What if I'm making changes to my property?
If a building permit was issued, we will be notified by
the planning agency. If however, improvements or modifications
are made to property that cost more than $500 and a permit
was not required, you need to file a Notice of Assessment
Registration. This form may also be used to notify us of
demolitions.There is an assessment registration form that
can be found at our Forms Area and/or linking to: http://www.in.gov/icpr/webfile/formsdiv/00786.pdf
Why do I have to pay property taxes?
We've all become accustomed to the level of services provided
by our local community. Schools, police and fire protection,
libraries and paved roads are only a few of the amenities
property taxes make possible. Without property taxes, we
couldn’t support any of the above.
How is the amount of tax I owe derived?
Your assessed value is multiplied by the tax rate. The tax
rate is the total rate of the combined taxing units (County,
Township, City or Town, Library, etc.) within each taxing
district. The tax rate is expressed in dollars per hundred
dollar of assessed value. This amount is reduced by a state
credit, Property Tax Replacement and is automatically deducted
from your tax bill.
How will I know if my Assessment is correct?
Review the information provided on the Notice of Assessment
(Form 11 R\A or C\I). The form not only shows the assessed
value, but also the information used to arrive at the assessed
value. You are encouraged to carefully check the following
for accuracy:
- Year of construction.
- Number of stories.
- Exterior construction (brick, frame,
block etc.)
- Square footage (calculated from outside
measurements.)
- Number of extra plumbing fixtures
(refers to the number of fixtures in excess of one full
bath – 3 fixtures, kitchen sink and hot water heater
per living unit.)
- Other assessable features (including
but not limited to: extra living units, basement recreation
rooms, hot tubs, central air conditioning, fireplaces,
finished attics and basements, open and enclosed porches,
etc.)
**Any factual errors can be corrected
by filing Form 133, Petition For Correction of Error, anytime
during the tax year.
What if I disagree with the Assessed Value?
A taxpayer has a right to appeal their property tax assessment
for any reason. The burden of proof, however, will be on
the taxpayer to prove why they should have their assessment
changed. Just saying: " My taxes are too high"
is not sufficient. After carefully reviewing your assessment
notice, contact your Township Assessor’s Office prior
to filing an appeal.
Note also that three things may happen on appeal:
1) the assessed value may be raised;
2) it may be lowered; or
3) it may remain the same
See Appeal
Process for more information.
What are Sales Disclosures and how are they used?
A sales disclosure is a form that is completed for all property
transfers and must filed when the transfer is recorded.
Sales Disclosures must be filed the County Auditor even
if no money changed hands. The intent of the sales disclosure
is to provide a base of information that will be utilized
by both the State, County and Township Assessors to identify
how much each property was transferred for. Sales disclosures
were classified as "public information" beginning
January 2000.
What constitutes True Tax Value?
True Tax Value is the sum of the land value and the depreciated
value of improvements. Land is valued at its estimated market
value based upon the sales of comparable properties in the
immediate area. Improvements are anything that has been
constructed on the land; including houses, barns, garages,
swimming pools, decks, patios, utility sheds, tennis courts,
gazebos, carports, etc.
Who is ultimately responsible for the value placed on my
Real Property?
The State Legislature enacts property tax laws while the
State Board of Tax Commissioners interprets the law, writes
the rules and procedures, and sets the tax rates.
Who owns the property at a specific address?
To determine current ownership of property you should contact
the County Auditors Office.
Is there any way I can reduce my taxes?
Yes. There are a number of credits and exemptions available
to qualifying taxpayers. Your County Auditor can provide
you with information and assist you in determining whether
or not you qualify.
Where and when do I file my mortgage and homestead exemption?
Mortgages and homestead exemptions are filed with the County
Auditor by May 10th and will be applied to the following
year's taxes. If you purchase a new property, both need
to be filed. Should you refinance the mortgage a new mortgage
exemption must be filed. The homestead exemption only needs
to be filed once even though you may refinance the mortgage.
When do I need a Power of Attorney?
When an appeal is being filed by anyone other than the owner.
Where and when do I file a tax return on my business personal
property?
Filing of forms 103 and 104 are required by May 15th of
each year and are filed with the Township Assessor in the
township in which the property is located.
Where do I get a copy of a plat map?
The "official" copy of the plat is filed with
the County Recorder's Office.
Are churches and not-for-profit organizations required to
file a return for personal property?
Yes. The same deadline as above applies.
