Auditor helps disabled veterans with Homestead Exemption Program

Wayne County Auditor Russell Robertson recently spoke to a group of veterans at their monthly Coffee Crew meeting about the Homestead Exemption Program for senior citizens, disabled citizens and disabled veterans.

According to the Ohio Department of Taxation’s website, “The Homestead Exemption allows low-income senior citizens and permanently and totally disabled Ohioans to reduce their property tax bills by shielding some of the market value of their homes from taxation. The exemption, which takes the form of a credit on property tax bills, allows qualifying homeowners to exempt up to $25,000 of the market value of their homes from all local property taxes.”

The Homestead Exemption Program offers various financial benefits that can ease the burden of property taxes for senior citizens, disabled citizens and disabled veterans.

“By understanding the eligibility criteria, senior citizens, disabled citizens and disabled veterans in Wayne County can successfully navigate the Homestead Exemption application process and potentially enjoy some much-needed property tax relief,” Robertson said.

In addition to financial relief, the Homestead Exemption Program can provide peace of mind. For many seniors and disabled veterans, the fear of rising property taxes is a source of anxiety.

Robertson explained the application process and answered questions about qualifications, savings amounts, application deadlines, documentation needed to apply and the Enhanced Homestead Program.

Understanding how the Homestead Exemption Program works empowers those who qualify to take full advantage of the financial relief available to them.

“It was an honor to speak to the 150-plus people who attended the Veteran Coffee Crew meeting,” Robertson said. “Whether speaking to a group of veterans, at a monthly meeting of the Public Employee Retirees Incorporated or a League of Women Voters meeting, it is important to interact with and help educate groups across Wayne County.”

For more information regarding the Homestead Exemption Program or to discuss a potential speaking engagement, visit the Wayne County Auditor website at www.waynecountyauditor.org or call 330-287-5430.

Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.