A viral YouTube video promising older homeowners a big federal property tax break is a scam, and the Franklin County Auditor's Office wants Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff residents to know before they fall for it.
The consumer alert, issued Aug. 4, targets an AI-generated video that claims Congress passed a law giving significant property tax savings to older homeowners. The video tells viewers to call their county auditor and request a "Senior Homeowner Tax Review Request" form "as mandated by federal law."
No such form, law or program exists.
The Auditor's Office said it has fielded a surge of calls and emails from residents asking for the form. Some callers grew frustrated upon learning the video's claims are false.
"There is no recently passed federal legislation or federal form called the 'Senior Homeowner Tax Review Request,'" Auditor Michael Stinziano said. "We encourage residents to rely on official government sources and contact our office directly when they have questions about legitimate property tax relief programs."
The office also warned residents not to pay anyone for access to supposed government forms and not to share personal information through unofficial websites.
What relief actually exists
Ohio does offer a real program: the Homestead Exemption. It shields a portion of a home's appraised value from taxation for qualifying homeowners age 65 or older, those who are permanently and totally disabled, qualifying disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses.
A newer benefit is also on the way. Ohio House Bill 479 authorized a one-time, state-funded property tax reduction for eligible Homestead Exemption recipients. The credit is estimated at $450 to $500 per person and is expected to appear on first-half property tax bills in 2027. The exact amount will be set after county auditors certify the number of eligible recipients statewide.
Homeowners already enrolled in the Homestead Exemption do not need to file a separate application for the HB 479 credit.
How to check eligibility
The Auditor's Office advises residents to be cautious of any online content promising large tax savings, government payments or debt elimination, particularly when it does not direct viewers to an official government website.
Residents can find official information about the Homestead Exemption, eligibility requirements and application forms on the Franklin County Auditor's Homestead Exemption page or by calling 614-525-4663 (HOME). The Franklin County Auditor's Office is at 373 S. High St., 21st Floor, Columbus.
Upcoming community events
- Aug. 12 — Grandview Heights Board of Zoning Appeals meeting
- Aug. 20 — Free addiction documentary screening and panel discussion, Upper Arlington
