Oct. 27 Deadline for New Homestead Applicants Seeking One-Time Credit
Published on 16 October 2026
Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano is encouraging eligible homeowners who do not currently receive Ohio's Homestead Exemption to apply by Tuesday, October 27, 2026, to qualify for additional, one-time property tax relief authorized by the Ohio General Assembly.
Ohio House Bill 479 established a one-time property tax credit for qualifying homeowners through the state's existing Homestead Exemption program, providing $350 million in statewide funding for additional property tax relief.
Homeowners who already receive the Homestead Exemption and remain eligible will automatically receive the additional credit. They do not need to reapply or submit additional paperwork.
Franklin County homeowners who believe they qualify for the Homestead Exemption but have not yet applied are encouraged to act quickly.
"Our goal is to make sure eligible Franklin County homeowners have every opportunity to receive this additional property tax relief," Stinziano said. "If you already receive the Homestead Exemption, there's nothing more you need to do. But if you believe you qualify and haven't applied, we encourage you to submit your application and supporting documents as soon as possible."
The October 27 deadline allows the Franklin County Auditor's Office time to review applications, verify eligibility and certify qualifying properties to the Ohio Department of Taxation by Monday, November 2, 2026.
Who qualifies for the Homestead Exemption?
The Homestead Exemption is a statewide property tax relief program for qualifying homeowners who own and occupy their home as their primary residence. Eligibility includes:
- Older adults: Homeowners age 65 or older, including those who will turn 65 by December 31, 2026. Income limit: $41,000.
- Homeowners with disabilities: Individuals who are permanently and totally disabled. Income limit: $41,000.
- Disabled veterans: Veterans with a qualifying 100% service-connected disability rating or an eligible determination of individual unemployability, as well as certain surviving spouses. No income limit.
- Surviving spouses of public service officers: Qualifying surviving spouses of peace officers, firefighters and other public service officers killed in the line of duty. No income limit.
The $41,000 income limit is based on the combined 2025 modified adjusted gross income of the applicant and their spouse, if applicable. Certain homeowners who received the exemption before 2014 are exempt from the income limit. Some surviving spouses of older adults or permanently and totally disabled homeowners may also qualify.
How to Apply
Franklin County homeowners can find Homestead Exemption applications, eligibility information and instructions at auditor.franklincountyohio.gov/Homestead. An electronic application is available for qualifying older adults and homeowners with disabilities.
Applicants should carefully complete every required section of the appropriate application and provide all necessary supporting documentation. Depending on the applicant's circumstances, this may include:
- Proof of age: A driver's license, state identification card, passport or birth certificate.
- Income documentation: The Auditor's Office can generally verify income for applicants who file Ohio income tax returns. Applicants who were not required to file an Ohio income tax return must provide their 2025 federal income tax return, along with their spouse's return, if applicable. Those who were not required to file either a federal or Ohio income tax return must complete the income addendum (DTE 105H).
- Proof of disability: Documentation verifying permanent and total disability and establishing a disability onset date before January 1, 2026.
- Veterans' documentation: A DD214 and appropriate Department of Veterans Affairs documentation establishing qualifying disability status.
- Surviving spouses of public service officers: Official documentation confirming the public service officer was killed in the line of duty.
Applications must be complete, with all required supporting documents, by October 27 to allow time for review and certification. Missing information or documentation could delay processing and prevent an otherwise eligible homeowner from receiving the one-time credit.
Homeowners who need help determining which application or documents are required are encouraged to contact the Auditor's Office before the deadline.
When will homeowners receive the additional credit?
The one-time benefit established by House Bill 479 is separate from and in addition to the regular Homestead Exemption.
The Ohio Department of Taxation will determine the final credit amount based on the available statewide funding and the number of eligible homes certified by county auditors. While the state anticipates the amount to be between $400 and $500, the exact amount has not yet been announced.
For qualifying residential real estate, the additional credit will apply to tax year 2026 property taxes, generally billed in 2027. The credit will be applied to the first-half property tax bill, with any remaining credit applied to the second-half bill if the credit exceeds the first-half tax amount. Different tax-year timing applies to manufactured and mobile homes.
Important information about the deadline
The October 27 deadline is specific to Franklin County's processing of applications for this one-time benefit. It is earlier than the regular December 31 Homestead Exemption application deadline.
Eligible homeowners may still apply for the regular Homestead Exemption after October 27, but their applications may not be processed in time to qualify for the additional one-time credit.
Because this is a statewide program, Ohio homeowners who live outside Franklin County should contact their own county auditor for information, application instructions, and deadlines.
For more information or assistance with an application, Franklin County residents can visit auditor.franklincountyohio.gov/Homestead or call the Franklin County Auditor's Office Homestead team at 614-525-3240.