Homeowners in New Albany, Gahanna and across Franklin County who qualify for Ohio's Homestead Exemption but haven't applied could miss out on a one-time property tax credit worth an estimated $400 to $500.

Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano announced the Tuesday, Oct. 27, deadline in a notice posted Oct. 16. The credit, created by Ohio House Bill 479 (HB 479), draws from $350 million in statewide funding for additional property tax relief.

"If you already receive the Homestead Exemption, there's nothing more you need to do," Stinziano said. "But if you believe you qualify and haven't applied, we encourage you to submit your application and supporting documents as soon as possible."

Homeowners already enrolled in the Homestead Exemption will receive the credit automatically. The deadline applies only to new applicants who have not yet enrolled.

The credit is separate from the regular Homestead Exemption, which shields the first $29,000 of a home's appraised value from taxation for seniors and disabled homeowners, according to the Franklin County Auditor's Office. Disabled veterans and surviving spouses of public service officers killed in the line of duty can exempt up to $58,000.

Who qualifies

The Homestead Exemption covers homeowners who own and occupy their home as a primary residence and fall into one of these groups:

  • Adults age 65 or older, or turning 65 by Dec. 31, 2026. Income limit: $41,000.
  • Homeowners who are permanently and totally disabled. Income limit: $41,000.
  • Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating. No income limit.
  • Surviving spouses of public service officers killed in the line of duty. No income limit.

The $41,000 cap is based on combined 2025 modified adjusted gross income for the applicant and spouse. Homeowners who received the exemption before 2014 are exempt from the income limit.

How to apply

Applications, eligibility details and instructions are available at the Franklin County Auditor's Homestead page. An electronic application is available for qualifying older adults and homeowners with disabilities.

Applicants will need supporting documents. Those can include a driver's license or birth certificate for proof of age, a 2025 federal income tax return for income verification, disability documentation with an onset date before Jan. 1, 2026, or a DD214 for veterans.

All applications and supporting documents must be complete by the deadline. Missing paperwork could prevent an eligible homeowner from receiving the credit, the auditor's office said.

What the credit is worth

The Ohio Department of Taxation will set the final credit amount based on statewide funding and the number of certified eligible homes. The state anticipates the amount will fall between $400 and $500. The exact figure has not been announced.

The credit will appear on tax year 2026 property tax bills, generally mailed in 2027. It will apply first to the first-half bill, with any remainder rolling to the second half.

Why Oct. 27 matters

The deadline is earlier than the regular Dec. 31 Homestead Exemption application deadline. The auditor's office needs the extra time to review applications and certify eligible properties to the Ohio Department of Taxation by Monday, Nov. 2.

Homeowners who apply after the deadline can still enroll in the regular Homestead Exemption, but their applications may not be processed in time for the one-time credit.

Residents who need help can call the Franklin County Auditor's Office Homestead team at 614-525-3240.