Lucas County Auditor Katie Moline has launched a new outreach initiative to help area seniors take advantage of property tax relief through Ohio’s Homestead Exemption program. The Helping with Homestead Tour kicked off Thursday, October 23, at the Margaret Hunt Senior Center in South Toledo, where Moline and her staff met with residents to answer questions and assist with applications.
“In this time of rising property values, it is imperative that we not only provide relief to seniors and other owners most in need, but that we also provide them the tools to get that relief,” Moline said.
The Auditor’s team will continue visiting senior centers across Lucas County through the end of the year, offering in-person assistance before the December 31 deadline to apply for the 2025 tax year.
Expanding access and relief for homeowners
During the event, Moline also announced increases to both the income threshold and exemption amounts for 2026. The new income threshold will rise to $41,000 (excluding Social Security income) and the property tax exemption amount will increase to $29,000 — meaning more homeowners will qualify for relief.
Currently, the Homestead Exemption allows qualifying seniors to reduce their property taxes by exempting $28,000 of their home’s market value. For example, a home valued at $100,000 would be taxed as if it were worth $72,000.
Who qualifies for the homestead exemption
Ohio residents may qualify for the Homestead Exemption if they:
- Are 65 or older or are the surviving spouse (age 59 or older) of someone who previously received the exemption.
- Own and occupy their home (or hold ownership interest through a land contract) as of January 1 of the application year.
- Have an Ohio modified adjusted gross income (applicant and spouse combined) of less than $40,000 for tax year 2024 (real property) or tax year 2025 (manufactured/mobile home).
Enhanced exemptions are available for 100% disabled military veterans and surviving spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty.
How to apply
Homestead applications in Lucas County cannot be submitted online. Qualified applicants should apply by mail or in person to the Lucas County Auditor’s Office, One Government Center, Suite 600.
For more information or assistance, residents can call 419-213-4406 or email outreach@co.lucas.oh.us.
Tour dates and locations
- October 29 11am-3pm: Maumee Senior Center- 2430 S Detroit Ave
- November 5 11am-2pm: Wayman Palmer YMCA-200 E Bancroft St
- November 6 9:30am-noon: James W Hancock Senior Center- 4350 Navarre Ave
- November 11 11am-2pm: Monclova Community Center- 8115 Monclova Rd
- November 19 11am-2pm: Sylvania Senior Center- 7140 Sylvania Ave
- November 21 8:30am-1pm: East Toledo Senior Center- 1001 White St
- December 11 11:30am-2pm: Friendship Park Senior Center- 2930 131st St
- December 12 noon-3pm: J Frank Troy Senior Center & Mayores Senior Center- 2 Aurora Gonzalez Dr
