Property Tax Deductions

If you bought a home or refinanced your mortgage this year be sure to file your property tax deductions by the end of the year! If these aren’t filed by December 31, your taxes could increase. Deductions are not given automatically, you must apply for them in the auditor’s office for your county. We’ve included a list of these offices below to help streamline this process.

Homestead Deduction

This is by far the most valuable deduction and can save you up to 50% on your property tax bill. The homestead deduction is available if your home is your primary residence in Indiana and it is not a rental house or vacation house. A homestead is defined as your primary residence (including a mobile or manufactured home), one garage, and up to one of acre of land immediately surrounding the home.

The homestead deduction is now filed for you in most counties at closing through the sales disclosure, but this is a great time to verify with the county that it is recorded. If you do need to file forms, forms must be filed at the county auditor’s office in the county where the homestead is located. The standard homestead deduction reduces the gross assessed value of your homestead portion of your property by up to 60% or $48,000. If the maximum standard deduction has been applied, an additional supplmental homestead deduction will automatically be applied to further reduce the gross assessed value of the home. Individuals and married couples can only receive one homestead dedution on one particular homestead property in a year.

General Information

You may file in person, through the mail or online if your county allows online applications. To file in person, take the documents you received at closing to your county auditor’s office. Let them know you’d like to file your homestead deduction. To file through the mail, you can find and print the homestead deduction form from the IN.gov website. When filing for this deduction, make sure you get and keep the receipt. It’s your only proof that you’ve filed. This deduction will remain in place from year to year. You only need to apply or reapply when you sell your property or change your title.

There are other deductions you may qualify for including World War I veteran or spouse, solar energy, wind power, hydroelectric power, or geothermal.

Need help finding your county auditor’s office? Check the list below for contact information and links for auditor’s offices in the greater Indianapolis area. Don’t forget we are here to help! If you need additional guidance don’t hesitate to reach out to us.