CINCINNATI — The HomeSafe Property Tax Relief Program, which will provide eligible homeowners with financial assistance for delinquent property taxes, launched Monday, according to a press release from the City of Cincinnati.
Through the program, eligible homeowners can apply to receive up to $10,000 if they are "currently delinquent on their property taxes," the City of Cincinnati said. This includes delinquent taxes since 2020.
“This is intended frankly, it’ll be a little bit of a bandaid to help people. We have this property tax taskforce separately. We’re coming out with recommendations here in the next two months and we’re looking at some longer term solutions as well," said City Council Member Mark Jeffreys.
In March, a Property Tax Task Force was formed to do the following:
- Study what causes property taxes to dramatically increase
- Find relief opportunities
- Push for long-term solutions for the entire state
"Hamilton County residents have been struggling to pay their property taxes after last year’s sexennial property reassessment that left nearly 50% of residents with significantly increased bills," the City of Cincinnati said.
Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney and Councilmember Mark Jeffreys supported Mayor Aftab Pureval in trying to allocate $1 million "to help low-to-moderate-income homeowners who are delinquent on their property taxes," the City of Cincinnati said.
The funds eventually went to The Department of Community & Economic Development and creation of the relief program.
To be eligible for the program, you must have the following:
- A household income that is 80% or lower than the Area Median Income
- The property has to be in Cincinnati
- The property must be your primary residence
- You must be delinquent on property taxes
The City of Cincinnati said "Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis" but said it will use targeted outreach to prioritize the following groups:
- Senior citizens who have a fixed income
- Homes with dependent children
- Homeowners who live in "LIFT" neighborhoods
After your application is received, the city said it could take up to 15 days to be processed.
You can submit your application online, by email at propertytaxrelief@cincinnati-oh.gov or in person at the Department of Community & Economic Development.
To learn more about the HomeSafe Property Tax Relief Program, click here.
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