That report highlights how government subsidies, often entrenched and duplicative, contribute to fiscal imbalance, making it harder to support local programs without robust and timely tax revenue.

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