Indiana property tax payment deadlines
Indiana property taxes are due in two installments each year: May 10 and November 10. These dates are set by state law and do not change. The first installment covers taxes on the assessed value as of January 1 of that year; the second installment is due later that same calendar year.
Your county treasurer's office sends tax bills in the mail before each deadline. The bill shows the amount due, the due date, and where to send payment. If you do not receive a bill, contact your county treasurer directly — not receiving it does not erase the debt, and late payments trigger penalties and interest.
Payment methods vary by county. Most accept checks by mail, in-person payments at the treasurer's office, and online payment through the county website. Some counties also accept credit card or electronic bank transfer, though fees may apply to credit card payments. Call your county treasurer to confirm which methods they offer.
Key Takeaways
- Property taxes in Indiana are due May 10 and November 10 each year, with no extensions for these dates.
- Your county treasurer mails the bill before each deadline and specifies where and how to pay.
- Payments made after the due date incur a penalty of 10 percent plus interest, which compounds monthly.
- If you own property with a mortgage, your lender may pay taxes from an escrow account, so check your loan documents to see who is responsible.
- County treasurers offer payment plans for taxpayers who cannot pay in full by the deadline; contact yours to ask about options.
What happens if you pay late
A penalty of 10 percent is added to any payment received after the due date. Interest then accrues on the unpaid balance at a rate set by Indiana law, compounding monthly. The longer the debt sits, the larger the total owed becomes.
If taxes remain unpaid for a full year, the county can file a tax lien against the property. A lien gives the county a legal claim to the property and can affect your ability to sell, refinance, or borrow against it. The county may also begin foreclosure proceedings if the debt is not resolved.
If you know you cannot pay by the deadline, contact your county treasurer before May 10 or November 10. Many counties offer payment plans that spread the cost over several months and may reduce or waive penalties if you set up the plan before the due date passes.
Escrow accounts and mortgage holders
If you have a mortgage, your lender may require you to pay property taxes through an escrow account. Money is held in escrow and the lender pays the county directly on your behalf. In this case, you do not send payment to the treasurer yourself — your monthly mortgage payment includes the tax portion.
Check your mortgage documents or contact your lender to confirm whether taxes are escrowed. If they are, your lender receives the tax bill, not you. If you receive a bill and believe your lender should be paying, contact the lender immediately to correct the mailing address on file with the county.
If you pay off your mortgage or refinance, notify your lender and the county treasurer. The responsibility for paying taxes shifts back to you, and you must ensure you receive future bills and pay on time.
How to find your county treasurer and payment options
Each of Indiana's 92 counties has its own treasurer's office. Search online for "[Your County Name] Treasurer" or visit the Indiana Association of County Treasurers website, which lists contact information for every county office.
Call or visit the treasurer's website to learn the specific payment methods accepted in your county, the mailing address for checks, and whether online payment is available. Some counties allow you to set up automatic payments or recurring reminders. A few offer mobile apps or text alerts when bills are due.
The treasurer's office can also tell you whether a payment plan is available if you cannot pay in full by the deadline, and what documentation they need to set one up.
Homestead property tax deduction
Indiana offers a Homestead Property Tax Deduction that reduces the assessed value of your primary residence, which in turn lowers your tax bill. The deduction is not automatic — you must file a claim with your county assessor's office.
To may have access to, you must own and live in the home as your principal residence on March 1 of the assessment year. The deduction reduces your assessed value by up to $45,000, though the exact amount depends on your income and the county. Income limits apply: as of 2024, your household income must be below a threshold set by the state, which varies slightly by county.
File the claim form with your county assessor's office. The deadline is typically May 15 of the year you want the deduction to take effect. If you miss the deadline, you can file the following year. Once approved, the deduction usually continues each year as long as you remain the owner and primary resident.
Property tax bills and assessment notices
Your property tax bill is based on the assessed value of your property, which is set by the county assessor. The assessor reassesses properties periodically — the frequency varies by county but is typically every four to eight years. When your property is reassessed, the assessed value may go up or down, which changes your tax bill.
If you receive an assessment notice showing a new value and believe it is incorrect, you have the right to challenge it. The notice includes instructions for filing a formal appeal with the county assessor or the county property tax assessment board of appeals. Deadlines for appeals are strict and vary by county, so act quickly if you disagree with the assessment.
Keep copies of your tax bills and assessment notices. They are useful if you need to dispute a bill, apply for a deduction, or refinance your mortgage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I miss the May 10 or November 10 deadline?
A 10 percent penalty is added immediately, plus interest that compounds monthly. Contact your county treasurer right away to ask about a payment plan. If you pay within a short window, some counties may reduce the penalty. The longer you wait, the more you owe.
Can I get an extension on my property tax deadline?
Indiana law does not allow extensions for the May 10 and November 10 deadlines. However, your county treasurer may offer a payment plan that lets you pay over several months. Contact the treasurer's office before the deadline to ask what options are available.
Who pays property taxes if I rent?
The property owner pays property taxes, not the tenant. Renters do not receive tax bills. If you are a landlord and rent out property, you are responsible for paying the taxes on that property.
How do I know if my property taxes are current?
Contact your county treasurer's office and provide your property address or parcel number. They can tell you the status of your account, whether any payments are overdue, and what you owe. Many county websites also allow you to search property tax records online.
Do I have to pay property tax if I own the home outright?
Yes. Property tax is owed by the owner of the property, whether or not there is a mortgage. If you own the home free and clear, you are responsible for paying the full tax bill twice a year to your county treasurer.