Schaffer Votes for Homestead Exemption Expansion for Seniors and Disabled

COLUMBUS - State Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) today announced the Ohio Senate passed House Bill 187, providing property tax relief for eligible seniors, disabled citizens, and disabled veterans. 

House Bill 187 increases the income eligibility amount for these groups from $36,100 to $75,000. Increasing the exemption amount and expanding eligibility will provide direct tax relief to those most impacted by rising property valuations.

"I have been hearing from my constituents for months about how they are affected by the recent increases in property valuations," Schaffer said. "This legislation will stop the financial bleeding for our most impacted seniors and disabled citizens, ensuring they can keep their homes and maintain their quality of life."

Factors considered for an individual to qualify for the increased homestead exemption will include the following:

• a household income at or below $75,000, and
• at least one of the homeowners must be 65 years or older, or
• permanently and totally disabled, or
• the surviving spouse of someone who otherwise qualified and is at least 59 years of age.

Increased exemption amounts for the next three years will be as follows:

• incomes of $36,100 and below: $30,000 exemption,
• $36,101 - $49,000: $22,500 exemption,
• $49,001 - $62,000: $15,000 exemption,
• $62,001 - $75,000: $7,500 exemption, and
• disabled veterans exemption amount increases from $50,000 to $60,000

Learn more about HB 187 here.

House Bill 187 now moves to the Ohio House for concurrence