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Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What does homestead mean?
"Homestead" is a dwelling that is owned and occupied by an individual. "Homestead Exemption"
can reduce the property tax liability for seniors and permanently and totally disabled property owners.
Ohio Revised Code 323.151
The Ohio Revised Code provides in pertinent part that the Homestead Exemption is a tax relief program for seniors and
permanently disabled homeowners. This includes homeowners that reside in a single family dwelling,
condominium, unit in a multiple-unit dwelling, mobile home, or manufactured home.
It is also available to land contract and life estate ownerships.
Any property owner who is 65 in the year they apply or who has been certified as permanently
and totally disabled by a state or federal agency prior to January 1st of the application year should apply.
Who should apply?
Any senior property owner who is 65 in the year that they apply or any property owner
who has been certified as permanently and totally disabled by a state or federal agency,
prior to January 1st of the application year.
Who is considered a homeowner?
In general, a person whose name appears on the deed, a purchaser under a land contract,
a person with a life estate, or a person with control under a revocable living trust.
What do I need to do if I am filing as a disabled person less than 65 years of age?
You will need to get the certification of a medical doctor or psychologist.
Requirements for designation (and the certification statement) can be found on the back side of the
Homestead Exemption Application form.
What are the income requirements?
None. Income is no longer a factor in determining eligibility for the Homestead Exemption.
What types of properties are eligible for the Homestead Exemption?
Homestead includes single family dwellings, condominiums, a unit in a multiple-unit dwelling,
and mobile home or manufactured homes occupied as
the PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE of the owner.
What if the occupant is purchasing the dwelling on land contract or has life estate?
Homestead also includes land contract and life estate ownership.
What if I don’t live in Ohio for the whole year?
You must be a legal resident of Ohio as of January 1st in order to file for Homestead Exemption in that year.
What if I die and my surviving spouse is less than 65 years of age?
If your surviving spouse is at least 59 years of age on the date of your death,
he/she is eligible to continue receiving the homestead exemption.
The surviving spouse should report the change of status before the first Monday of June.
How do I show proof of my age?
At the discretion of the County Auditor, you may be asked for appropriate I.D. information.
You must, however, report your age and date of birth on the Homestead Exemption Application.
Providing false information on that application would be considered a perjury and subject to prosecution.
Also, you would be barred from the program for three years thereafter and subject to repayment of
any wrongfully claimed benefits plus interest on the benefits improperly received.
When must my application be filed with the County Auditor?
For this year (2007) only, you may file until October 1st.
In subsequent years, the application must be received by the County Auditor by the first Monday of June.
How do I apply for the Homestead Exemption?
You need to file a “Homestead Exemption Application” (Form #DTE105A) available on this website by clicking here.
Can the applicant apply by mail?
Yes, you are not required to apply in person.
Call the Education and Outreach Department at 419.213.4406 to request a form be mailed to you.
Where can you apply?
Office of Anita Lopez, Lucas County Auditor
One Government Center
Suite 600
Toledo, Ohio 43604-2255
How do I know if I’m currently receiving the Homestead Exemption?
The reduction is plainly marked on your tax bill.
Do I need to apply again if I already received the Homestead Exemption on my 2007 tax bill?
NO. Taxpayers already on the program do NOT need to reapply.
You will automatically be considered eligible for the program.
Do I have to file a new application every year?
Once you qualify for the exemption, you will receive a form from the County Auditor every year.
You will only need to file that form if there is a change in the owner’s eligibility status or in ownership of the property.
How much will my taxes be reduced by the Homestead Exemption?
The exemption is based upon a reduction of $25,000 in the “true value” appraisal of the home. Depending upon the tax rate in your district and the 2007 tax rates, the average savings ranges from $370 to $625 per year ($185 to $312.50 per half) in Lucas County.
What if my benefit from the old plan is higher than my benefit under the new formula?
The benefit will be the amount you received on your 2007 tax bill OR the amount available under the new formula, whichever is HIGHER.
How soon after submitting an application will the credit be shown on the tax bill?
For valid applications filed prior to the October 1st deadline, the reduction will first appear on the tax bill
in January of the following year.
How will I know if my application has been approved?
For approved applications, the exemption amount and tax reduction will be noted on the tax bill you receive in January of the year following the one in which you make application. If your application is rejected for any reason, you will receive written notification from the County Auditor by November 1st of the year in which your application is filed. If you wish to appeal the decision to decline your application you may obtain a form from the County Auditor to do so.
Will this discount on my tax bill reduce the revenue of my local school district or other local taxing authority?
No. This program is to be funded from securitizing the State’s settlement with tobacco companies.
From those funds, the State is rebating the Homestead deductions to the local taxing districts.
Will the Homestead Exemption reduce special assessment liabilities?
No, the homestead reduction is limited to general taxes only.
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