Frequently Asked Questions - 2025 Local (Lorain County) Homestead Exemption

What is the Local (Lorain County) Homestead Exemption? In 2025, the 136th Ohio General Assembly passed House Bill 96, allowing county governments to offer a Local Option Homestead Exemption under Ohio Revised Code Sections 319.304 and 323.152(B)(3). Lorain County adopted this option, creating a local exemption that matches the state-level Ohio Homestead Exemption in both amount and eligibility requirements.

Do I need to apply for the Local Homestead Exemption? No application is necessary for the Local Homestead Exemption. If you are currently enrolled in the Ohio Homestead Exemption program you will automatically receive the new Local Homestead Exemption offered by Lorain County. If you are new to Homestead you will need to apply for the Ohio Homestead Exemption in order to receive both homestead exemptions. More information can be found on the Homestead Exemption - Ohio section of this website.

How much will the Local (Lorain County) Homestead Exemption save me on my tax bill? The Local Homestead Exemption amount will be the same amount as the Ohio Homestead Exemption. The Ohio Homestead Exemption amount is calculated for each taxing district each December after all tax levies in the November general election have been decided and reported to the State. Typical savings for the Ohio Homestead exemption is $350 to $500 per year.

Who pays for the Ohio Homestead Exemption? Lorain County local taxing jurisdictions and levies are reimbursed by the State of Ohio through a refund to Lorain County for the total amount credited by the Ohio Homestead Exemption.

Who pays for the Local Homestead Exemption? The cost of the Local Homestead Exemption is shared across all local taxing jurisdictions and levies—including counties, cities, townships, school districts, libraries, and others. Each jurisdiction’s tax revenue is proportionally reduced to fund the exemption.
Unlike the state-level Homestead Exemption, the Local Homestead Exemption is not reimbursed by the State of Ohio. This means the financial impact is absorbed entirely at the local level.

Why didn't the Lorain County Commissioners offer the Local Homestead Exemption before now? The Lorain County Commissioners did not offer the Local Homestead Exemption prior to now because they did not have the legal authority to do so. The ability for counties to enact a Local Option Homestead Credit was only made possible through the passage of House Bill 96, which was approved by the 136th Ohio General Assembly and became effective on September 30, 2025.

Can I apply for the Local Homestead Exemption for previous years? No. The Local Homestead Exemption is only available starting with tax year 2025 and will continue into the future.