Frequently Asked Questions

You may now file the Taxpayer's Notice To Initiate An Appeal (Form 130) online by visiting our Beacon Website. There you can search for the desired property for which you need to file an Appeal. After locating the subject property, begin the appeal process by clicking the “File an Appeal” button located under the Assessment Appeals Process header. Complete all of the steps and finish with an electronic signature. A copy of the completed Form 130 will be sent to your email and another copy sent directly to the Assessor. If you have any questions or concerns please contact our office at 317-477-1102 or email Salliann Flake, Appeal Coordinator.

We are located in the Hancock County Annex Building at 111 American Legion Place in Greenfield. Our office is Suite 204 on the second floor.

If you have access to a scanner, you may also scan your form and supporting evidence and email it to our office. Please email Salliann Flake, Appeal Coordinator.

To send a Form 130 (PDF) via mail, send the form and your evidence to:

Hancock County Assessor
111 American Legion Place, Suite 204
Greenfield, IN 46140

We are open from 8 am to 4 pm. Monday through Friday. We do not close for lunch. We will be closed on County Holidays (PDF).

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

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)

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. 

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.

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.

A reassessment will result in a new value being established for your property. This new value will replace the value currently on your property and will be the basis used for taxing property. Please remember that an increase in property value does not automatically mean an increase in your property taxes.

A data collector will visit each property to gather information. Each of our data collectors will carry a photo identification card. After checking to see if anyone is home, our data collector will conduct the following for each property.

• Take a picture of the outside of your property
• Identify any physical changes and improvements to the property
• Record any necessary measurements

First of all, talk with the Assessor's Office. We want to do the best possible job. Please don't ignore notices or letters to your property.

Reassessments are required by law and are to insure that each property is valued fairly. The purpose of the reassessment is to realign the values of Real property.

Beginning with the 2010 tax bills, property owners have been entitled to a circuit breaker cap on the amount of property taxes over:

• 1% homestead properties
• 2% long-term care facilities
• 2% residential properties
• 2% agricultural land
• 3% nonresidential properties
• 3% personal property

Refinancing does not effect your deductions. 

If you change your name on your deed, you must reapply for your property tax deductions with the Hancock County Auditor's Office.

In order to apply for the Over 65 deductions and disability deductions, you must bring your Federal Tax return from two years ago and proof of disability from your doctor. If you are a disabled American Veteran, you must bring your Award of Compensation showing the percentage the VA has determined for your service-connected disability. There are assessed value and income requirements for these deductions, to learn more please see Indiana Property Tax Benefits Form 51781.

Please complete the address change form (PDF) and email it to the Auditor (see directory) or mail to:

Hancock County Auditor
Attention: Address Change
111 S American Legion Place, Suite 217
Greenfield, IN 46140

You can apply for deductions online by locating your property on https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/?site=HancockCountyIN

For questions regarding your current deductions call the Hancock County Auditor at 317-477-1105. To view all available deductions types or to obtain deduction forms please view the Indiana Property Tax Benefits Form (PDF).

If you changed your name, changed ownership or moved to a new property you must reapply for your property tax deductions with the Hancock County Auditor.

In order to apply for the Over 65 deductions and disability deductions, you must bring your most recent Federal Tax return and proof of disability from your doctor or Social Security Administration. If you are a disabled American Veteran, you must bring your Award of Compensation showing the percentage the VA has determined for your service-connected disability.

Please complete the Address Change Form (PDF) and mail or email the form to:

Hancock County Auditor
Attention: Address Change
111 S American Legion Place, Suite 217
Greenfield, IN 46140

Yes, Hancock County, and all of Indiana, may feel the effects of an earthquake. Hancock County Emergency Management is working to increase public awareness of the threat posed by an earthquake.

Preparedness and planning are crucial for reduction of the threat to life and property posed by an earthquake. Because an earthquake strikes without warning it is crucial that our homes, schools and businesses develop plans and be prepared to react appropriately.

1. Identify and Correct Hazards

Before an earthquake strikes you can check your home, school or business for hazards that may cause injury during an earthquake. Typical hazards include wall mounted objects, items suspended from the ceiling, glass from breaking windows, freestanding bookshelves, file cabinets, and other objects which may break or fall causing injury. Many of these hazards can be corrected by properly anchoring the objects to the wall or ceiling.

2. Develop an Earthquake Plan

Plan ahead for what you will do should an earthquake strike. Remember earthquakes strike without warning so it is important to develop a plan now. Carefully consider the needs of small children, the elderly and those with disabilities.

Incorporate the following in your plan:

• When indoors during an earthquake duck to the floor, take cover under a desk or sturdy table, and hold on to it until the shaking stops. Remember the phrase duck, cover, and hold. Regular practice drills should be held.
• When outdoors during an earthquake move rapidly, but safely out into the open, away from buildings, power lines and trees. Drop to the ground and stay there until the shaking stops.
• If you are in a moving vehicle during an earthquake stop as quickly and safely as possible and pull to the side of the road. Stay away from utility poles, overhead wires, and underpasses or overpasses. Stay in your vehicle, set the parking brake and wait until the shaking stops. If you drive on after the shaking stops watch carefully for hazards created by the earthquake.
• Your plan should include what you will do after the earthquake.
• Determine all exit routes and be sure everyone is familiar with them. Plan for how you will account for everyone. Develop a location where you will reunite with others. Learn how to shut off the gas, water and electricity.
• You should plan and prepare to be self- sufficient and react independently for at least 72 hours due to the extreme demands placed on local emergency responders. Stay off the telephone unless you must report an emergency.
• If possible, listen to the radio for instructions. For your safety, always obey any order of evacuation that may be issued.
• Be prepared for possible aftershocks that may cause additional damage or destroy already weakened structures.
• Do not attempt to move any injured or unconscious people unless they are in immediate danger.
• Please respond to any requests for volunteer assistance, but do not enter any damaged area unless instructed to do so.

3. Put Together an Emergency Kit

The kit should include a three day supply of drinking water, food you don't have to refrigerate or cook, first aid supplies, blankets, clothing, a wrench and other basic tools, a flashlight, work gloves, emergency cooking equipment, essential medications, portable radio, extra batteries, and a fire extinguisher. Many other items may be included in your kit to meet your specific needs.

You can get a birth or death certificate by either coming into our office or by mailing a request. You will need to provide birth/death information, payment, and identification for yourself. Print out the form and fill it out, return it to our office, or provide the following information:

For a Birth Certificate

Name at birth, date of birth, parents' names, mother's maiden name, and the state each parent was born in. Include identification for yourself. A copy of a current driver's license is sufficient or send other signature/picture identification. Include payment for the certificate: $15 for a combo certificate (includes regular size and laminated wallet size). The passport office does not recommend lamination of birth certificates if applying for a passport.

For a Death Certificate

Provide the name of the deceased and date of death. Indicate the number of copies needed. Include payment: $15 for each copy requested.

If the birth occurred in Hancock County, you will need to call and set up an appointment to come into the office to complete a Paternity Affidavit to make this correction. Both parents will need to come in. If the mother was married before she will need to provide a copy of her divorce decree. If the parents have been married since the child's birth you may both come into the office to fill out a Paternity Affidavit upon Marriage. You will need to call for an appointment and be sure to bring your marriage certificate. Another way to add the father's name is by contacting the Prosecutor's office and following their procedure.

If the name is wrong on a birth or death certificate- how can get it changed? Call our office for an appointment. On a birth certificate (as long as the person is still living) we need three documents at least 10 years old showing the correct way the name should be. We then file an affidavit of the amendment and change the record.

A family member can get a copy for you by providing their identification. We can issue to parents, grandparents, or siblings (must be 18 years of age).

Come into our office between the hours of 8:30 am and 3:30 pm to check our indexes to see if the records are available. Our records go back to 1882 for births and deaths. Or you can write to our once with a list of records that you are looking for. We will check the indexes and provide you with a list of what is available. We do not photocopy records. We charge $15 for each birth certificate and $15 for each death certificate.

These are certified copies that we type from the birth/death registers. All information will be typed on the certificate as listed in the register. Other sources for genealogy records are:

• Greenfield Public Library
  900 W McKenzie Road.
  Greenfield, IN 46140
  Phone: 317-477-5141
• Indiana State Library
  Genealogy Division
  140 N Senate Avenue
  Indianapolis, IN 46204
• Hancock County Historical Society
  28 N Apple Street
  Greenfield, IN 46140
  Elayne Stewart, Phone: 317-326-5255

We also have a book of Tombstone Inscriptions, 1833 to 1933. This is also available at the Greenfield Public Library.

See copies of The Application Process for Septic Systems and Requirement for Plot Plan.

Soil Borings are the responsibility of the Homeowner or Contractor. A Septic Application is required. The fee for this application is $50.

No, not as long as the soil is not disturbed.

Septic Permits cost $50.

Yes, one year from the time it is obtained.

Consider contacting an attorney or other licensed real estate professional.

Please keep in mind the Recorder's Office does not prepare documents nor provide legal advice.

Please see the Recording/Copy Fees page.

The majority of documents are required to be acknowledged or notarized. In addition, many documents need to have a "Document Prepared By" statement and a separate Social Security Statement: "I affirm, under the penalties for perjury, that I have taken reasonable care to redact each Social Security Number in this document, unless required by law __________." IC 36-2-11-15(d)

Federal tax lien, judgments, order and writs of the court, wills, death certificates, Uniform Commercial Code documents instruments executed before July 1, 1959 and documents prepared or acknowledged outside the State of Indiana may be exempt; however, keep in mind there may be other requirements before that document can be recorded.

A legal description is usually required for most documents pertaining to real estate, as well as, the Assessors Sales Disclosure Stamp and the Auditor's Transfer Stamp. As far as personal property, a list of the property and location may be required.

Section corners were created when the government originally surveyed Indiana into "mile square" parcels. Section corners refer to the four corners of the "mile square" parcel. The intermediate half-mile corners are referred to as "quarter corners" because they divide the section into quarters. These corners are usually found near the centerline(s) of this County's roads. They are marked by monuments set under the direction of a licensed surveyor.

Printed maps are available through the County Surveyor. Digital maps of individual tax parcels are available on the GIS Mapping.

If within a subdivision, the County Recorder can provide a copy of the plat of each subdivision and lot(s) for a small fee.

If not within a subdivision, the County has only a few recently recorded copies of non-subdivision surveyed parcels. Those are also available through the County Recorder.

Indiana has only recently required the recordation of surveys in specific circumstances as in a) the creation of a new tax parcel; b) a previously unrecorded survey; or c) when the recent survey differs significantly from the description of record.

The County Surveyor is required to maintain records indicating the location of each original government horizontal monument within his county. Many of these monuments develop the centerlines of county roads. (IC 36-2-12 sec. 10&11)

You will need a drainage permit in the following situations.  First, if a building or septic permit are required.  Secondly, for the relocation or improvements of a county tile or other regulated watercourse.

The Hancock County Stormwater Ordinance explains the process for obtaining a drainage permit. The Ordinance is available at the County Surveyor's Office in CD format. Once you have a plot plan for a house or a layout for development and identified the outlet, then an engineer or surveyor can submit drainage calculations for your project. The general release rates for the county are a 10-year return period storm may not exceed 0.1 Cubic feet per second (CFS) per acre and a 100-year return period storm may not exceed 0.3 CFS per acre.

The Hancock County Drain Board is currently comprised of the County Commissioners, two pointed members, the County Surveyor (ex officio), a secretary, and an attorney.

You may contact with them by leaving a message at the County Surveyor’s Office.

The Drainage Board has jurisdiction over the Regulated Drains. The following conditions require Drainage Board approval - encroachments into easements, variances from ordinances or standards, relocate or replace a drain, and all monetary actions for drains (assessments, repairs, brushing, dredging, spraying, etc.)

The Board usually meets the first Thursday of each month in the Commissioners' meeting room at 8 am in the Courthouse Annex, 111 South American Legion Place, Greenfield, IN. Information about the activities of the Board is available at the County Surveyor's Office 317-477-1150 - also in the Annex building.

A Floodplain is: The channel proper and the areas adjoining the channel which have been or hereafter may be covered by a regulatory or 100-year flood.  Any normally dry land area that is susceptible to being inundated by water from any natural source.  The floodplain includes both the floodway and the floodway fringe districts.

A flood zone is: A letter assigned to the Flood Insurance Rate Map to determine insurance rates.

A Floodway is: The Channel of a river or stream and those portions of the floodplains adjoining the channel which are reasonably required to efficiently carry and discharge the peak flow of the regulatory flood of any river or stream.

A Flood Fringe is: That portion of the flood plain lying outside the floodway, which is inundated by the regulatory flood.

These standards are by studies of the channels or streams and are set by FEMA.

A land surveyor, an engineer, or the County Surveyor’s office

All requests must go through IDNR.

An elevation certificate is a form from FEMA that is used in relationship with floodplains. The form is used to determine the lowest floor, lowest adjacent grade, number of openings below the first floor, and other useful information, in order to determine if a structure is in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If a structure or improvements to that structure are within a designated flood zone then, the elevation certificate must be used. The certificate must be filled out completely and have the seal of a registered surveyor, engineer, or architect.

A regulated drain is an open or tiled drain that was created by landowners under a drainage statute.

Maps are on file at the County Surveyor’s Office.

No, the county is responsible for the regulated drain only. Any private tile connecting to a regulated drain tile is the responsibility of the land owner.

The terms "brushing" and "dredging" are used in the Surveyor's Office when discussing the maintenance of regulated drains. "Brushing" is the removal of trees, and small woody vegetation from the top of the bank to the flow line of the drain. Brushing occurs when the woody vegetation has become overgrown on the banks of the regulated drain and is limiting the amount of water that can flow through this channel. "Dredging" is the process of excavation excess sediment in the channel of the drain in order to increase flow and the storage capacity of the drain. These two operations are performed by contractors under the direction of the County Surveyor's Office.

A watershed is an area of land from which all storm runoff water drains to a common point.

Even through the actual drain is not on you property, it does drain the storm runoff water from your property.

See IC 36-9-27-18 and 19

The general drain improvement fund is used as a "bank" to loan monies without interest for construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of regulated drains.

A drain maintenance fund includes monies paid by landowners within a watershed for the specific purpose of repair and maintenance of their drain. This fund does not include monies derived from County property taxes.

General drain fund: Is provided by appropriations from the County general fund, taxes levied by the County Council; monies received from assessments upon land receiving special benefits in the construction or reconstruction of a drain; interest and penalties on collection of delinquent drain assessments; repayment from a drain maintenance fund, etc.

Interest for invested drain funds is applied to the general drain fund.

Re-assessment length is a maximum of 5 years in the case of a construction or reconstruction project. For maintenance funds, the duration of the assessment is based on the balance in the fund at the end of each year. However, when a maintenance fund has an unencumbered balance equal to or greater than four times the estimated annual cost of periodically maintaining the drain - the fund is not to collect in that year (IC 36-9-27-43). Urban drains may be assessed for a duration of 20 years (IC 36-8-27-88).

All drainage assessment payments are made at the County Treasurer’s Office.

Drainage assessments are determined by the Drain Board after consideration of the following item: the number of acres per tract; the total volume of water passing through the drain; land use; soil types; elimination or reduction of damage from floods; any increased value to a tract(s) of land benefited from the drainage provided; or any other item that provides a benefit or liability to a tract of land (IC 36-8-27-112).

Benchmarks in land surveying usually refer to a monument containing an elevation relative to sea level. The County Surveyor's Office tries to maintain and perpetuate these for use by the development community, floodplain determinations, and stormwater management.

A legal survey is a process whereby a landowner may establish the location of the line between the landowner's land and that of an adjoining landowner. This usually occurs when a discrepancy exists in title descriptions or poor boundary monumentation exist. IC 36-2-12-10(b)

No, you will have to hire a private surveying company.

Community Rating System (CRS) is a rating system associated with insurance premiums for parcels within federally determined flood plains.  The determination of the insurance liability associated with the County’s flood plain program.

• IDNR website
• FEMA website
• Army Corps of Engineers website

NRCS - Local
Hancock County Soil & Water
1101 W Main Street
Greenfield, IN 46140

Phone: 317-462-2283, ext. 3

On December 8, 1999, Phase II of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, was published in the Federal Register. The NPDES program, as authorized by the 1072 amendments to the Clean Water Act, controls water pollution by regulation point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Phase II of NPDES requires permit coverage for stormwater discharges from regulated small municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) and for small construction activity that results in the disturbance of equal to or greater than one acre. This Federal regulation went into affect March 10, 2003. In response to Phase II of NPDES, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management enacted Rule 13 (237 IAC 15-13) and revised Rule 5 (327 IAC 15-5). Under these new State and Federal regulations, Hancock County is required to establish a regulatory mechanism for regulating stormwater quality management. Therefore, the "Hancock County Drainage Code" was modified to address stormwater quality and quantity.

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1. Under the Indiana Constitution and the US Constitution’s Sixth Amendment, every person has the right to an attorney at no expense to you if you cannot afford one (in certain cases).  Criminal cases, mental health cases, child welfare cases and instance of juvenile court proceedings, and other cases where a possibility of incarceration is involved, are eligible for obtaining a public defender.   This is, by no means, an all inclusive list.
2. In many cases the Judge presiding over your case will determine eligibility for the need of a public defender.   Before deciding whether a public defender can be used in your defense, questions about being able to financially afford a lawyer will be asked.

1. Your criminal case must be pending in one of the Courts in Hancock County.    
2. You must request a Public Defender:
   1. For Hancock Circuit and Hancock Superior Court #1 you may request a Public Defender at your initial hearing.
   2. For Hancock Superior Court #2 you must file a request directly with the Court, via the Clerk’s Office using your own documentation or by using the documents included HERE.  You must provide a copy of this form to the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office.
3. Upon Court approval, your case is assigned to our office for representation.

1. You may access information on your case via Case Search - MyCase (in.gov).

Future Hancock is a process to develop the new Hancock County Comprehensive Plan. It is a 12 to 15-month process that kicked-off in late August 2021 and will be completed by September 2022. Future Hancock is an opportunity to engage and hear from the community about their vision and values for the future of Hancock County. Ultimately, the Future Hancock will help craft a unified vision for the future of Hancock County and serve as a roadmap for future decision-making around growth and development.  

A Comprehensive Plan is a guide for the short-range and long-range growth, development, and preservation of the county and is used as a policy guide to help make decisions. The Comprehensive Plan will include the following plan elements: land use, transportation, housing, conservation and open space, health/safety, public facilities/services, economic development, and community profiles for various unincorporated communities including Shirley and Spring Lake. 

• Lead to consistent decision making on land development issues. Local officials, residents, and developers can refer to the Plan in making day-to-day decisions. 
• Manage growth so that it does not occur in a haphazard pattern. 
• Help the County spend money wisely and grow effectively so that service costs do not result in a heavy tax burden on property owners. 
• Help preserve the rural aspects, character, and natural resources of Hancock County. 
• Provide a sound basis to update land use regulations, such as the zoning ordinance.  

The Hancock County Area Plan Commission has zoning authority and planning jurisdiction for all of Hancock County except for the City of Greenfield and the Towns of Cumberland, Fortville, McCordsville, New Palestine, and Wilkinson. The County’s jurisdiction also includes the Towns of Shirley and Spring Lake. 

While this plan will only address the future land use, growth, and development of the Towns of Shirley, Spring Lake, and the unincorporated areas of the County, decisions made by the County will ultimately impact all county residents. Your participation in the process is just as critical to help chart Hancock County’s future.

Future Hancock is being coordinated by: 

• Hancock County Area Plan Commission 
• Hancock County Highway Department 
• Hancock Economic Development Council 
• 11-member Future Hancock Steering Committee 
• Vandewalle & Associates Project Team

We’re located on the second floor of the Annex Building. Address: 111 American Legion Place, Suite 205, Greenfield, IN 46140

Tax statements are mailed one time per year.   Each statement has a spring and fall coupon which indicate the due dates.  We do not send delinquent notices.

Beginning in 2008, Indiana Code requires an informational tax statement to be mailed to all persons liable for any property taxes or special assessments, as shown on the tax duplicate or special assessment records. This includes persons maintaining an escrow account.

The only sure way to know is to contact your mortgage company. Keep in mind there will be a lag between the time the money is deducted from your escrow and the time it is finally sent to the Treasurer's Office for payment of your taxes.

Congratulations on paying off your mortgage!  Your taxes will no longer be paid from your escrow account, so you are responsible for paying them directly to the Hancock County Treasurer’s Office. Tax statements are mailed out from the Treasurer’s Office once per year and include both the spring and fall payment coupons.  Please make sure you pay each installment by their due date.

That is usually covered during closing, however, if you are unsure you should check with the Title Company, Lawyer, or Real Estate Agent that handled the sale.

The Treasurer’s office does not do any calculating for splitting tax bills, therefore, this will need to be worked out between the buyer and the seller.  If helpful, they can use this Calculator for Splits. When paying the tax bill, you will be required to tell the Treasurer’s office staff the amount you are paying towards the specific parcel number. 

There are a number of deductions and exemptions available to qualifying taxpayers. The Auditor’s Office can provide additional information about deductions and exemptions at 317-477-1105.

The Assessor’s office can provide you with information about the assessment and valuation of your property at 317-477-1102. 

The name(s) on a real estate tax bill is the name(s) of the deed holder. You can contact the Auditor's Office (317-477-1105) to learn about the legal steps you must follow to change the deed. If a new deed is going to be filed, this will be done with the Recorder's Office (317-477-1142).

If you want your tax notices delivered to an address different than the property address, you can request to change your mailing address. Mailing address changes are processed by the Auditor's Office (317-477-1105).
  
     You can complete the Address Change Form (PDF) and mail the form to:
               Hancock County Auditor
               Attention: Address Change
               111 S American Legion Place, Suite 217
               Greenfield, IN 46140

These are additional charges added to your property tax bill.  Generally, they are ditch and/or drain maintenance fees but could also include liens and other fees.  Other assessments are shown on table 4 of the comparison statement that comes with your annual tax bill.  For more information about drains, please contact the County Surveyor's Office at 317-477-1150.

YES. Owners of tax-exempt real estate often ignore bills which are received as a result of drainage assessments. Drainage assessments must be paid by all landowners even if the owner is exempt from real property taxes. While the drainage assessments are listed on the same form as tax bills, they are not "taxes" as the term is normally understood. They are user charges for the maintenance and/or reconstruction of regulated drains which directly or indirectly serve a parcel of real estate. Pursuant to IC 36-9-27-86, drainage fees are collected semi-annually in the same manner as real property taxes. For more information about drains, please contact the County Surveyor's Office at 317-477-1150.

Property taxes are always paid in the rears. If you were the owner of the property the prior year and filed the personal property return or the assessor made an assessment in your name because you failed to file the personal property assessment, you are responsible for the taxes. Your tax bill may be for prior years' taxes that were unpaid.

Pursuant to IC 6-1.1-7-10, anyone who wants to transfer title (ownership) of a mobile home or to move a mobile home from one location to another must obtain a mobile home tax clearance permit. This permit is issued by the County Treasurer's Office of the county where the mobile home is located. The $5 fee per permit must be paid by cash or check. Please bring the Title and Bill of Sale with you to the Treasurer’s Office. You must have this permit before going to the Bureau of Motor Vehicle to transfer title.  For a copy of the permit form, click HERE. 

Visit our Low Site by clicking HERE to view your annual taxes due or call our office at 317-477-1152 for the amount of your tax bill.

Visit our Low website by clicking HERE to view payments received or you can call our office at 317-477-1152 for payment details.

Once the county is notified of an NSF check, the original payment is reversed.  After the due date, any unpaid taxes will be subject to penalty.

If there are no prior delinquencies a 5% penalty will be added if paid within 30 days of the due date.  A 10% penalty will be added if there are prior delinquencies or payment is received more than 30 days after due date.  Please call our office at 317-477-1152 to get the updated balance due.

Pursuant to IC 6-1.1-37.10, payment is considered on time when postmarked by the U.S. Post Office on or before the installment due date. "Postmarked" does not mean the date printed by a postage meter that affixes postage to the envelope or package containing a payment. All envelopes that are received late are saved by the office for 1 year.

Twice a year after spring and fall settlement takes place, letters notifying taxpayers of surplus funds greater than $5.00 are sent out from the Treasurer’s office.  The letter contains the amount of overpayment and instructions about how to claim the refund.  Refunds may take 4-6 weeks once the Auditor’s office receives the completed claim form. 

Yes, you may pay any amount towards your tax bill.   Spring and fall installments must be paid in full by the due dates to avoid penalty.

The Treasurer’s office conducts one tax sale per year for parcels with delinquent property taxes.  Sheriff’s sales are a result of mortgage foreclosure.  They occur numerous times throughout the year and are conducted by the County Sheriff.

Any delinquent taxes or special assessments for three consecutive installments that remain unpaid will cause your property to become eligible for tax sale.  Click HERE for additional information about tax sales.

Once a parcel is eligible for tax sale, all delinquent taxes, penalties and the tax sale fee must be paid in order to remove the parcel from tax sale.

The Treasurer’s office only collects property taxes.  Please contact the Indiana Department of Revenue (317-232-2240) with local income tax questions.