Indiana offers 8 types of savings, but paperwork is required

As landowners get into the habit of paying property taxes twice a year, they might not pause to re-evaluate whether they are newly eligible for any deductions.

For example, they might qualify because they’ve joined the 65 and older club, or maybe they’ve added geothermal heat pumps or solar power to their home.

Indiana offers eight types of property tax deductions, and they aren’t automatically applied to someone’s records unless a form has been filed.

Hoosiers must file for the deduction with their county auditor’s office before the end of the calendar year for tax bills to be paid in 2023.

The good news is that once they’ve filed and been approved for each deduction, taxpayers do not need to reapply annually. Reapplication should only occur if the property is sold, the title is changed or, in the case of mortgage deductions, the home is refinanced.

To qualify for a deduction on a mobile home, they must own the home by Jan. 15 and file by March 31.

Some deductions are more common than others.

  • Those who live in the property can receive a homestead standard and supplemental deduction.
  • Those who make mortgage payments can receive a break as well.

Other deductions are related to age or health.

  • Those who turned age 65 by Dec. 31, 2021, are eligible for an over 65 deduction, provided they meet income and value limits. They are limited to an adjusted gross income of $30,000 if they’re single and $40,000 if married. The deduction has a value limit of a $200,000 total assessment of their residence.
    One additional note: A surviving spouse can file at age 60 for the deduction if their deceased spouse was at least age 65.
  • There’s also an over 65 circuit breaker credit for those who are at least age 65 and have an assessed homestead value of $200,000 or less.
  • Residents who are blind or disabled can receive a deduction if they have an adjusted gross income of $17,000 or less.
  • Other deductions are available for veterans with a total disability or age 62 with at least a 10 percent disability; or veterans with a partial service-connected disability.
  • Property owners who have geothermal, solar energy, hydroelectric or wind power also can receive a deduction.

More information about deductions and the forms are available at www.co.wayne.in.us and www.in.gov/dlgf.

Wayne County residents with questions about their potential for deductions and what proof is required to qualify can visit the auditor’s office at the county administration annex building, 401 E. Main St., Richmond. Staff also can be reached at 765-973-9317 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays or 7:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays.


Fall property tax installment due by Nov. 10

The fall property tax installment is due to the Wayne County treasurer by Thursday, Nov. 10.

The treasurer’s office receives walk-in payments in the Wayne County annex building, 401 E. Main St., Richmond. It’s open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. A drop box for tax payments is in the annex parking lot.

Payments will be picked up several times a day and at midnight Nov. 10. Payments can be mailed to the treasurer’s office, postmarked by Nov. 10.

Taxpayers may also pay online at co.wayne.in.us/treasurer or call 877-690-3729 with jurisdiction code 2412. A service fee will be assessed.

Taxes can also be paid at all offices of First Bank Richmond or Wayne Bank, and Merchants Bank’s Richmond office. First Bank and Merchants Bank charge $1 per remittance coupon; Wayne Bank charges $2. For information, call the treasurer’s office, 765-973-9238.

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Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.