1. LODGING EXCISE TAX
1.1. What is a Lodging Excise Tax?
The Lodging Excise Tax is levied and imposed upon each transaction in Summit County by which lodging is furnished by a vendor to a transient guest.
1.2. What is the current rate of the Lodging Excise Tax?
The current rate of the Lodging Excise Tax in Summit County is 5.5%.
1.3. Who must file Lodging Excise Taxes?
Every establishment in Summit County that has kept, used, maintained, advertised, or held out to the public to be a place where sleeping accommodations are offered to guests, in which five or more rooms are used for the accommodation of such guests, whether such rooms are in one or several structures.
1.4. Are Bed & Breakfast facilities required to collect Lodging Excise Taxes?
Bed & Breakfast facilities which have five or more rooms used for sleeping accommodation are subject to the Lodging Excise Tax in Summit County.
1.5. Where does a lodging establishment send their tax each month?
Please send your taxes to the Summit County Fiscal Office, Lodging Excise Tax Department, 175 S. Main St., Room 320, Akron, Ohio 44308.
1.6. To whom should the check be made payable?
Submit the completed Lodging Excise Return with your payment. Please make your check payable to: Kristen M. Scalise CPA, CFE, Fiscal Officer or Summit County Fiscal Office.
2. RECORDING
2.1. What is your mailing address?
Summit County Fiscal Office
Recording Division
175 South Main Street, 4th Floor
Akron, OH 44308
330-643-2712
2.2. Does Summit County offer on-line access to Recorded Documents?
You can search and view Recorded Documents using a web browser from 1988 forward. You can also access recorded document information by visiting our office and using our public computers located on the 4th floor in the Records Room.
2.3. What is Summit County's document turn-around time?
Our turn-around time is 3 - 5 working days.
2.4. How can I obtain a copy of my deed?
You should have received a copy of your original deed shortly after the closing of your home. If you cannot find your deed, our office can provide a copy of your deed. You can mail a request. The cost of the copy is $4; add $1.00 if you want the copy certified. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your request.
2.5. Does the Recording Division perform title or property searches?
No, we do not.
2.6. How do I change the name on a deed?
To change the name on a current deed of record, a new deed must be prepared and recorded. Ohio law states only the individual requesting the change or an attorney can prepare the new deed.
Once the new deed has been prepared, it must be presented to the Fiscal Office Tax Map Department for approval of the legal description contained in the new deed. From there, it is taken to the Conveyance Department for the transfer to the new name. The deed is now ready for recordation in the Recording Department.
Recording fees are $34 for the first two pages and $8 for each additional page.
2.7. How do I replace a lost Military Discharge DD 214?
Military Discharges are recorded at no charge in our Recording Division. Certified copies are given as a courtesy to military personnel. Your discharge from active duty, DD Form 214, is one of the most important documents you will receive from the branch of military service where you served. It allows you to participate in all Veterans Affairs programs as well as many state and federal programs.
Military Discharges are not viewable via the Internet.
If you did not record your DD Form 214 at the Recording Division office and you need a copy, you can request one by calling or writing your Member of Congress.
2.8. How can I obtain a copy of birth and death records?
For Akron residents, call 330-812-3845; all others call the Summit County Health Department at 330-923-4891.
3. REAL ESTATE TAXES
3.1. How much are my property taxes?
Any questions you may have regarding the amount of taxes owed, payments made, ownership of property, etc. can be found on on our Web site. You can search by parcel number, name or address; just choose the tax year in question. Access Property Tax Information now.
3.2. Is there a grace period after the due date?
Ohio law does not permit any time extensions for paying property taxes. Even failure to receive a tax bill will not excuse late payment; it is the taxpayer's responsibility to obtain and pay their tax bill on time.
3.3. How much is the penalty for late payment?
Penalties are 10% of the unpaid taxes for first half. If the tax bill is not paid by the second half due date, the total amount of unpaid current taxes is subject to another 10% penalty. This means that first half taxes and penalty are subject to the second half 10% penalty.
3.4. Whom should I make checks or money orders payable to?
- Kristen M. Scalise CPA, CFE, Fiscal Officer or Summit County Fiscal Office
3.5. Where and how can I make payment?
- In person: Payments can be made in person at the Summit County Fiscal Office, Treasurers Division, 3rd floor of the Ohio Building, 175 S. Main St., Akron 44308. Our office hours are 7:30am-4:00pm, Monday through Friday.
- By mail: Mailed payments must be U.S. postmarked by the due date to avoid the statutory 10% penalty for late payment. A private meter is not valid for establishing the date of payment. Mail payment to the Summit County Fiscal Office, Treasurers Division, 3rd floor of the Ohio Building, 175 S. Main St., Akron 44308.
- At banks who participate in the Regional Tax Collection System: A list of participating banks is included on the front of your tax bill. Payments will be accepted only during an open collection. An open collection begins when first or second half tax bills are mailed, and continues until the deadline due date. Taxes are one year in arrears.
- Online or by phone: Tax bills can be paid online or by phone through a secure payment service provided by Official Payments Corporation. Taxpayers will need their parcel number on-hand. To pay taxes online or by phone, go to On-line Tax Payments. *A service fee will be charged by Official Payments Corporation.
- At a MoneyGram location: In-person cash payments can be made through MoneyGram, a new payment service offered at 35,000 locations nationwide. MoneyGram provides guaranteed same-day transactions. To locate a MoneyGram center, visit Official Payments or call 1-800-MoneyGram. *A service fee will be charged by Official Payments Corporation.
3.6. Do I have to make monthly (R.E.D.) payments or can I pay all five(5) coupons at once?
Our (R.E.D.) Real Estate Discount Program gives you the option to make monthly installments or pay all five coupons at one time. The larger the initial payment, the greater the discount credit. Sign up to start earning interest on property tax payments with our Real Estate Discount Program.
3.7. When are Tax Certificate Lien Sales held?
Tax Certificate Lien Sales are held in late October of each year.
3.8. How do I change my tax mailing address?
Ohio law states a change in the mailing address of any tax bill must be made in writing to the county Fiscal Officer by the taxpayer. You may also change your mailing address or make mortgage company changes by e-Mail
4. UNCLAIMED FUNDS
4.1. What is the procedure for making a claim?
All claim forms must be signed, notarized and mailed to:
Summit County Fiscal Office
Attn: Unclaimed Funds
175 South Main Street, Room 406
Akron, OH 44308
If there are multiple claims, a seperate form needs to be completed for each dollar amount. All claims must have the proper proof of claim. Once the claim form is received in our office, processing takes approximately 20 business days. Many claims require authorization to pay from the originating agency; this may take a little longer.
4.2. What should I do if I think I may have Unclaimed funds?
Write to the Summit County Fiscal Office, Attn: Unclaimed Funds, 175 South Main St., Room 406, Akron, OH 44308. Provide your current name and initials, along with any prior names you have used, such as maiden names or you can search our Unclaimed Funds Online. If you find accounts belonging to you or someone you know, you can either print the claim form, complete it and return it to us at the above address for processing or call 330-643-8056.
4.3. What are some examples of the Unclaimed Funds held by the Fiscal Office Auditor Division?
- Fiscal Office - Vendor Payments
- Fiscal Office - Real Estate Tax Overpayment
- Clerk of Court - Fees & Costs
- Juvenile Court - Fees & Costs
- Probate Court - Lost Heir Accounts
- Sheriff - Sheriff Sale proceeds
4.4. What are some examples of proof of claim?
A clear photocopy of a document with the original owner’s name and Social Security number on it, such as the Social Security card, driver’s license or State of Ohio ID REQUIRED FOR ALL CLAIMS (NOTE: The Social Security number will be held in the strictest confidence and used only to establish rightful ownership of the unclaimed funds.)
The original check(s) IF AVAILABLE. If the owner of the funds is a business, please provide documentation which shows the Tax ID number along with documentation proving the individual signing the form is an authorized agent of said business.
4.5. If I am not the original owner, or the owner is deceased, how do I prove the claim?
First, you must show that the account belonged to the original owner (see #1 proof of claim). Second, you must prove that you are the rightful recipient of the funds, and you are legally entitled to claim these funds for the owner, such as if the owner is incapacitated or deceased. If the owner is incapacitated, proper documentation from the Court to show a guardianship, custodial, or Power of Attorney relationship, and a court order, or permission from the guardian or custodian is required.
If the original owner is deceased, a copy of the death certificate and letter of authority naming the executor of the estate is required. We will not pay a claim based solely upon a will or death certificate. If a professional finder is claiming the funds, a Power of Attorney signed by the executor is also required. (NOTE: The Summit County Fiscal Office reserves the right to contact the original payee directly to confirm a Power of Attorney)
4.6. Am I entitled to interest?
Interest is not paid on any account.
4.7. Will I be a charged a fee?
The Summit County Fiscal Office does not charge a fee to claim funds. If you have contracted with a professional finder to claim your funds, you may be subject to pay a fee to them according to your contract.
4.8. Where can I find a Notary?
Notary Public can be found at your local bank, city and county offices, police and sheriff's departments, most attorneys.
4.9. How long will it take to get my funds?
Once the claim form is received in our office, processing takes approximately 20 business days. Most claims require authorization to pay from the originating agency and may take a little longer.
5. Weights & Measure
5.1. According to my vehicle’s owner manual, my gas tank holds 14 gallons. Why can I put 16 gallons in when I fill up at a gas pump?
The tank and gauge in your vehicle are not certified measuring devices. It is likely that your vehicle’s gas tank can hold 2 gallons or more than what is listed in the owner manual. This also applies to hand-held gasoline cans. These containers are produced with extra space for expansion of the product and they are not certified.
5.2. What should I do if the gas pump displays a charge before I begin to fill my tank?
This is called a “pump jump”. When this happens, you should notify the manager or cashier at the gas station. Make sure they reset the dispenser to zero before you begin pumping your gas. If you pre-paid with a credit card, the gas station should credit you the amount of the “pump jump”. You can also contact our office to report the problem by calling 330-630-7233.
5.3. Do gas stations add water to their gasoline to make it go further?
NO. Gasoline and water do not mix. Water will settle to the bottom of the storage tanks. If you get water in your fuel, it will damage your car. Our office tests for water and sediment in the gasoline. Look for the Fiscal Office seal on the gas pump before you fill up.
5.4. How often do you find water in the gasoline that exceeds the legal limit in Summit County?
Water is found occasionally in gasoline storage tanks. When we discover it, a water notification is issued and the product is immediately removed from sale.
5.5. Why is ethanol added to conventional gasoline?
Ethanol is added to gasoline for two reasons: 1.) it is used as an Oxygenate to lower emissions with a more complete burn of the gasoline, and 2.) it extends the gasoline (increases the volume) and raises the octane level.
5.6. If the automatic shutoff on a gasoline pump does not shut off and gas is spilled, what should I do?
Do not leave the gas station without notifying the manager or cashier at the gas station. Then contact our office immediately at 330-630-7233.
5.7. If retail scanners are reading the wrong price, who should I contact?
Contact our office at 330-630-7233. The Fiscal Office’s Weights and Measures Department checks scanners throughout Summit County for accuracy. We will send an inspector out to test the equipment.
5.8. Should I be charged for packaging material when purchasing a product across a scale?
NO. You should be charged for the product only, not the packaging materials. This is also known as the “net weight”. “Tare weight” is the measure of the packaging materials, and “gross weight” is the combination of the two. The consumer is only responsible for paying for the “net weight”.
5.9. I want to start a business that will sell items across a scale. What do I need?
Contact our office for guidance on how to sell items across a scale. Our Weights and Measures Department can point you in the right direction. You may contact an official by calling 330-630-7233.
5.10. Can I purchase a scale for commercial use and use it without consulting anyone first?
NO. All scales and measurement devices must be tested and placed into service by a registered service company or a Weights and Measures official from our office. This applies to scales and meters.
5.11. I am interested in selling propane in Summit County. What do I need?
Propane must be sold by the gallon or pound through a certified meter or scale that has been tested by our office. Contact our Weights and Measures Department at 330-630-7233.
5.12. In what measurement should I purchase firewood?
Firewood is sold by a measurement called a “cord”. A cord must equal 128 cubic feet. To be sure you have a cord, stack the wood neatly by placing the wood in a line of a row, with individual pieces touching and parallel to each other. Make sure the wood is compact and has few gaps. Multiply the width times the height, times the length. This should equal 128 cubic feet, which is a “cord”.
5.13. Should I buy firewood if it is sold by the “truckload” or “pile”?
NO. You should only purchase firewood in the measurement of a “cord”. A cord is defined by law, like a gallon and a ton. A seller may not legitimately use terms such as “truckload”, “face cord”, “rack” or “pile” because these measurements are not legally defined.
5.14. How can I protect myself when buying firewood?
When you purchase firewood, be sure to get a receipt showing the seller’s name and address, price, amount and type of wood. If possible, get the seller’s phone number and write down the license plate number of the delivery vehicle. If the cubic measurement indicates that you did not receive the correct volume, contact the seller before you burn the wood.
5.15. What should I do if I have a question that is not answered here?
Call our Weights and Measures Department at 330-630-7233.