Property Tax Exemptions

January 5, 2011 is the deadline to file your property tax exemptions for 2010 taxes payable in 2011. If you purchased your property by December 31, 2010, you have until January 5, 2011 to file. To be eligible for these deductions in 2011, persons must be the owner of their primary residence as of December 31, 2010. If you have previously filed an exemption on your property, you would only need to re-file if you have moved or refinanced.

The following exemptions are available to those who qualify:

  • Homestead Deduction (Standard and Supplemental)- Once filed on your residence, only needs to be re-filed if you move.
    • If you are entitled to a Standard Homestead Deduction, you are entitled to receive the Supplemental Homestead Deduction.
    • Both the Standard and Supplemental Homestead Deductions are under one application and can be filed on a Sales Disclosure Form.
  • Mortgage Exemption- Once filed, only needs to be re-filed if you have refinanced. Must bring:
    • Date of Closing
    • Amount of Mortgage
    • Name of Finance Company or Institution.
  • Over 65 Exemption
    • Must turn 65 by 12/31/10
    • Combined adjusted gross income limit is $25,000
    • Must bring copies of pages one (1) and two (2) of 1040 for 2009 (copies for all listed on property)
    • Assessed value on residential property not to exceed $182,430
  • Over 65 Circuit Breaker - Prevents eligible senior citizen's property tax liability from increasing by more than 2 percent.
    • Must qualify for Homestead Standard Deduction and turn 65 by 12/31/10
    • Adjusted gross income not to exceed $30,000; combined adjusted gross income not to exceed $40,000
    • Must bring copies of pages one (1) and two (2) of 1040 for 2009 (copies for all listed on property)
    • Assessed value on residential property not to exceed $160,000
  • Blind / Disability Exemption - Must bring:
    • Doctor's statement for proof of blindness or disability, or
    • An Awards Letter from Social Security for proof of disability.
  • Veterans Exemption- with total or partial disability. Must bring:
    • VA Statement of Benefit Record (Form 20-5455) with a code one listed in Item # 15 or
    • Pension Certificate or
    • Award of Compensation or
    • Certificate of Eligibility from the Veterans' Administration with rating.
  • Deductions for Model Homes-
    • 50% on assessed value of improvements.
    • May file on property that consists of a single family residence, single family townhouse, or single family condominium unit that has neve been occupied as a principal residence and is used as a display or demonstration to perspective buyers. Owner's regular office space is not considered a model residence (sales office is considered part of the model residence).
    • Must file by January 5, 2011 for 2010 taxes payable in 2011.
    • Must file each year.
    • Model residences located in a TIF area are not eligible for this exemption.
    • Note: The Deduction for Model Home Residence (IC 6-1.1-12.6) was effective January 1, 2009. The law stated that the deduction applies only to a model residence that is assessed for the assessment date for 2009 or later. This translates to the deduction being first available for 2009Pay2010. In May of 2009, HB 1071 made the Deduction for Model Residence retroactive to 2008Pay2009. Generally, a qualified owner of a Model Residence is entitled to a 50% deduction of the assessed value of a model residence. This does not include the land on which it is located.

    Your exemptions need to be filed in the Auditor's Office, Room 208 of the Civic Center Complex (on the second floor.) Our office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. If you would like an exemption form mailed to you, please call 435-5302 and make the request.