Homestead Exemption

Property Tax Relief for Senior Citizens and the Disabled

 

Homestead Exemption

Lorain County Residents:

Ohio has made a number of changes to the Homestead Exemption program with the passage of HB 59 and AM HB 85. Below you will find information that will assist you in filing for the Homestead Tax Reduction. It is intended to assist you in determining if you may be eligible for this reduction, and to answer some of the more typically asked questions relative to this program.

I hope you find this information helpful and worthwhile. If you have any questions about the Homestead Exemption, my staff and I will be happy to assist you, please do not hesitate to call (440) 329-5212 or visit us personally at the County Administration Building (226 Middle Ave. 2nd Floor, Elyria, Ohio 44035).

Sincerely,


J. Craig Snodgrass

Lorain County Auditor

 

The Homestead Exemption program allows qualifying Lorain County residents to shield some of the market value of their home from taxation. The Exemption, which takes the form of a credit on property tax bills, allows qualifying homeowners a homestead reduction in taxes equal to the taxes on $25,000 of the county auditor’s market value of their home from all local property taxes. For example, through the Homestead Exemption, a home with a county auditor’s market value of $100,000 would be billed as if it is valued at $75,000. The tax savings vary by taxing district, but is typically $400-$450 annually.

Under the Disabled Veteran – Enhanced Exemption, disabled veterans who qualify are entitled to a homestead reduction in taxes equal to the taxes on $50,000 of the auditor’s market value of their home.

 

Who qualifies for the Homestead Exemption?

  • Homeowners over the age of 65
  • Homeowners, under the age of 65, who are permanently and totally disabled
  • Military veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating
  • Homeowners already receiving the Homestead Exemption, who have recently changed residences

 Homeowners over the age of 65: 

  • Must not have a total household Ohio Adjusted Gross Income over $36,100 (2022 year income), Ohio adjusted gross income includes the owner and the owner's spouse.
  • Must be age 65 or older during the year you apply.
  • Must own your home or manufactured home as primary place of residence as of January 1 in year of application.
  • Must provide proof of age and current residency by submitting a photocopy of photo ID such as driver's license or State of Ohio ID card.
  • Must provide a copy of State of Ohio taxes (1040/1040A) 
  • If you did not file a tax return, an income worksheet must be filed.  Click here to dowload DTE 105H

Homestead Exemption Application DTE 105A- Homestead Exemption application form for those over 65 years of age or permanently and totally disabled under age 65. Enrollment dates for new applicants and late filers will be December 31 of the applicable year.

Homeowners, under the age of 65, who are permanently and totally disabled: 

  • Must not have a total household Ohio Adjusted Gross Income over $36,100 (2022 year income). Ohio adjusted gross income includes the owner and the owner's spouse.
  • Must be permanently and totally disabled.
  • Must own your home or manufactured home as primary place of residence as of January 1 in year of application.
  • Must provide proof of current residency by submitting a photocopy of photo ID such as driver's license or State of Ohio ID card.
  • Must provide a copy of State of Ohio taxes (1040/1040A).
  • Must provide documentation of disability (see application for acceptable forms of documentation). The documentation must include the date you were declared disabled.

Homestead Exemption Application DTE 105A- Proof of age is required to be submitted with application.

Homestead Exemption Application DTE 105E- Homestead Exemption application form for those under 65 years of age, who are permanently and totally disabled. Enrollment dates for new applicants and late filers will be December 31 of the applicable year.

Military veterans who are evaluated at 100% disability from a service-connected disability

  • Must own your home or manufactured home as primary place of residence as of January 1 in year of application.
  • Must provide proof of current residency by submitting a photocopy of photo ID such as driver's license or State of Ohio ID card.
  • Must submit a letter from the Veteran’s Administration (VA) stating that your Service Connected Disability Rating is 100%. The documentation must include the date you were declared disabled.

Please note, when applying for the Expanded Homestead Reduction for Disabled Veterans under total service-connected disability or compensation at a rating of 100%, you must provide a copy of form DD214 from the US Department of Veterans Affairs. It should indicate the applicant served in active duty and has been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions with documentation of their service-connected disability rating or compensation rating at 100% and whether compensation was based on individual unemployability from the US Department of Veterans Affairs.  If you do not qualify under the Veterans Enhanced Exemption, you may still qualify for the traditional Homestead Exemption.

 Homestead Exemption Application DTE 105I-  Homestead Exemption application form for military veterans evaluated with a 100% disability from a service-connected disability. Enrollment dates for new applicants and late filers will be from the first Monday in January thru the first Monday in June. 

Homeowners, already receiving Homestead Exemption, who have recently changed residences:

  • Must be currently receiving the Homestead Exemption on a residential property in the state of Ohio.
  • If you were enrolled in the Homestead Exemption prior to tax year 2014, you may keep the exemption under the previous guidelines. You will not be subject to a means test if you change residences.

Addendum to the Homestead Exemption Application DTE 105G- (You must include a new Homestead application Homestead Exemption Application DTE 105A when filing this form)

Homestead Exemption addendum for homeowners currently receiving Homestead Exemption, who have recently changed residences. Enrollment dates for new applicants and late filers will be December 31 of the applicable year.

 

*Please Note - When mailing in your Homestead Exemption form you must include a copy of your driver's license or state I.D.

Mail Completed forms to-

Lorain County Auditor

ATTN:  Homestead  

226 Middle avenue, Second Floor

Elyria, OH  44035