Ohio’s Homestead Exemption protects the first $25,000 of your home’s value from taxation. For example, if your home is worth $100,000, you will be taxed as if the home were worth $75,000. On average, those who qualify for the exemption save $400 a year.
Who is eligible? A homeowner who is:
1. 65 years old (or who will turn 65 this year), or
2. Permanently and totally disabled as of the 1st day of the year in which they file, or
3. The surviving spouse of a person previously enrolled in Homestead and who was at least 59 years of age when the spouse died.
What property is eligible for the exemption?
1. The property must be where you usually live, and
2. You must have been living there as of January 1st, and
3. You must be on the deed, or if the property is held in a trust, you must give the Auditor a copy of the trust.
How do you apply?
1. Fill out application form DTE105A—you can get the form at your county Auditor’s office, at your county Auditor’s website, or at the Ohio Department of Taxation’s website (tax.ohio.gov).
2. File form DTE105A with your county Auditor—you must file the original form that has your ink signature (not a copy). You cannot electronically file the form.
In September 2016, the law changed to allow real property (land and buildings attached to the land) applications to be filed any time before December 31st. If you are applying for the exemption on a manufactured or mobile home, you have to apply on or before the first Monday in June. If you were eligible for the exemption last year, but did not apply, you can file a late application for the previous year at the same time that you file your application for the current year.
If your eligibility is based on AGE, you must submit PROOF OF AGE with your application. You can prove your age with a copy of your driver’s license (current or expired), State of Ohio ID card, birth certificate or passport (current or expired).
If your eligibility is based on DISABILITY, you must submit PROOF OF DISABILITY with your application. You can prove your disability by getting the Auditor’s Certificate of Disability form signed by your doctor OR by giving the Auditor a copy of a statement from Social Security, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Railroad Retirement Board, or the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation that says you are totally and permanently disabled.
If you are approved for the Homestead Exemption, you do not have to re-apply in future years.
If your application is denied, or you think the reduction amount is less than what you should get, you can file an appeal with the County Board of Revision using form DTE106B. Instructions for appealing the decision will be in the denial letter you receive.
To get an application form, or if you need help or have questions, call your county Auditor’s Homestead Department:
In Cuyahoga County, call 216.443.7010
In Ashtabula County, call 440.576.3445
In Lake County, call 440.350.2536
In Geauga County, call 440.279.1617
In Lorain County, call 440.329.5207
By Kristen Nawrocki