FAQs • St. Joseph County, IN • CivicEngage

What are the most common property tax deductions?: Most commonly people file for the mortgage and homestead deductions. They are not the same deduction. If you are buying a property with a mortgage, you could apply for the mortgage deduction. If you own a property and it is your principle place of residency, you could apply for the homestead deduction. Please see Indiana Property Tax Benefits - State Form 51781 for a complete list of available property tax deductions.

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County Auditor

1. Where can I find deduction forms?: Deduction forms can be found on the Department of Local Government (DLGF) website, https://www.in.gov/dlgf/deductions-property-tax

2. What is the Auditor's costs to transfer a deed?: The Auditor transfer fee is $10.00 per parcel. For instance: if you bring in a Warranty Deed that transfers three parcels, the Auditor's fee would be $30.00.

3. I refinanced my mortgage. What property tax deductions do I need to file?: The only deduction that needs to be filed after a refinance is the mortgage deduction.

4. What do I need to bring with me in order to file a mortgage deduction?: You do not need to bring anything but information. We will need the name of your mortgage company, the amount you borrowed, the parcel number that identifies your property you are filing on ( you will find this number on your deed or property tax bill), and the mortgage recorded number (you will find this by calling the Recorder's Office at (574)235-9525).

5. What is the deadline for filing property tax deductions?: The deadlines are different for real estate and mobile homes. Real estate property tax deduction applications must be signed by December 31st of the year you are applying for and presented to the Auditor by the following January 5th. Mobile homes deduction applications (if you are the owner on January 1st) must be filed by March 31st of the year you are applying for.

6. What are the most common property tax deductions?: Most commonly people file for the mortgage and homestead deductions. They are not the same deduction. If you are buying a property with a mortgage, you could apply for the mortgage deduction. If you own a property and it is your principle place of residency, you could apply for the homestead deduction. Please see Indiana Property Tax Benefits - State Form 51781 for a complete list of available property tax deductions.

7. I recently married and added my spouse to the deed of my property. Do I need to re-file my property tax deductions including homestead deduction?: Yes. Indiana Code 6-1.1-12-17.8(d), as amended by HEA 1450, requires that if an unmarried individual receiving a homestead deduction marries and would like to continue to receive the homestead deduction, as long as they are still eligible for the deduction, they must reapply. As such, a change in marital status, even if there is no change to the deed, requires reapplying for the deduction.

8. How can I view my property lines?: We have a convenient map available for informational purposes only. The only way to confirm your lot lines is to have your property surveyed by a professional surveyor.