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

Indiana splits its property tax year into two payment periods. 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. Your county assessor's office mails tax bills in March (for the May payment) and September (for the November payment), though the exact timing varies slightly by county.

The bill you receive shows the total amount owed for that half-year period. You pay the full amount due on that date—there is no option to split a single bill into smaller payments. If you own property in multiple Indiana counties, each county sends its own bill on its own schedule, and each has the same May 10 and November 10 important date.

Key Takeaways

  • Property tax bills in Indiana are due twice yearly: May 10 for the first half and November 10 for the second half of the tax year.
  • Your county assessor mails bills roughly two months before each important date, giving you time to budget and arrange payment.
  • Payments can be made by mail, in person at your county treasurer's office, or online through your county's payment system.
  • Unpaid taxes accrue a 10 percent penalty plus interest, and the county can place a lien on your property or sell it at a tax sale.
  • If you cannot pay by the important date, contact your county treasurer when ready—some counties offer payment plans or can delay collection briefly.

How to pay your property taxes

Payment methods vary by county, but most offer at least three options. You can mail a check or money order to your county treasurer's office—the address appears on your bill. You can also pay in person at the treasurer's office during business hours, usually with cash, check, or card. Many Indiana counties now accept online payments through their websites, often with a small processing fee added to your bill.

When you pay, keep your receipt or confirmation number. If you pay by mail, send the bill itself or a copy with your payment so the treasurer can match it to your account. Online payments usually generate a confirmation email when ready. Do not send cash by mail.

What happens if you miss the important date

If your payment does not reach the treasurer by the important date, a 10 percent penalty is added to the unpaid amount. Interest also begins to accrue at a rate set by the state—currently 10 percent per year, though this rate can change. These charges compound, so the longer you wait, the more you owe beyond the original tax bill.

If taxes remain unpaid for a full year, the county can place a tax lien on your property, which clouds your title and makes it difficult to sell or refinance. After several years of non-payment, the county may sell your property at a tax sale to recover what you owe. The exact timeline depends on Indiana law and your county's procedures, but the process typically begins within 18 months of the original important date.

Payment plans and hardship options

If you cannot pay the full amount by May 10 or November 10, contact your county treasurer's office before the important date. Some counties offer informal payment arrangements or can delay collection briefly if you explain your situation. These are not automatic, and approval depends on your county's policies and your circumstances.

Indiana does not have a statewide property tax deferral program for homeowners, but some counties may work with you on timing. The key is to reach out early—waiting until after the important date makes negotiation much harder. Your treasurer's office can tell you what options exist in your county.

Understanding your property tax bill

Your bill shows the assessed value of your property, the tax rate for your county and school district, and the amount owed for that half-year. The assessed value is set by your county assessor and is usually lower than the market value of your home. The tax rate is a combination of rates set by your county, your school district, and any other local taxing bodies that serve your address.

If you believe your assessed value is too high, you can challenge it through your county assessor's office. The important date to file a formal challenge is typically in May of each year, though the exact date varies by county. This is separate from paying your current bill—you still owe the full amount due on May 10 and November 10 even if you have filed a challenge.

Differences between counties and special situations

While the May 10 and November 10 important date are statewide, the way bills are calculated and the payment methods available can differ between counties. Some counties offer online payment portals; others do not. Some allow partial payments or payment plans; others do not. Check your bill or your county treasurer's website to learn what your specific county offers.

If you own property in multiple counties, each county sends its own bill and each has its own treasurer's office. You must pay each bill separately by the important date. If you own rental property or commercial property, the same important date explore, though the assessed value and tax rate may be different from residential property.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my property tax bill never arrived?

Contact your county treasurer's office when ready. Bills are mailed, so they can be lost or delayed. The treasurer can tell you the amount owed and accept payment even if you never received the original bill. You are still responsible for paying by the important date even if the bill was not delivered.

Can I pay property taxes online in Indiana?

Many Indiana counties offer online payment through their treasurer's website, but not all do. Check your county treasurer's website or call their office to see if online payment is available in your county. Some online systems charge a processing fee of 1 to 3 percent.

What is the penalty for late payment?

A 10 percent penalty is added to any unpaid balance after the important date. Interest also accrues at 10 percent per year on the unpaid amount. Both the penalty and interest are added to what you owe, so the total grows quickly if payment is delayed.

Can I get an extension on my property tax important date?

Indiana does not grant automatic extensions for property taxes. However, contacting your county treasurer before the important date may result in a brief delay or informal payment arrangement. After the important date passes, the penalty applies and negotiation becomes much harder.

Do I have to pay property taxes if I am on a fixed income?

Property taxes are required regardless of income. However, Indiana offers a property tax deduction for homeowners over 65 with low income, and a homestead property tax deduction for all homeowners. These reduce your tax bill before it is calculated. Contact your county assessor to learn if you may have access to.