The Homestead Exemption used to offer tax cuts to seniors with less than $26,200 annual income and the rate was varied based on an income scale. State legislators extended the exemption to all homeowners 65 or older by Dec. 31, or totally disabled as of Jan. 31, or are the surviving spouse of a previously exempted homeowner and at least 59 at the time of their spouse's death.
This extension has nearly tripled the number of homeowners eligible for exemption to 750,000 statewide. The new exemption will save $350 to $475 a year on real estate bills payable beginning in 2008 to those who take advantage.
To obtain an application call the Homestead Hotline at (513) 887-3154, visit butlercountyohio.org, or visit the Butler County Auditor's Office. Completed forms and a copy of photo identification can be faxed to (513) 887-3149 or mailed to the auditor's office @ 130 High St., Hamilton, OH 45011. Seniors must apply by Oct. 1.
source: Candice Brooks Higgins, Middletown Journal