Property taxes can heavily impact seniors living on a fixed income, but in Ohio, many older adults can benefit from significant property tax relief through the Homestead Exemption program. This program is designed to make homeownership more affordable for seniors and certain groups by reducing the taxable value of their primary residences. Understanding how it works and how qualifications apply across counties is essential for taking advantage of these savings.
How the Ohio Homestead Exemption Works
The Ohio Homestead Exemption is a statewide property tax relief program available to senior citizens, permanently and totally disabled individuals, and certain military veterans or their surviving spouses. The program exempts a portion of a qualifying homeowner’s property value from taxation, thus reducing the annual property tax bill.
Key Benefits and Qualifying Criteria (2024-2025):
- Exemption Amount: For 2024, the homestead exemption shields up to $28,000 of a home’s appraised market value from local property taxes. For certain disabled veterans and the surviving spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty, the exemption applies to even more—typically up to $56,000.
- Eligibility Age: The homeowner must be 65 years or older (or will turn 65 during the year for which applying), or be permanently and totally disabled as of January 1 of the applicable tax year.
- Income Limits: The household’s total income (for both the applicant and their spouse) must not exceed $38,600 for applications in 2024, and $40,000 for those applying in 2025. This amount is adjusted annually for inflation.
- Primary Residence: The applicant must own and occupy the home as their main residence as of January 1 of the application year.
- Special Provisions: Disabled veterans with a 100% service-related disability rating and the surviving spouses of first responders are not subject to income limits and may qualify for the higher exemption.
The exact reduction in property tax varies by location, as property tax rates differ across counties and municipalities.
County Exemption Amount (2024) Income Limit (2024) Phone/Contact for Assistance…