Lucas County Tax Mailing Address Policy  

To ensure tax bills and important notices reach the correct property owner, the Lucas County Treasurer’s Office follows the mailing address process set out below. 

1. How We Set the Mailing Address at Transfer 

When property is transferred, the tax mailing address is taken from the address listed on the recorded deed. 

Ohio law does not mandate using a specific document for the mailing address, but it requires the Treasurer to mail bills using the address available in the county’s official records (R.C. 323.13(A)). 

Using the deed address ensures: 

• The address aligns with the official ownership record 

• Notices go to the property owner rather than a third party 

• Returned mail is reduced 

• The Auditor and Treasurer records remain consistent 

Once the deed is recorded, the owner may change the address at any time using the form above.

2. Written Requests Required for Address Changes 

Under R.C. 323.13(C), any change to the mailing address for a tax bill must be made in writing to the County Treasurer. Lucas County satisfies this requirement through the online Change Mailing Address Form. We cannot update a mailing address based on phone calls, verbal instructions, or information provided only by title companies or lenders. 

3. Why We Do Not Use Escrow or Lender Addresses 

Escrow or lender addresses are often used for payment processing, not for official notices. Using them as the tax mailing address can prevent the property owner from receiving: 

• Valuation and assessment notices 

• Homestead/Owner-Occupied information 

• Code-enforcement letters 

• Delinquency notices 

For that reason, the tax mailing address must be the owner’s address, unless the owner submits a written update. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

1. Why do you use the deed address as the default mailing address? 

Because it is the address tied to the recorded ownership document. Using the deed address helps keep county records consistent and ensures the property owner receives tax bills and notices. 

There is also a practical benefit: Deeds are typically typed and much easier to read, while conveyance forms are often handwritten and sometimes difficult to interpret accurately. Using the deed reduces errors caused by unclear handwriting and helps prevent incorrect mailing addresses from entering the official records. 

Ohio law requires us to mail bills using the address in our official records, and the deed provides the clearest and most reliable starting point for that record. 

2. I put a different address on the conveyance form. Why wasn’t it used? 

Conveyance forms often include temporary, incomplete, or escrow addresses. To maintain consistency and reduce returned mail, we use the deed address as the official starting point. You can update your mailing address at any time using the form. 

3. Can my lender or title company update the mailing address for me? 

No. Ohio law (R.C. 323.13(C)) requires that the property owner submit any address change in writing. The online form satisfies this requirement. 

4. Can I use my lender’s escrow address as my mailing address? 

No. We do not accept escrow or lender addresses as the tax mailing address because they may prevent important notices from reaching you. Your lender may still receive payment information separately as needed. 

5. What if the address on my deed is wrong? 

You can correct it immediately by submitting the Change Mailing Address Form. Your updated address will become the official mailing address for future bills. 

6. What if I didn’t receive my tax bill? 

Under Ohio law (R.C. 323.13(E)), not receiving a bill does not remove your responsibility to pay taxes or avoid penalties. That’s why it’s important to keep your mailing address current. 

7. I own multiple parcels. How do I update all of them? 

If you own several parcels, email us with a list of the parcel numbers/property addresses and new mailing address. For individual parcels, please submit the form for each one.