Homestead Q & A

The Homestead Exemption for residential real estate in Ohio was revised effective July 2 of 2007. It is hoped that this summary will answer most questions that taxpayers may have on the subject.

Q. Who is eligible for the Homestead Exemption?
A. Homeowners age 65 and over, the surviving spouse of an eligible person, and homeowners who are “totally and permanently disabled”.

Q. What types of properties are eligible for the Homestead Exemption?
A. Single family homes, mobile/manufactured homes, condominiums, and certain other specialized ownership types occupied as the PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE of the owner.

Q. Who is considered a homeowner?
A. 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 certain trusts.

Q. How much will my taxes be reduced by the Homestead Exemption?
A. 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, that would normally result in a savings of $250 to $400 per year ($125 to $200 per half) in Shelby County.

Q. How do I apply for the Homestead Exemption?
A. For “Age 65 and Older” applicants and for “Disability” applicants, you need to file a “Homestead Exemption Application” (Form #DTE105A) available from the County Auditor or on this website by clicking here. For “Disability” applicants only, you also need to file a “Certificate of Disability” (Form DTE #105E) available from the County Auditor or by clicking on the appropriate form name highlighted above.

Q. Do I need to apply again if I already received the Homestead Exemption on my tax bill?
A. No. Taxpayers already on the program do NOT need to reapply. You will automatically be considered eligible for the program.

Q. How do I know if I’m currently receiving the Homestead Exemption?
A. The reduction is plainly marked on your regular tax statement. If the “Homestead” box is blank, you are not currently on the program. Also, you may go to the “Real Estate Data” tab on this website, search for your home, and look for “Homestead Rollback” on the “Taxes” page.

Q. What if my benefit from the old plan is higher than my benefit under the new formula?
A. The benefit will be the amount you received on your 2007 tax bill OR the amount available under the new formula, whichever is HIGHER.

Q. When must my application be filed with the County Auditor?
A. The application must be received by the County Auditor by the first Monday of June.

Q. Do I have to disclose my income?
A. No. Income is no longer a factor in determining eligibility for the Homestead Exemption.

Q. How do I show proof of my age?
A. At the discretion of the County Auditor, you may be asked for appropriate I.D. information. You must 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.

Q. How will I know if my application has been approved?
A. 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.

Q. Do I have to file a new application every year?
A. Once you qualify for the exemption, you will receive a verification form from the County Auditor every year. You will only need to reply to that notice if there is a change in the owner’s eligibility status or in ownership of the property. If you do not reply with a change, your eligibility will continue for another year.

Q. What do I need to do if I am filing as a disabled person less than 65 years of age?
A. 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.

Q. May I claim the Homestead Exemption on more than one property?
A. No. You may claim the exemption only on the home which you indicate is your principal residence. You may only claim one “Principal Residence”. Therefore, if you are claiming a residence elsewhere in Ohio OR out of state, you may not claim an exemption in Shelby County.

Q. What if I don’t live in Ohio for the whole year?
A. You must be a legal resident of Ohio as of January 1st in order to file for Homestead Exemption in that year.

Q. What if I die and my surviving spouse is less than 65 years of age?
A. 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.

Q. Will this discount on my tax bill reduce the revenue of my local school district or other local taxing authority?
A. No. The State rebates the Homestead deductions to the local taxing districts.

Q. Where can I get forms or additional information concerning the Homestead Exemption?
A. Additional information can be found above on this page under the question, "How do I apply for the Homestead Exemption?" or you may call or visit us at the address shown below.