The DTE 105E form is needed in Trumbull County, Ohio. It helps homeowners with a permanent disability get a tax break. A doctor or psychologist must sign it to prove you qualify.
This can save you a lot of money on taxes.
What Is the Homestead Exemption?
The Homestead Exemption in Ohio lowers property taxes for some homeowners. It helps seniors, disabled people, and surviving spouses. In Trumbull County, the DTE 105E form is key for disabled residents to prove they qualify.
Why Is the DTE 105E Form Important?
The DTE 105E form shows you have a permanent and total disability. This means you can’t work at a real job. Without it, you can’t get the tax break.
Who Qualifies for the Homestead Exemption in Trumbull County?
To get the Homestead Exemption, you must meet certain rules. You must live in Ohio and own your home. The program is for:
- Homeowners aged 65 or older.
- People with permanent and total disabilities.
- Surviving spouses of eligible homeowners, aged 59 or older.
Disability Requirements for the Exemption
To qualify with a disability, it must be permanent and total. It must last forever and stop you from working. The DTE 105E form proves this.
How to Complete the DTE 105E Form
Filling out the DTE 105E form is easy but needs care. Here’s what to do:
- Get the Form: Download it from trumbullcountyauditor.org or get it at the Trumbull County Auditor’s Office.
- Provide Personal Information: Write your name, address, and contact info.
- Physician or Psychologist Signature: A doctor or psychologist must sign to confirm your disability.
- Submit with DTE 105A: Attach the DTE 105E to the Homestead Exemption application (DTE 105A).
Who Can Sign the DTE 105E Form?
A doctor in Ohio must sign for physical disabilities. For mental disabilities, a doctor or psychologist can sign. They must confirm your disability is permanent and total.
Alternative Proof of Disability
You can also use a certificate from a state or federal agency. It must show you are permanently and totally disabled. Examples include letters from the Social Security Administration or Veterans Affairs.
Income Limits for the Homestead Exemption
The Homestead Exemption has income limits. Your household’s Ohio Adjusted Gross Income (OAGI) must not go over a certain amount. For 2025 taxes, the limit is $38,600. For 2026 taxes, it’s $40,000.
Special Rules for Disabled Veterans
Disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability may get a higher exemption. This can exempt up to $56,000 of your home’s value from taxes. There’s no income cap for this group, but you need a different form, DTE 105I.
How Much Can You Save?
The Homestead Exemption shields $26,200 of your home’s value from taxes. For example, if your home is worth $100,000, you’re taxed as if it’s worth $73,800. Disabled veterans may shield up to $52,300.
Homestead Exemption Benefits
| Eligibility Group | Exemption Amount | Income Cap (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Disabled Individuals | $26,200 | $38,600 |
| Disabled Veterans (100%) | $52,300 | None |
How to Apply for the Homestead Exemption
To apply, fill out the DTE 105A form. If you’re disabled, add the DTE 105E. You can apply online or in person at the Trumbull County Auditor’s Office.
Where to Submit Your Application
Go to the Trumbull County Auditor’s Office at 160 High Street NW, Warren, OH 44481. They’re open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. You can also apply online at trumbullcountyauditor.org.
Continuing the Exemption
Once you’re approved, you don’t need to reapply every year. The county auditor will send a DTE 105B form in January. Just return it if your situation changes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When filling out the DTE 105E, avoid these errors:
- Not getting the form signed by a licensed professional.
- Missing the application deadline (December 31).
- Forgetting to include the DTE 105A form.
- Providing incomplete income information.
Common DTE 105E Mistakes and Solutions
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Unsigned Form | Ensure a licensed physician signs it. |
| Missing DTE 105A | Submit both forms together. |
| Incorrect Income Reporting | Use Ohio Adjusted Gross Income from taxes. |
Benefits for Surviving Spouses
If your spouse dies, you might keep the exemption. You must be 59 or older and live in the home. You also need to meet income requirements. A special form, DTE 105K, might apply if your spouse was a public service officer.
Trusts and the Homestead Exemption
Even if your home is in a trust, you might qualify. The trust must be yours and you must live in the home. Both revocable and irrevocable trusts can qualify.
Owner Occupancy Reduction
Trumbull County offers a 2.5% property tax cut for homes you own. You must live in the home as of January 1. Apply for the DTE 105C form. This applies to one acre of land only.
How the Exemption Affects Your Taxes
The exemption lowers your home’s taxable value. For a $150,000 home, it reduces the taxable value to $123,800. This can save hundreds of dollars a year, depending on local taxes.
Why Trumbull County Promotes the Exemption
Trumbull County supports the Homestead Exemption to help financially. It aids disabled residents and seniors. The program shows Ohio’s commitment to helping vulnerable homeowners.
How to Check Your Application Status
After you send it in, check your status online at trumbullcountyauditor.org. You’ll get a certificate if you’re approved. If not, you can appeal to the Trumbull County Board of Revision.
Penalties for False Information
It’s a big deal to lie on the DTE 105E or DTE 105A. It’s a fourth-degree misdemeanor. If you get caught, you can’t get the exemption for three years. Always tell the truth about your income and disability.
Additional Resources in Trumbull County
The Auditor’s Office can help with forms and applications. Visit their website or call (330) 675-2420 for help. They also have online tools for tax estimators and property searches.
Tips for a Successful Application
To get approved, follow these steps:
- Make sure all forms are complete.
- Send it in by December 31.
- Keep copies of your documents.
- Ask the Auditor’s Office any questions you have.
Property Taxes in Trumbull County
Property taxes help pay for schools, roads, and local services. The Homestead Exemption makes owning a home cheaper. Check trumbullcountyauditor.org for tax rates.
How Disability Impacts Eligibility
Your disability must really stop you from working. Temporary or partial disabilities don’t count. The DTE 105E is for those with serious, lasting disabilities.
Comparing Ohio’s Homestead Exemption
Ohio’s program has income limits for most applicants. Other states, like Texas, have similar exemptions but don’t check income. Trumbull County follows Ohio’s rules closely.
Real-Life Example of Savings
Imagine a disabled veteran in Warren with a $200,000 home. With the $52,300 exemption, their taxable value drops to $147,700. At a 33.64 mill rate, they save about $1,760 a year.
How to Appeal a Denial
If your application is denied, file a complaint with the Board of Revision. Use the DTE 106B form, available at trumbullcountyauditor.org. You have 30 days to appeal after getting a denial.
Community Support for Disabled Homeowners
Trumbull County has programs beyond the exemption. Local nonprofits and veterans’ groups can help with applications or give financial advice. Contact the Auditor’s Office for referrals.
Why Act Now?
Apply for the Homestead Exemption before December 31 to save on next year’s taxes. Waiting could mean missing a year of savings. Start getting your documents ready today.
Final Thoughts
The DTE 105E form is key for disabled homeowners in Trumbull County to lower property taxes. By showing you’re permanently and totally disabled, you can save a lot. Visit trumbullcountyauditor.org to start your application and get your tax benefits.
