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1. What properties may qualify for an exemption?

Property may be granted an exemption if an Application for Property Tax Exemption (Form 136) (PDF) has been timely filed and it is proven that the property qualifies for an exemption specifically identified by statute. Generally, such statutes require ownership or occupancy of the property by a qualifying entity and use of the property for an exempt purpose as defined by laws which govern the decisions made by the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals (PTABOA).

Indiana Code 6-January 1, 2010-16 provides guidelines that aid in determining whether or not an entity is eligible for a tax exemption. Property that is owned, occupied, and used for charitable, educational, religious, literary, or scientific reasons may be eligible for a full or partial tax exemption.

Forms may be submitted via mail, email, fax, or in-person to:

Hancock County Assessor
111 American Legion Place, Suite 204
Greenfield, IN 46140
Email Crystal Stanley
Fax: 317-477-1104
Phone: 317-477-1102

2. What must I file and when?

Form 136 (PDF) must be filed with the County Assessor by April 1st of the assessment year in which the property becomes eligible. With this application, the taxpayer is required to submit copies of the following documents:

• Bylaws
• Articles of Incorporation or other organizational documents
• Financial Statements for the previous three years which includes balance sheets and summary of income and expenditure
• Property Record Card (this document may be obtained from the County Assessor)

3. Want to file online?

You may now file the Application for Property Tax Exemption (Form 136) online by visiting our Beacon Website. There you can search for the desired property for which you need to file an application. After locating the subject property, find Form 136 located on tool bar at the top of the page. Complete and submit the form electronically. If you have any questions or concerns please contact our Exemption Deputy, Crystal Stanley, by phone or email. 

4. What happens after I file?

PTABOA considers the application and issues a determination of approval, partial approval, or denial. If denied, the taxpayer has the opportunity to appeal that decision to the Indiana Board of Tax Review (IBTR). To appeal a denial, the taxpayer must file a Petition to the IBTR for Review of Exemption (Form 132) within 45 days from the date the notice of rejection is given by the county PTABOA, and a copy must also be mailed to the county assessor.

5. How often do I file?

Once an exemption under IC 6-1.1-10-16 is granted for a property that is owned, occupied, and used by a person for charitable, educational, religious, literary or scientific purposes there is no need to refile unless a change in use, value, character or ownership occurs. If one of these changes occurs, the change will not affect the property’s eligibility for an exemption for that assessment date. However, the entity that obtained the exemption or the current owner of the property must notify the County Assessor of the change in the year that the change occurs by filing Form 136-CO/U (PDF) (Notice of Change of Ownership or Use of Exempt Property) with the County Assessor. The submission of this form aids the Assessor in knowing whether or not the exemption should remain in place or to remove the exemption in the following assessment year. If the exemption is removed, the County Assessor will notify the entity that filed or the new owner, if applicable, that a new Application for Property Tax Exemption (Form 136) will be required in the following assessment year to maintain, or initiate, the exempt status.