The homestead exemption is a valuable tax reduction, providing eligible Summit County homeowners an average savings of $535 per year. The amount is double for qualifying military veterans. This tax savings is based on a reduction of appraised value from taxation for a single family home. Homeowners who are at least 65 years old, and those under age 65 who have been declared totally and permanently disabled, can receive a reduction of $25,000 from their property appraisal value. Military veterans who have received a total (100%) rating for service-connected disabilities or a total (100%) rating for compensation for service-connected disabilities based on a determination of individual unemployment can receive a reduction of $50,000 from their property appraisal value.
“Many of our military veterans are unable to work due to a service-connected disability; however, under the previous law, these veterans did not qualify for a reduction in their property taxes because they failed to meet the strict 100% disability rating,” said Fiscal Officer Scalise. “I am very pleased that the eligibility requirements have been amended to include the veteran’s IU status. This will provide a valuable savings to those who experienced disabling injuries while sacrificing for our country.”
To enroll in the Homestead Exemption for tax year 2015, military veterans must submit an application by Monday, June 6, 2016. Applications can be downloaded online at Homestead or requested in the mail by calling 330-643-2661. Completed applications should be submitted by mail or in-person to Summit County Fiscal Office, Homestead Department, 175 S. Main St., 3rd Floor, Akron, OH 44308. Faxed or emailed applications cannot be accepted.
Eligible veterans must include documentation of disability or IU status with their application. Veterans who have received a total (100%) rating for service-connected disabilities must submit a copy of the Veteran Affairs award letter assigning the disability rating at (100%). Those who have received a total (100%) rating for compensation for military service-connected disabilities based on a determination of individual unemployment, must submit documentation granting the total compensation at the 100% level and a copy of the finding that their application of individual unemployability has been granted.
Veterans are also required to provide a copy of their military discharge form DD214, displaying their honorable discharge status.
As is required of all homestead exemption applicants, the home must be used as their primary place of residence as of January 1 in the year of application. Both the applicant and spouse must provide proof of residency by submitting a copy of photo identification, such as a driver’s license or State of Ohio identification card.
For more information, veterans may contact the Homestead Division at 330-643-2661 or visit Homestead Exemption on the web. We will also have staff available to answer questions about homestead exemption in-person at the following veteran identification card events:
- Lehner Community Center, 35 S. River St., Munroe Falls, OH 44262 on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Kenmore Community Center, 880 Kenmore Blvd., Akron, OH 44314 on Friday, May 20, 2016 at 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Barberton Active Adult Center, 500 W. Hopocan Ave., Barberton, OH 44203 on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Ellet Community Center, 2449 Wedgewood Dr., Akron, OH 44312 on Friday, June 10, 2016 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Richfield Branch Library, 3761 Grant St., Richfield, OH 44286 on Monday, June 20, 2016 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
During these events, honorably discharged military veterans will have the opportunity to purchase a veteran identification card for $1. The card is similar in size and shape to a driver’s license and can conveniently serve in place of the military discharge form DD214. Renewal cards will be available to those who hold an ID card expiring in 2017. To review the requirements for a veteran identification card, please visit Veteran Identification Cards.
Representatives from the Fiscal Office will also be available to speak to local organizations about the military veteran homestead exemption and veteran identification card program. If you are interested in scheduling a speaker for your next meeting or event, please call Community Relations at 330-643-8472.