Fraudulent videos circulating on social media are telling senior homeowners they can request a "Senior Homeowner Tax Review Request" form from their county auditor to tap a new federal property tax relief program. No such program exists, and no such form exists, Clermont County Auditor Linda L. Fraley warned Monday, Aug. 10.

The warning applies directly to seniors in Loveland, Symmes Township and Milford, all of which fall under Clermont County's auditor for property tax administration.

The scam is landing at a moment when real tax relief news is in the air. Ohio's House Bill 479 will deliver a one-time credit of roughly $500 to about 710,000 Homestead Exemption recipients statewide on their 2027 tax bills. That legitimate program requires no separate application, making the fake videos' instruction to "request a form" a red flag.

"Residents should verify property tax information with our office before providing personal information or paying for forms through an unofficial source," Fraley said in the auditor's office announcement.

What's real

Ohio's Homestead Exemption shields $29,000 of a qualifying home's market value from property taxes. Residents 65 or older, or those who are permanently and totally disabled, can apply by filing Form DTE 105A with the Clermont County Auditor's Office. The income limit for tax year 2026 is $41,000 in Ohio adjusted gross income. Homeowners enrolled before 2014 face no income test.

Once approved, the exemption renews automatically each year.

The HB 479 one-time credit is separate. Funded by $350 million from the state's fiscal year 2026 surplus, it will appear on first-half and second-half tax bills payable in 2027. County auditors certify the number of eligible properties; the Ohio Tax Commissioner then calculates the per-home amount. Current Homestead recipients do not need to file anything extra to receive it.

How to protect yourself

Fraley's office offered straightforward guidance: do not provide personal information or pay money in response to any online video or social media post claiming to offer a federal property tax form. The federal government does not administer property tax relief for Ohio homeowners.

Residents who want to confirm their eligibility for the Homestead Exemption or ask about HB 479 can call the Clermont County Auditor's Office at 513-732-7150 or visit clermontauditor.org/taxes-rates/homestead. The office is at 101 E. Main St., Batavia.