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By Ron Calhoun
State of Ohio Homestead exemption for homeowners who are senior citizens or permanently disabled may benefit from significant property tax savings through the Homestead Exemption Program. This statewide initiative allows eligible residents to shield up to $26,200 of their home’s market value from taxation.
The homestead exemption was originally available to all homeowners over 65 years old, as well as permanently disabled homeowners regardless of income since 2007. However, changes introduced by Ohio Sub. House Bill 59 in 2013 modified eligibility criteria starting with tax year 2014. While existing recipients under the old rules remain unaffected, new applicants must meet current income guidelines to qualify.
Income requirements for homeowners 65 and older and those who are permanently and totally disabled. must not have a total household income over $36,100/year for 2023, or $38,600/year for 2024
Additionally, a new exemption introduced in 2014 extends benefits to veterans with a 100% disability rating and their surviving spouses. Qualifying veterans with a permanent, total service-connected disability rating can receive a tax reduction equivalent to the amount of tax assessed on the first $50,000 of their home’s market value with no income restrictions.
For homeowners who do not qualify for these exemptions, there are still various resources and programs available:
- Property Tax Payment Plans: Some counties offer installment payment plans to help homeowners manage their property tax payments more effectively.
- Tax Relief Programs for Low-Income Homeowners: Some states or counties offer specific tax relief programs aimed at low-income homeowners. These programs may include partial exemptions, deferrals, or credits based on income level and property value.
- Energy Efficiency and Home Improvement Programs: Many municipalities and states offer programs that provide incentives or financial assistance for homeowners to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes.
- Senior Citizen Discounts or Rebates: Some local governments offer property tax discounts or rebates specifically for senior citizens, even if they do not qualify for the Homestead Exemption.
- Financial Counseling Services: Some community organizations or local government offices offer financial counseling services to homeowners, providing advice on managing property taxes, budgeting, and accessing available resources.
- Homeowner Assistance Programs: Depending on the area, there may be nonprofit organizations or government agencies that provide general homeowner assistance, which could include property tax assistance among other forms of support.
- Tax Appeals and Assessments: Homeowners who believe their property tax assessment is inaccurate can appeal the assessment. This process involves providing evidence to support a different valuation, potentially resulting in a lower tax bill.
For homeowners seeking further tax relief, the owner occupancy credit provides a tax reduction for owner-occupied homes if certain criteria are met, including residency and application deadlines. Applications for the owner occupancy credit credit must be submitted annually between January 1 and the first Monday in June.
Property owners who disagree with the valuation of their property set by the county auditor have the option to appeal to the Cuyahoga County Board of Revision. Appeals must be filed between January 1 and March 31, and require evidence of the property’s fair market value.
For more information on the homestead exemption, the owner occupancy credit or property tax assessment, contact the Cuyahoga County Auditor’s office at 216-123-4567 or send an email to [email protected].
- Resources for Residents
- Homestead Exemption – Find out if you are eligible for this tax credit.Owner Occupancy Credit – Find out if you are eligible for this tax credit.
- EasyPay – A convenient way to pay property taxes.
- Military Deferment – Property taxes can be deferred.
- Property Alerts – Protect yourself from deed fraud.