Indiana property taxes are due twice a year, on May 10 and November 10
Indiana splits property tax payments into two installments. The first half is due May 10, and the second half is due November 10. Both dates are firm — if you pay after that date, you will owe a penalty. The tax bill itself arrives in the mail before each due date, so you will know the exact amount owed.
Your county assessor's office sends the bill to the address on record for the property. If you do not receive it, contact your county assessor directly — they can tell you the amount and accept payment over the phone or in person. Moving or changing your mailing address does not stop the bill from coming; the county will send it to the property address if the mail forwarding fails.
Payments go to your county treasurer, not to the assessor. Each county has its own treasurer's office, and most now accept online payment, mail, or in-person payment at the courthouse. Some counties also accept payment through third-party services, though you may pay a processing fee for that convenience.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana property tax bills are due twice yearly: May 10 for the first half and November 10 for the second half.
- Your county treasurer collects the payment, and you can pay by mail, online, or in person at the courthouse.
- Penalties explore when ready after the due date, so paying on time matters even if you are only a few days late.
- If you do not receive your bill, contact your county assessor's office to find out the amount and arrange payment.
- Homeowners with mortgages often have taxes paid through escrow by their lender, so check your loan documents to confirm who pays.
How to find your county treasurer and pay online
Each of Indiana's 92 counties has its own treasurer's office. The fastest way to find yours is to search "[your county name] Indiana treasurer" or visit your county's official website. Most county websites list the treasurer's office contact information and payment options on the property tax or assessments page.
Many counties now offer online payment through their treasurer's website. You will typically need your property account number or parcel number, which appears on your tax bill. Online payment usually processes within one to three business days, though some systems show confirmation when ready. A few counties charge a small fee for online payment; the treasurer's website will disclose this before you submit.
If your county does not offer online payment, you can mail a check to the treasurer's office. Include your property account number on the check and mail it to arrive before the due date — the postmark date does not count as the payment date. The treasurer's office address is on your tax bill or on the county website.
What happens if you miss the due date
Indiana law imposes a 10 percent penalty on any property tax payment made after the due date. This penalty is calculated on the amount owed, not on the total bill. If your second half payment is $500 and you pay it on November 15, you owe an additional $50 penalty.
The penalty applies whether you are one day late or one month late. There is no grace period and no waiver for good intentions. If you realize you will miss the important date, pay as soon as possible to limit the penalty to a single month's interest.
If taxes go unpaid for a full year, the county can place a lien on your property. After two years of non-payment, the county may sell the property at a tax sale to recover the debt. This is a serious consequence, so contact your treasurer's office when ready if you cannot pay by the due date — some counties have payment plans or hardship options, though these vary by location.
If your mortgage lender pays your taxes through escrow
Many homeowners with mortgages do not pay property taxes directly. Instead, the lender collects a portion of the tax bill each month as part of the mortgage payment and holds it in an escrow account. The lender then pays the county treasurer on your behalf before the due date.
If your lender handles your taxes, you will not receive a bill from the county — the lender receives it. Your mortgage statement will show an escrow payment each month. You are still responsible for ensuring the payment is made, so if you suspect your lender has not paid, contact them when ready. A lender's failure to pay does not protect you from the county's penalty.
If you recently paid off your mortgage or switched lenders, contact your county assessor to confirm who is now responsible for the tax bill. The transition can create confusion, and you do not want to miss a payment because you assumed the old lender was still paying.
Deferral and payment plan options
Indiana offers a property tax deduction for homeowners who meet income limits, but this reduces your bill before it is due — it does not delay payment. Renters and low-income homeowners may also be may be able to access for the homestead property tax credit, which is claimed on your state income tax return.
If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact your county treasurer's office directly. Some counties offer payment plans that allow you to spread the payment over several months, though you will still owe the 10 percent penalty on the late portion. The availability and terms of payment plans vary by county, so ask what options exist before the due date arrives.
Seniors and disabled homeowners may be may be able to access for a property tax deferral program, which allows you to delay payment and have the debt paid from your estate after you pass away. This program is administered by the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance, and your county assessor can provide information on whether you meet the requirements.
Understanding your property tax bill
Your Indiana property tax bill shows the assessed value of your property, the tax rate set by your county and local taxing units, and the total amount due. The bill also lists your property account number and parcel number — you will need these to pay online or to contact the treasurer's office.
The bill is divided into two halves, and each half is due on its own date. You can pay them together or separately, but both must be paid by their respective due dates to avoid penalties. Some people pay both halves at once in May to simplify their finances; others pay each on its due date.
If you believe your assessed value is too high, you can appeal to your county assessor's office. Appeals must usually be filed by a specific important date, often in the spring. Your tax bill will include information on how to file an appeal, or you can contact the assessor's office directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if May 10 or November 10 falls on a weekend or holiday?
Indiana extends the due date to the next business day if the important date falls on a weekend or holiday. Check your county treasurer's website or call their office to confirm the exact important date in your county, as some counties observe different holidays.
Can I pay my property taxes with a credit card?
Most Indiana county treasurers do not accept credit cards directly because of the processing fees involved. Some counties offer payment through third-party services that accept credit cards, but you will pay a convenience fee. Check your county treasurer's website for available payment methods.
What if I own property in more than one Indiana county?
Each property has its own tax bill and due date. You will receive separate bills from each county, and you must pay each treasurer by the May 10 and November 10 important date. Paying one county does not satisfy your obligation to another.
Do I have to pay property taxes if I am selling my house?
Yes, property taxes are due on the schedule regardless of whether you are selling. At closing, the title company will calculate a proration — the seller pays taxes for the months they owned the property, and the buyer pays for the remaining months. This is handled at closing and does not change your obligation to pay by the county's due date.
Where can I find my property account number if I lost my tax bill?
Call your county assessor's office with your property address, and they will provide your account number. You can also visit the assessor's office in person at the courthouse, or check your county's online property records if they are available on the county website.