Upper Arlington and Grandview Heights homeowners have until Tuesday, Oct. 27, to apply for a one-time property tax credit worth an estimated $400 to $500. The catch: eligible homeowners who do not currently receive the exemption need to act.

Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano announced the deadline, which gives his office time to review applications and certify eligible properties to the Ohio Department of Taxation by Monday, Nov. 2. Homeowners already receiving the Homestead Exemption will get the additional credit automatically, according to the auditor's office.

"If you already receive the Homestead Exemption, there's nothing more you need to do," Stinziano said. "But if you believe you qualify and haven't applied, we encourage you to submit your application and supporting documents as soon as possible."

The credit comes from Ohio House Bill 479 (HB 479), which Gov. Mike DeWine signed in June. The law set aside $350 million in state surplus funds for one-time property tax relief through the existing Homestead Exemption program, according to State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan's office. Statewide, roughly 710,000 homeowners stand to benefit.

The Ohio Department of Taxation will set the final credit amount based on total eligible properties certified by county auditors. The state anticipates the credit will fall between $400 and $500, but the exact figure has not been announced.

Who qualifies

The Homestead Exemption covers homeowners who own and occupy their home as a primary residence and meet one of these criteria:

  • Age 65 or older (including those turning 65 by Dec. 31, 2026), with combined Ohio modified adjusted gross income of the applicant and spouse at or below $41,000
  • Permanently and totally disabled, with combined Ohio modified adjusted gross income of the applicant and spouse at or below $41,000
  • Disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating. No income limit.
  • Surviving spouses of public service officers killed in the line of duty. No income limit.

The $41,000 cap is based on combined 2025 modified adjusted gross income for the applicant and spouse. Homeowners who received the exemption before 2014 are exempt from the income limit.

Why the deadline matters

The Oct. 27 date is earlier than the regular Dec. 31 Homestead Exemption application deadline. The auditor's office needs the extra time to review applications, verify eligibility and certify qualifying properties to the state by Nov. 2.

Homeowners who apply after Oct. 27 can still qualify for the regular Homestead Exemption, but their applications may not be processed in time for the one-time credit.

Not everyone in the legislature saw the credit as a lasting fix. During June debate on HB 479, Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney, a Westlake Democrat, said the relief would help recipients but warned that the one-time nature of the funding means homeowners will be back in the same position next year, as reported by State News.

How to apply

Applications, eligibility details and instructions are available at the Franklin County Auditor's website. An electronic application is available for older adults and homeowners with disabilities. Applicants will need proof of age or disability, income documentation and, for veterans, a DD214 and VA disability records.

Applications must be complete with all supporting documents by Oct. 27. Missing paperwork could prevent an eligible homeowner from receiving the credit.

Residents with questions can call the Franklin County Auditor's Homestead team at 614-525-3240.