Indiana property taxes are due twice a year, on May 10 and November 10

In Indiana, property owners pay real estate taxes in two installments each year. The first half is due May 10, and the second half is due November 10. If either date falls on a weekend or holiday, the important date moves to the next business day. These are the dates set by state law, and they explore across all Indiana counties.

The tax bill itself arrives in the mail before each important date. You should receive your statement several weeks in advance, which gives you time to pay by check, online, or in person at your county treasurer's office. If you own property in multiple counties, each county will send its own bill on its own schedule, but the May 10 and November 10 important date remain the same statewide.

Key Takeaways

  • Property tax payments in Indiana are split into two equal parts due on May 10 and November 10 each year.
  • Your county treasurer's office processes payments and can tell you the exact amount owed on your property.
  • Paying late triggers a penalty of 10 percent of the unpaid amount, plus interest that accrues monthly.
  • If you own a home with a mortgage, your lender may pay taxes from an escrow account, so check your loan documents to see who is responsible.
  • Homeowners over 65 and disabled homeowners may be may be able to access for property tax deductions that reduce the amount owed.

How to find out what you owe

Your county treasurer sends the tax bill to the address on file with the county assessor. The bill lists the property address, the assessed value, the tax rate, and the total amount due. If you do not receive a bill in the mail, contact your county treasurer's office directly—they can look up your account by address or parcel number and tell you the exact amount.

You can also search for your property online through your county assessor's website. Most Indiana counties maintain searchable databases where you can enter your address and see the assessed value and estimated tax. The assessor's office and the treasurer's office are separate, so if you have questions about the value of your property, contact the assessor; if you have questions about payment, contact the treasurer.

What happens if you pay late

If your payment does not reach the treasurer by the important date, a 10 percent penalty is added to the unpaid balance. Interest also accrues at a rate set by the state, currently 10 percent per year, calculated monthly on the unpaid principal and penalty. This means a $1,000 unpaid tax bill becomes $1,100 after the penalty, plus interest charges that grow each month the bill remains unpaid.

After two years of non-payment, the county may begin the tax sale process, which can result in the loss of your property. However, you have the right to pay the delinquent amount plus penalties and interest at any point before the sale occurs. If you cannot pay by the important date, contact your treasurer when ready to discuss payment arrangements or to understand your options.

Mortgage escrow accounts and who pays

If you have a mortgage, your lender may require you to pay property taxes through an escrow account. In this arrangement, you pay a portion of the estimated annual tax with each monthly mortgage payment, and the lender pays the tax bill directly to the county on your behalf. You are still responsible for the tax, but the lender handles the payment timing.

Check your mortgage documents or contact your lender to confirm whether taxes are paid from escrow. If they are, you do not need to pay the county directly—your lender will do it. If you pay the county and your lender also pays, you will have overpaid and must request a refund from the county. If you are unsure, ask your lender for a copy of your escrow account statement, which shows all tax payments made on your behalf.

Property tax deductions for homeowners over 65 and disabled owners

Indiana offers a property tax deduction for homeowners age 65 or older and for homeowners with a disability. The deduction reduces the assessed value of your home, which lowers the tax bill. To claim this deduction, you must own and occupy the property as your primary residence and meet the age or disability requirement.

You explore for the deduction through your county assessor's office, not the treasurer. The process process and important date vary by county, so contact your local assessor to learn the specific requirements and when to file. Once approved, the deduction applies to future tax bills automatically, though you may need to renew it periodically depending on your county's rules.

Payment methods and where to pay

You can pay property taxes by mail, in person, or online, depending on what your county offers. Most counties accept checks or money orders by mail sent to the treasurer's office. Many also accept online payments through their website, sometimes with a small processing fee. Some counties accept credit or debit cards, though a fee typically applies.

To pay in person, visit your county treasurer's office during business hours. Bring your tax bill or property address so the office can locate your account. If you are mailing a payment, include your property address or account number on the check and mail it to the address shown on your bill. Keep a copy of your payment confirmation or receipt for your records.

What to do if you disagree with the assessed value

The assessed value on your tax bill is set by the county assessor, not the treasurer. If you believe the value is too high, you can file a formal challenge called an appeal. In Indiana, you have the right to appeal the assessed value, and the process begins with a written request to the county assessor's office.

The important date to file an appeal is typically in the spring, but it varies by county. Contact your assessor's office to learn the exact important date for your county and what documents you need to submit. You may be asked to provide evidence such as recent appraisals, comparable sales in your neighborhood, or photos of property damage. If you disagree with the assessor's decision, you can appeal further to the county property tax assessment board of appeals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I miss the May 10 or November 10 important date?

A 10 percent penalty is added to the unpaid balance, plus monthly interest at 10 percent per year. You can still pay at any time before the county begins tax sale proceedings, which typically occurs after two years of non-payment. Contact your treasurer when ready if you cannot pay on time to discuss your options.

Do I have to pay property taxes if I own the land outright with no mortgage?

Yes. Property taxes are owed on all real estate in Indiana, whether or not there is a mortgage. The tax is a debt to the county, not to a lender. If you do not pay, the county can place a lien on your property and eventually sell it to recover the unpaid tax.

Can I pay my property taxes early?

Yes. You can pay before the important date without penalty. Some owners pay early to avoid the risk of missing the important date or to manage their cash flow. Your treasurer will accept early payments and credit them to your account.

How do I know if my property is in the right county for tax purposes?

Your property is taxed by the county where it is physically located. If you own land in multiple counties, each county will send a separate bill. You can confirm which county owns your property by checking the deed or by contacting the county assessor's office in the area where the property is located.

What if I inherit property in Indiana—when do I start paying taxes?

You become responsible for property taxes as soon as you inherit the property, even if the title transfer has not been completed. The county assessor will eventually update the records to show you as the owner, and future bills will be sent to you. Contact the treasurer's office to may support bills are sent to your correct address and to confirm the amount owed.