Homestead exemption applications due April 1

Franklin County Tax Assessor-Collector Talina King Matthews has announced local homeowners have until April 1 to file their request for homestead tax exemption consideration.

“Homeowners who received homestead exemption last year and did not have a change in their status do not need to reapply,” Matthews said.

“However, a new homestead application is needed for those who have obtained a new home, bought or sold land attached to their homestead property, lost their spouse, turned 65 years old or became disabled in 2022, were married or divorced, applied a life estate to their homestead property, placed their homestead property in a trust or recorded any deed that applies to a change on their homestead property.”

In seeking a regular homestead exemption — which allows taxpayers a maximum credit of $300 — the following documentation is required:

• A copy of the applicant’s recorded warranty deed.

• A proof of purchase price and down payment.

• The license plate numbers of all vehicles held by the property owner.

• The applicant’s phone number and email address.

• The applicant’s Social Security number and birth date.

• If married, the spouse’s Social Security number and birth date.

• If divorced, proof of this legal action.

• The applicant’s driver license.

• A utility bill showing the property’s address.

For those who are 65 years old and over and are re-applying for the over-65 homestead exemption, which allows for an assessed value reduction, a driver license or other proof of age is needed.

If applying for a disability homestead exemption — which also allows for an assessed value reduction — a Social Security award letter (CIPQUY) or a statement of being totally disabled with the date the applicant was declared disabled must be brought to the tax office.

For 100-percent disabled American veterans, who are exempt from ad valorem taxation, the applicant will need to have a letter from Veteran Affairs declaring the individual to be 100-percent disabled.

For taxpayers applying for an over-65, disability or a 100-percent disabled veteran exemption for the first time, the documents necessary to apply for a regular homestead exemption must be provided in addition to the special documents requested.

In addition, taxpayers who have lost a spouse in their household must bring their family member’s death certificate when seeking homestead exemptions.

Matthews also stated business owners within the county must report their assets via a personal property rendition form by April 1.

If those assets are not reported by the deadline, a 10-percent increase will be added to their assessment.

Emailed renditions cannot be accepted by the tax office.

Additionally, anyone who operates a business outside of the corporate limits of Franklin County’s three municipalities — Meadville, Roxie and Bude — is required to obtain a privilege license through the county.

For questions regarding homestead exemptions or other tax-related matters, contact the Franklin County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office at 601-384-2359.