Frequently Asked Questions

How often can reassessment occur?

A.    A general reassessment of the real property in this county usually occurs every four (4) years unless altered by the state legislature.  The most recent general reassessment was conducted in 2002 with the resulting taxes paid in 2003.  Since this reassessment was based on market value is use.  It will be necessary for the assessing officials to annually reevaluate the assessments for accuracy.

The Department of Local Government Finance may draft or promulgate new appraisal manuals, rules and regulations, bulletins, directives, and forms for the assessment and reassessment of real property.

Who owns the property at a specific address?

What is the difference between the Township Assessor and the County Assessor?

A.    The Township Assessor is responsible for preparing and maintaining the tax roll for their township, including property ownership and legal descriptions for all properties.  They also identify, list, and calculate the assessed value of all real and personal property in the county.  The County Assessor performs an oversight function for the Township Assessors.  He or she gathers information from each township in the county and provides it in a unified report to the Department of Local Government Finance.  Also the County Assessor is a member of the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals (PTABOA).  He or she serves as Secretary to the PTABOA.  The County Assessor accepts the appeals of the Township Assessor’s determinations on behalf of the PTABOA; researches and makes recommendations to determine those properties that are tax-exempt (i.e., churches and not-for-profit organizations) and; accepts filings for calculates inheritance tax. 

If I do not agree with my property tax assessment what are my alternatives?

A.    A taxpayer has a right to appeal their property tax assessment for specific reasons.  The burden of proof will be on the taxpayer to prove why their assessment be changed.  Just saying: “My taxes are too high” is not sufficient.

B.     NOTE: Three things may happen on an appeal: 1) The property value may be raised; 2) the property value may be lowered; 3) the property value may remain the same.  See The Appeal Process for further details. 

When do I need a Power of Attorney?

When and where do I pay my property taxes?

 A.   Tax bills are mailed to you or your mortgage company by the County Treasurer and should be paid directly to that office.  Tax payments are normally due in tow installments on May 10th and November 10th of each year. 

Where and when do I file a tax return on my business personal property?

Where and when do I file my mortgage and homestead exemption?

 A.  Mortgage and homestead exemptions are filed with the County Auditor by May 10th and will be applied to the following year’s taxes.  If you purchase a new property both exemptions need to be filed.  Should you refinance your property a new mortgage exemption must be field.  The homestead exemption only needs to be filed ounce even although you may refinance the mortgage.  However, if you move to a new location, change your name or make certain other changes you must also refile for the homestead exemption. 

 B.  You may also qualify for other exemptions.  To determine if you do qualify for any other exemption please contact the County Auditor.

Who qualifies for an exemption?

 A.   Any church or not-for-profit organization that meets the qualifications as set forth in IC 6-1.1-10-16 and o Form 136. 

Are churches and not-for-profit organizations required to file a return for personal property?

 A.  Yes, The same deadline applies as for any other business with personal property.

For what period of time will the exemption apply?

 A.  Exemptions are scheduled on a two-year cycle (IC 6-1.1-11-3.5).  The next cycle began in 2004.  An exemption granted after that would only be effective until the next cycle in 2006.  churches only have to file once and not have to renew each cycle. 

Must a tax exempt or not-for-profit organization file every year?

 A.  No. Organizations do not have to renew each cycle unless they have moved or acquired new personal property. 

Who make the determination as to whether an exemption is granted or denied?

 A.  The Putnam County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals.

Will we receive notification that the exemption has been granted?

 A.  No.  You will only be notified if the exemption is denied.  If the exemption is denied, you may appeal to the Department of Local Government Finance within thirty (30) days of the denial notice.

What information needs to accompany the application?

 A.  When filing a Form 136 you must include: 

                                                                 i.     By-laws

                                                                ii.     Articles of incorporation

                                                               iii.     Financial statement for the previous three (3) years*

                                                                iv.    Balance sheets

                                                v.    Summary of income and expenditures

                                                               vi.     Exemption letter and other relevant documents   from the IRS

• If the church objects to releasing financial information, the church may write a

letter to the PTABOA stating its objections.

Where do I get a copy of a plat map?

 A.  The “official” copy of the plat is filed with the County recorder.  A copy may also be obtained from the Plat Office on the first floor of the courthouse or from a Township Assessor in which the property is located.