Homestead exemption adds income test this year

Applicants must be 65 years old or permanently and totally disabled to qualify.

Anyone eligible in 2013 who failed to apply can apply this year as a late applicant and continue to qualify under the old rules, Keith told News Center 7's Kate Bartley.

Another of the new wrinkles is that beginning this week, people can apply online through the auditor's website at www.mcauditor.org/homestead and clicking the "Application" link.

"We thought this would be a way of making it a little bit easier, more convenient, and they can access the online application 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," Keith said. Previously, applicants had to visit the auditor's office to enroll, download an application form or pick up a form at another location and mail it to the office, he said.

The exemption provides property tax relief for senior and disabled homeowners in the form of a credit on annual real estate tax bills.

According the auditor's office, there are more than 47,000 homeowners in the county receiving the homestead exemption. The average savings in the county is more than $600 for those who qualify.

June 2 is the deadline to apply for both new and late applicants.

Call the auditor's homestead hotline, (937) 225-4341, if you need help or have questions about the program or the new rules.

Here's the schedule of public help sessions Keith is calling Homestead Community Outreach days: