Transferring Property in Columbiana County: Requirements and Auditor Fees

Transferring real estate is a multi-step legal process that involves both the County Auditor and the County Recorder. In Columbiana County, as of 2026, specific fees and document standards must be met to ensure a “clean” title transfer and updated tax records.

Whether you are selling a home, gifting land to a family member, or settling an estate, this guide outlines the mandatory filings and costs involved.

1. The Three Essential Documents

Before a property can be legally transferred, three primary documents must be prepared and presented to the county offices:

1. The Deed: This is the legal instrument that transfers ownership. Common types used in Ohio include:
   • General Warranty Deed: Provides the highest level of protection to the buyer.
   • Quitclaim Deed: Often used for transfers between family members or into a trust (provides no warranties).
   • Fiduciary Deed: Used by executors or guardians to transfer property from an estate.
2. DTE Form 100 or 100(EX):
   • DTE 100 (Real Property Conveyance Fee Statement): Used for taxable sales where money changes hands.
   • DTE 100(EX) (Statement of Reason for Exemption): Used for gifts, transfers between spouses, or inheritances where no conveyance fee is required.
3. Tax Map Approval: For any new legal descriptions (like a land split or a new survey), the Columbiana County Tax Map Office must review and “stamp” the deed before the Auditor will process the transfer.

2. Mandatory Auditor Transfer Fees (2026)

The Auditor’s office collects two distinct fees during the transfer process. These must be paid before you go to the Recorder’s office.

The Conveyance Fee (Transfer Tax)

This is a tax on the sale of real estate. In Columbiana County, the rate is:

• $4.00 per $1,000 of the sale price.
  • Example: If a home sells for $200,000, the conveyance fee is $800.00.
• Rounding: The fee is typically rounded to the nearest $0.10.

The Transfer Fee

In addition to the conveyance fee, a flat administrative fee is charged for updating the tax records:

• $0.50 per parcel.
  • Example: If the deed includes three separate parcels, the transfer fee is $1.50.

3. Recorder’s Office Filing Fees

Once the Auditor has stamped your deed “Transferred,” you must take it to the County Recorder to make the transfer a matter of permanent public record.

• First Page: $34.00
• Each Additional Page: $8.00
• Non-Standard Fee: A $20.00 surcharge may apply if the document does not meet standard formatting requirements (e.g., margins, font size, or paper quality).

4. Step-by-Step Filing Process

1. Preparation: Have a legal professional or title company prepare the deed and the appropriate DTE form. Ensure it is signed and notarized.
2. Tax Map Review: If you are splitting land or the legal description is new, visit the Tax Map Office (located in the courthouse) for approval.
3. Auditor Endorsement: Bring the deed and DTE form to the Auditor’s office. Pay the conveyance fee and transfer fee. They will stamp the deed “Transferred.”
4. Recorder Filing: Take the stamped deed to the Recorder’s office. Pay the recording fees. This officially completes the transfer.

Conclusion

Transferring property in Columbiana County is a procedural chain that ensures the Tax Map, Auditor, and Recorder all have matching, accurate data. By preparing the correct DTE forms and ensuring your deed is properly notarized and stamped, you can avoid delays and ensure the legal title is securely moved to the new owner.

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