By Deb Nester, Williams County Auditor
Williams County property owners will be receiving their real estate tax bill in the mail for the first half of tax year 2013. I would like to remind residents of two important tax savings programs available to them:
1) Homestead Exemption Program
This program is offered to (a) senior citizens age 65 or older, or (b) permanently disabled individuals who own and occupy their home (or manufactured home) in Williams County as their principle place of residence, as of January 1 of the filing year. Because of a change in state law, beginning in 2014, new applicants will be subject to an income means test with the maximum total income not to exceed $30,500. Existing homestead recipients will continue to receive the credit without being subject to the income test and do not have to resubmit an application. Homestead Exemption application forms are available at the County Auditor’s office, or on our website at www.co.williams.oh.us/auditor
2) 2½% Homesite Credit
All home owners are eligible for a 2 ½% Homesite credit provided that the home is their primary residence on levies that were voted into effect prior to the November 5, 2013, election. Home owners should carefully review their real estate tax bills to make certain they are receiving this credit.
Some rates have changed for tax year 2013 which will affect taxes payable in calendar year 2014. Listed below are the changes in tax rates in various taxing districts:
• Williams County – 2013 Soil & Water – (0.40 mill increase)
• Bryan City Schools – 2013 Bond Levy – (7.45 mill increase)
• Central Local School District – 2012 Emergency Levy – (0.15 mill decrease)
• Central Local School District – 1999 Bond Levy – (0.05 mill decrease)
• Millcreek-West Unity Local School District – 2006 Bond Levy – (1.40 mill decrease)
• North Central Local School District – 1992 Bond Levy – (0.50 mill decrease)
• Stryker Local School District – 2012 Emergency Levy – (0.10 mill decrease)
• Stryker Local School District – 2006 Bond Levy – (0.60 mill decrease)
• Brady Township – 1993 Fire Bond Levy – (0.10 mill decrease)
• Millcreek Township – 2009 Fire Levy replaced – (0.31 mill increase)
• St. Joseph Township – 1998 Cemetery Levy replaced – (0.28 mill increase)
Williams County residents can research real property tax and valuations information on the County Auditor’s website at www.co.williams.oh.us/auditor.
Click on “Real Estate Search” and follow the directions to research properties located in Williams County. Tax mapping information, which includes aerial photos, is available on the website as well.
Also, our website provides information regarding other functions of the County Auditor’s office including Building Permits, Current Agricultural Use Value Program (C.A.U.V.), dog licenses, 2 ½ % Homesite Program, Homestead Exemption Program, manufactured homes taxation, real property taxation, vendor’s licenses, tax rates, and weights and measures inspection. Several forms relating to these subjects are available on the website for your convenience.
Anyone with questions regarding these programs or their real estate tax bills may contact or visit the County Auditor’s office located on the second floor of the Williams County Courthouse, phone 419-636-5639. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DEB NESTER, WILLIAMS COUNTY AUDITOR