The homestead exemp- tion provides a reduction in property taxes to qualified senior or disabled citizens, or a surviving spouse, on the dwelling that is that. The homestead exemption allows lowincome senior citizens and permanently and totally disabled Ohioans, to reduce their property tax bills.This is a statewide program which reduces the property tax burden of qualified senior citizens and permanently and totally disabled homeowners. You may qualify for a deferral of your property tax liability if: You are 60 or older, or retired because of physical disability. All exemption applications must be made in person at the Tax Commissioner's Office before April 1st of the current tax year. Douglas County has additional exemptions.