WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION?
To qualify for the Homestead Exemption you must: Be at least 65 years old or will reach age 65 during the current tax year; or Is certified totally and permanently disabled as of Jan. 1 of the current tax year, regardless of age; or Is the surviving spouse of a qualified homeowner, and who was at least 59 years old on the date of their spouse's death and have a total income (owner and spouse) of less than $32,800.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS?
(1) You must occupy your home as of January 1 of the filing year. (2) Your name must appear on the deed or title of the property where you live. (3) You must file a “continuing homestead exemption” annually and advise the auditor’s office of any changes.
WHAT IS MEANT BY THE TERM “PERMANENTLY AND TOTALLY DISABLED”?
Section 4503.064 of the Revised Code defines “permanently and totally disabled” as a person who has some impairment in body or mind that makes him unfit to work any substantially remunerative employment which he is reasonably able to perform and will, with reasonable probability, continue for an indefinite period of at least 12 months. An appropriate certificate of disability form must be filled out and signed by a licensed physician and submitted with the Homestead exemption application.
WHEN CAN I APPLY?
Applications for the Homestead program may be filed from the first Monday in January until the first Monday in June each year. To obtain an application or information call 740 385 2127 Since manufactured homeowners pay their taxes currently, they must file their Homestead Exemption application during the year prior to the year for which the reduction is requested to get the benefit on their tax bills.
HOW WILL I KNOW OF MY APPLICATION HAS BEEN ACCEPTED?
Based on Ohio law and a review of the information you provide, the Auditor’s Office will determine if you qualify for the Homestead Exemption. If you are qualified, the exemption reduction will appear on the tax bill which you receive the following January. If you do not qualify for the exemption, the Auditor will notify you.
DOES THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION HAVE AN EFFECT ON OTHER REAL ESTATE TAX REDUCTIONS?
The Homestead Exemption is an additional reduction in real estate taxes beyond the other property tax deductions and rollbacks.