Akron, Ohio – Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen M. Scalise CPA, CFE, is encouraging residents to exercise caution when viewing online videos or social media posts claiming a new federal property tax relief program is available for senior homeowners.

Recent videos circulating online direct homeowners to contact their County Fiscal Officer to request a “Senior Homeowner Tax Review Request” form. The Summit County Fiscal Office wants to make clear that no federal law, property tax relief program, or form exists.

“Residents should always verify information about property tax relief through trusted government sources,” said Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen M. Scalise. “If you have questions about available tax relief or exemption programs, my office is here to help.”

Ohio does provide legitimate property tax relief through the Homestead Exemption for qualifying homeowners, including eligible seniors, individuals with disabilities, qualifying disabled veterans, and certain surviving spouses of public service officers. Qualifying Homestead recipients may be eligible for a one-time, state-funded property tax reduction in 2027 under Ohio House Bill 479. Homeowners who already receive the Homestead Exemption do not need to submit an additional application to receive that benefit.

Residents should rely exclusively on https://fiscaloffice.summitoh.net/ for all Fiscal Office services and are strongly advised to not provide any personal, financial, or sensitive information on any unofficial website.

For more information about Homestead Exemption, eligibility requirements, or the application process, please contact the Summit County Fiscal Office at (330) 643-2661 or visit https://fiscaloffice.summitoh.net/index.php/homestead-exemption.