|
Homestead Exemption Brings Tax Relief
Homestead Applications are due June 2 for new applicants, no need to reapply.
Last Spring, Governor Ted Strickland signed into law property tax relief for thousands of senior homeowners in Montgomery County. The new law, part of the biennium budget, removed the income requirements from the Homestead Reduction Program by allowing any homeowner age 65 and older to qualify for the tax reduction. If you or your spouse will turn 65 in 2008, you most likely qualify, but you must apply before Monday June 2, 2008.
Those homeowners age 65 or older or permanently or totally disabled who have not already taken advantage of the Homestead Reduction Program are encouraged to call (937) 225-4341 to apply. They may also visit www.mcrealestate.org and download an application.
"Removing the income limit opens the door to thousands of homeowners who were ineligible for this reduction in the past,” said Auditor Karl Keith. "Forty thousand people in Montgomery County are now on the program, but homeowners turning 65 this year will become eligible and we want to encourage them to apply.”
Keith said the average tax reduction in Montgomery County is about $517. Those who already receive the benefit do not need to reapply.
In addition to calling the Homestead Hotline at (937) 225-4341 or visiting www.mcrealestate.org to download an application, applicants may also pick up applications at local library branches and senior centers.
Keith praised the simplicity of the new program, “There are no more complicated income forms to fill out and every homeowner 65 or older is eligible. My office is committed to reaching out and making sure all Montgomery County seniors have a chance to sign up for this property tax relief.”
|
