Fairfield County Auditor Urges Residents to Beware of Unofficial, False Federal Property Tax Relief Videos

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 6, 2026
 
Fairfield County Auditor Urges Residents to Beware of Unofficial, False Federal Property Tax Relief Videos
 
Lancaster, Ohio – The Fairfield County Auditor’s Office is alerting residents to be cautious of YouTube videos that falsely claim a new federal program provides property tax relief for older homeowners.
 
The video instructs viewers to contact their county auditor and request a "Senior Homeowner Tax Review Request" form. No such federal law, program, or form exists.
 
"We want residents to know they can always contact our office with questions about property tax relief programs, such as the state of Ohio’s Homestead program," said Fairfield County Auditor. Dr. Carri L. Brown. "If something doesn't come from an official government source, it's worth checking. There is no such thing as a Federal Senior Homeowner Tax Review Request form."
 
Ohio does offer legitimate property tax relief through the Homestead Exemption for qualifying homeowners, including many seniors, people with disabilities, qualifying disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses. Eligible Homestead recipients may also receive a one-time, state-funded property tax reduction in 2027 under House Bill 479. Current Homestead recipients do not need to complete a separate application for that benefit.
 
Residents are encouraged to rely on official government sources for information about tax relief programs and should never pay for government forms or provide personal information through unofficial websites.
 
For information about the Homestead Exemption, eligibility requirements, or to apply, contact the Fairfield County Auditor’s Office at 740 652 7020 or visit the county's official website at https://www.co.fairfield.oh.us/auditor/Ohio-Homestead-Exemption-Program.html.
 

###