The deadline to apply for the Homestead Exemption credit is Monday, June 2, 2014.
Ohio homeowners who are aged 65 and older or who have permanent disability can sign-up got the Homestead Tax Exemption by filing an application. Qualification for the credit has changed from previous years and the new rules governing the program are in effect for 2014 and subsequent years. The changes will impact eligible homeowners in one of three ways depending on their status – new, late, or past recipient.
New Homestead Exemption applicants must own a home and be turning at least 65 years old in 2014, or become permanently and totally disabled, and will now be subject to an income test to qualify for the program. The new rule requires applicants to earn a total household income of $30,500 or less to be eligible. For those individuals that are filing for the property tax break, please have a photo ID and a copy of your 2013 State of Ohio income tax filing for everyone in the household.
Late-applicant homeowners who qualified for the Homestead Exemption credit last year and did not apply is eligible to enroll in the program without being subject to the income restriction if the June 2nd deadline is met. In order to qualify in 2013, the following conditions must apply:
* Owned home as principal residence on January 1, 2013.
* Turned at least 65 years of age in 2013, or permanently and totally disabled on January 1, 2013
If currently receiving the Homestead Exemption based on a prior application, you do not have to meet the 2014 income requirements and will remain grandfathered in the program. Past recipients will continue to qualify for the Homestead Exemption under the old rules. Current recipients are not required to re-apply, will never be subject to an income test, and will receive the benefits of the program if the current property is sold and a new home is purchased.
Please refer to the resources available on the auditor's website or contact the homestead department at (937) 562-5039 with any questions concerning the process. Applications are available at the auditor’s office or can be downloaded from the auditor’s website below.