Montgomery County Auditor Karl Keith is alerting homeowners who may be eligible for the Homestead Exemption Program that the deadline to apply for this year’s exemption is Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016.
The Homestead Exemption provides seniors age 65 or older, or those permanently and totally disabled, a property tax credit on their annual real estate tax bill. In Montgomery County, the average savings is nearly $700 for those who enroll and qualify. Totally disabled veterans may be eligible for additional benefits.
The Dec. 31st deadline is new. The County Auditors’ Cleanup Bill signed by the governor last summer allows eligible homeowners to apply for the Homestead Exemption year-round. This year is the first year the new deadline is in effect. The application deadline was previously in June.
Only homeowners whose total adjusted gross household income is $31,500 or less are eligible for the exemption. Homeowners are additionally required to own and occupy their residence on Jan. 1, 2016 to be eligible for this year’s tax credit and must be 65 years of age or turn 65 by Dec. 31, 2016.
Homeowners already receiving the benefit do not need to re-apply, according to Keith.
Montgomery County residents who believe they may be eligible should visit www.mcauditor.org/homestead for more information. Homestead Exemption forms can be downloaded and printed from the website. Montgomery County residents who have any questions or concerns can call the Auditor’s Homestead Hotline at 937-225-4341 for assistance.