Do you qualify for a Homestead Exemption tax break? Senior citizens (age 65 and older) and surviving spouse applications may be filled out and either submitted online or printed and mailed.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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The deadline is approaching for homestead exemption applications. To qualify, you must both own and occupy your home as of January 1.