In Trumbull County, Ohio, you usually don’t need to reapply for the homestead exemption if you’re already getting it. This is true if your situation hasn’t changed. But, if your home ownership, where you live, or disability status has changed, you must tell the Trumbull County Auditor’s Office. You might need to fill out a new application (DTE 105A) or update your info.
This guide will help you understand how to keep or apply for this valuable property tax relief in 2025.
What Is the Homestead Exemption?
The homestead exemption is a program in Ohio that helps with property taxes. It lowers the taxable value of your home, saving you money. In Trumbull County, it can protect up to $25,000 of your home’s value, saving you about $400 a year.
This program is for seniors and disabled homeowners. It makes owning a home more affordable. Knowing its benefits helps you save more.
Who Qualifies for the Homestead Exemption in Trumbull County?
To get the homestead exemption, you must meet certain criteria. These rules help ensure the program helps those who need it most. Here are the main requirements for 2025.
- Age or Disability: You must be at least 65 by December 31 of the application year, be permanently and totally disabled, or be a surviving spouse (at least 59) of someone who qualified.
- Residency: The home must be your main residence as of January 1 of the application year. It must be where you vote and file taxes.
- Ownership: You must own the home, either fully or through a qualifying trust (revocable or irrevocable, effective 2009 for real property, 2010 for manufactured homes).
- Income Limits: For 2025, your Ohio Adjusted Gross Income (OAGI) must not exceed $40,000 (including your spouse’s income). Those who qualified before 2014 may be grandfathered without income limits.
Only one homestead exemption is allowed per person or married couple in the U.S. If you own more than one property, you can only claim it on your main home.
Do You Need to Reapply for the Homestead Exemption?
If you’re already getting the homestead exemption in Trumbull County, you usually don’t need to reapply. The exemption automatically renews each year if you’re eligible. But, if your situation changes, you must notify the county auditor or submit a new application.
When You Must Notify or Reapply
You need to contact the Trumbull County Auditor’s Office if any of these situations apply:
- Change in Ownership: You’ve transferred the property to a trust, sold it, or changed the deed (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, or death).
- Change in Residency: You no longer live in the home as your primary residence or have moved to a new home.
- Change in Disability Status: Your disability status has changed, requiring updated documentation like the DTE 105E Certificate of Disability.
- Surviving Spouse: If your spouse, who qualified for the exemption, passed away, and you were at least 59 at the time of their death, you may need to confirm continued eligibility.
If any of these changes happen, you might need to file a new DTE 105A application or a DTE 105B Continuing Homestead Exemption Application. Not telling the auditor about changes could lead to penalties or losing the exemption.
How to Reapply for the Homestead Exemption in Trumbull County
If you need to reapply because of changes in your situation, follow these steps. The process is simple but needs careful attention. Here’s how to do it in 2025.
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Make sure you’re eligible for the exemption. Check your Ohio Adjusted Gross Income from 2024 (Line 3). For 2025, the income limit is $40,000 for homes and mobile homes.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
You’ll need certain documents for your application. Having them ready can save time. Here’s what you might need:
- Proof of Age: A driver’s license, Ohio ID, birth certificate, or passport.
- Proof of Disability (if applicable): A DTE 105E Certificate of Disability signed by a licensed physician or psychologist, or a Social Security Administration award letter.
- Trust Documents (if applicable): A copy of the trust page showing it’s a qualifying revocable or irrevocable trust.
- Income Documentation: Your Ohio income tax return showing your OAGI (Line 3).
Step 3: Obtain the Application Form
Get the DTE 105A Homestead Exemption Application Form from the Ohio Department of Taxation website or the Trumbull County Auditor’s website. You can also ask for a paper copy from the Auditor’s Office.
Step 4: Complete the Application
Fill out the DTE 105A form correctly. Include your age, date of birth, and income details. Remember to sign it under penalty of perjury. False statements can lead to a misdemeanor and a three-year ban from the exemption.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Submit your application to the Trumbull County Auditor’s Office by December 31, 2025, for real property. For manufactured or mobile homes, file by the first Monday in June 2025 for the 2026 tax year. You can submit in person or by mail:
Trumbull County Auditor’s Office
3200 Reeves Road NE
Warren, OH 44483
Phone: (330) 675-2420
Online filing isn’t available in Trumbull County as of 2025, so ensure your paper application has an original signature.
Step 6: Await Approval
You’ll get a notice from the Auditor’s Office by the first Monday in October 2025. It will confirm approval or explain why your application was denied. If denied, you can appeal using the DTE 106B form within 60 days for real property or by January 31, 2026, for manufactured homes.
Key Deadlines for Homestead Exemption in Trumbull County (2025)
| Property Type | Application Deadline | Tax Year Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Real Property | December 31, 2025 | 2025 |
| Manufactured/Mobile Home | First Monday in June 2025 (June 2) | 2026 |
Common Reasons You Might Need to Reapply
Several situations might require you to reapply or update your exemption status. Knowing these can help you avoid losing benefits. Here are the most common scenarios.
- Property Transfer to a Trust: If you placed your home in a trust for estate planning, you may need to reapply with trust documentation. Both revocable and irrevocable trusts qualify if created during your lifetime.
- Moving to a New Home: If you move to a new primary residence in Ohio, you must reapply. The exemption doesn’t automatically transfer, but pre-2014 qualifiers may retain grandfathered status without income limits.
- Change in Marital Status: Marriage, divorce, or the death of a spouse may require updating your application, specially if your spouse was the qualifying individual.
- Disability Status Change: If your disability status changes, you must provide updated documentation to maintain eligibility.
If you’re unsure whether you need to reapply, contact the Trumbull County Auditor’s Office for guidance.
Benefits of the Homestead Exemption
The homestead exemption can save you a lot of money. It lowers your property’s taxable value, which means lower taxes. It’s a big reason to keep your eligibility.
- Tax Savings: Protects up to $25,000 of your home’s value, saving about $400 a year.
- State Reimbursement: Ohio pays back schools and local governments, so your savings don’t hurt community services.
- Stability: Offers steady tax relief for seniors, disabled homeowners, and surviving spouses.
For example, if your home is worth $100,000, it’s taxed as if it’s $75,000. This can really help those on fixed incomes.
Homestead Exemption Eligibility Requirements (2025)
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | 65 or older by December 31, 2025, or surviving spouse (59+) |
| Disability | Permanent and total, certified by a physician or Social Security award letter |
| Income | Ohio Adjusted Gross Income ≤ $40,000 (2025 cap) |
| Residency | Primary residence as of January 1, 2025 |
| Ownership | Must own the home or hold it in a qualifying trust |
What Happens If You Don’t Reapply When Required?
Not telling the Auditor’s Office about changes or not reapplying can cause problems. You might lose the exemption, leading to higher taxes. Giving false information is a serious offense, making you ineligible for three years.
If you miss the deadline, you might be able to apply late for the previous year. Check with the Auditor’s Office for details on late applications.
Tips for a Successful Reapplication
To make sure your reapplication goes well, follow these tips. They help avoid common mistakes. Being prepared is key to keeping your exemption.
- Double-Check Documents: Make sure all forms and documents are complete and correct.
- File Early: Apply well before the December 31 deadline to avoid last-minute problems.
- Keep Copies: Keep copies of your application and documents for your records.
- Contact the Auditor: If you’re unsure about your status, call (330) 675-2420 or visit the Auditor’s Office.
Appealing a Denied Application
If your application is denied, don’t worry. You can appeal the decision. Here’s how to do it in Trumbull County.
- Receive Denial Notice: The Auditor’s Office will send a notice by the first Monday in October 2025 explaining the denial.
- File an Appeal: Submit the DTE 106B Homestead Exemption and Owner-Occupancy Reduction Complaint form within 60 days for real property or by January 31, 2026, for manufactured homes.
- Provide Evidence: Include any additional documentation to support your eligibility, such as proof of residency or disability.
- Attend a Hearing: The county Board of Revision will review your appeal and may hold a hearing.
Appeals give you a chance to fix errors or provide missing information. Act fast to meet deadlines.
Additional Resources for Trumbull County Homeowners
Need more help? Trumbull County and Ohio have resources for you. They can help clarify the process or answer specific questions.
- Trumbull County Auditor’s Website: Visit www.co.trumbull.oh.us for forms and contact information.
- Ohio Department of Taxation: Access forms like DTE 105A and DTE 105E at tax.ohio.gov.
- Auditor’s Office Contact: Call (330) 675-2420 or visit 3200 Reeves Road NE, Warren, OH 44483.
- Free Legal Aid: Contact Community Legal Aid (1-800-998-9454) for assistance with applications or appeals.
How the Homestead Exemption Impacts Your Taxes
The homestead exemption lowers your property tax bill. It reduces your home’s taxable value, cutting what you owe. Here’s an example:
- Home Value: $150,000
- Exemption: $25,000
- Taxable Value: $125,000
- Estimated Savings: About $400–$500, based on local tax rates
The state pays back local governments and schools. This ensures no loss of funding. It’s a win for homeowners who qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reapply every year?
No, you don’t need to reapply every year if nothing has changed. Just let the Auditor’s Office know if your situation changes.
Can I apply online in Trumbull County?
As of 2025, Trumbull County needs paper applications with a signature. Online filing is not an option.
What if I miss the application deadline?
You can apply late for the previous year. Contact the Auditor’s Office for help with late applications.
Does the exemption transfer if I move?
No, you must apply again at your new home. If you applied before 2014, you might keep your exemption.
Conclusion
The homestead exemption in Trumbull County helps lower property taxes for seniors, disabled homeowners, and surviving spouses. If your situation hasn’t changed, you usually don’t need to reapply. Just let the Auditor’s Office know if you have updates.
For those who need to reapply, having the right documents and meeting deadlines is key. By following these steps, you can keep this tax relief in 2025. For more help, contact the Trumbull County Auditor’s Office today.
