Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen M. Scalise CPA, CFE has announced today that the deadline for filing an application for Homestead Exemption and the 2.5% Tax Reduction for tax year 2014 is Monday, June 2, 2014. Real estate taxes are one year in arrears.

Applications are available the first Monday in January through the first Monday in June. Homeowners can apply in-person at our main office located at 175 S. Main St., 3rd Floor, Akron, Ohio 44308. Applications can also be downloaded from our website. Visit our 2.5% Tax Reduction or Homestead Exemption.

The 2.5% Tax Reduction is a reduction for owner-occupied residential property. You must own the home as of January 1 of the tax year in which you apply, and it must be your primary place of residence. Rental properties are not eligible.

Homestead Exemption is available to homeowners who are at least 65 years old or are permanently and totally disabled, under the age of 65. In Summit County, you must submit a copy of a state issued driver’s license or identification card listing your current address. You must also own and occupy your home as your principal place of residence as of January 1 of the year you file. Eligible homeowners will receive an exemption on the first $25,000 of appraised value from taxation.

For applicants who are eligible in tax year 2013, Homestead Exemption has no income restrictions. However, due to the passage of the State of Ohio’s recent House Bill 59, new applicants are subject to a means test beginning January 1, 2014. Eligible applicants are restricted to an income of $30,500 or less per year, which includes the Ohio adjusted gross income of the owner and the owner's spouse.

Changes associated with House Bill 59 will not affect homeowners who are currently enrolled in Homestead Exemption or eligible applicants for 2013, who submit their application before Monday, June 2, 2014. It is important to note that homeowners already enrolled in Homestead Exemption will keep their reduction even if they move to a new residence.

To find out if you are currently enrolled in the Homestead Exemption or the 2.5% Tax Reduction, visit our Summit County Property Tax & Appraisal and search for your property by owner’s name, parcel number or address. You can also call our Exemption Department at 330-643-2661.

Applications for Homestead Exemption and the 2.5% Tax Reduction must physically be in the Fiscal Office by close of business, 4 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2014.