🏡 Your money back: How to LOWER your Erie County property taxes
Don’t leave money on the table; be sure you get the Homestead and the owner occupied credits if you're eligible
SANDUSKY — It’s easy to claim the Homestead and Owner-Occupied credits that could save you hundreds of dollars every year.
With the cost of living—and property values—continuing to rise, every single tax savings opportunity counts. If you own your home in Erie County, you are could eligible for at least one, if not both, of two tax credits that can directly reduce your annual property tax bill.
These credits aren’t complicated; they just require you to fill out a form and send it in. The Erie County Auditor’s office has made the application process incredibly clear and accessible.
Here is a step-by-step guide to claiming your tax break
💰 Owner-Occupied vs. Homestead
It’s important to know which credit you qualify for. Both reduce the taxable value of your property, but they have different eligibility requirements:
1. The Owner-Occupied (2.5%) Credit
This is the most common and easiest credit to qualify for.
Who Qualifies? Any homeowner who uses the property as their primary residence (where they live permanently).
What it Does: Provides a 2.5% reduction on the total amount of property tax you owe. If you bought a house recently, you may have to apply, as this credit does not always automatically transfer when the property changes hands.
2. The Homestead Non-Business Credit
This credit is specifically for seniors and permanently disabled homeowners.
Who Qualifies? Homeowners who are 65 or older (or turning 65 during the tax year) or those who are permanently and totally disabled. There is an income requirement for this credit, which the Auditor’s office can clarify for you.
What it Does: Exempts a portion of the property’s value from taxation, potentially leading to hundreds of dollars in annual savings.
💻 Apply online
The easiest way to get the forms you need is to go directly to the Erie County Auditor’s website. You can do this right now in five minutes.
Step 1: Go to the auditor’s website
Open your browser and navigate to: auditor.eriecounty.oh.gov
Step 2: Navigate to the Real Estate Section
Look for the blue navigation bar, usually located right below the Auditor’s name.
Click on the Real Estate arrow (it’s typically the third item from the left).
Step 3: Find the Savings programs
Once the Real Estate menu opens, look for the list of resources.
Click on the Property Tax Savings Programs link (it’s often the third item down in the third column).
Step 4: Download your form
On the Savings Programs page, you will find the required forms for the Owner-Occupied and Homestead Non-Business Credit.
Download and print the form that applies to you.
Step 5: Fill and return
Follow the directions on the form carefully.
Once completed, mail or drop off the form to the Auditor’s office:
Erie County Auditor’s Office
247 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870
📞 Need Help? Don’t Wait
If you get stuck, have questions about your eligibility, or simply don’t have access to a printer, the Auditor’s staff is can help you.
Call the Office: If you have questions call the office directly at 419-627-7746.
Stop By: If you prefer face-to-face assistance, you can stop into the office. The staff will be there to assist you:
Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Don’t let these credits go unclaimed. Take a few minutes today to check your eligibility and send in your form.
