Clinton County Auditor Terry Habermehl is asking residents who may meet Ohio's Homestead Exemption criteria to file applications quickly, saying the move could secure a one-time property tax reduction created by House Bill 479. The measure became effective Sept. 23. It provides the reduction for qualifying homeowners in the 2026 tax year, with the state reimbursing local governments for revenue they lose.
County auditors face a Nov. 1 deadline to report the number of eligible homestead properties to the Ohio Department of Taxation. That count will determine the per-household credit amount. According to the article, the credit is expected to show up on property tax bills sent in late 2026 or early 2027.
Ohio generally limits the exemption to several groups: residents 65 and up who fall within state income caps; those with permanent total disabilities; certain veterans whose service-connected disability or unemployability rating is 100%; and surviving spouses of public safety workers who died in the line of duty. For income-limited applicants, the 2026 threshold is $41,000 in modified Ohio adjusted gross income.
Those already enrolled in the Homestead Exemption do not need to reapply for the tax credit. Habermehl said his office can help determine eligibility and explain the application process. The Clinton County Auditor's Office is at 1850 Davids Drive, Suite 303, Wilmington; phone 937-382-2250; email listed in the article.