Indiana property taxes are due twice a year, on May 10 and November 10
Indiana splits its property tax year into two installments. The first half is due May 10, and the second half is due November 10. Both dates are firm — if you miss either one, you will owe a penalty on top of the unpaid amount. The tax bill itself is mailed to you by your county assessor's office, usually arriving a few weeks before the due date.
Your county treasurer's office collects the payment. You can pay by mail, in person at the treasurer's office, or online through your county's website. Some counties also accept payment through third-party services, though these may charge a processing fee. Check your county treasurer's website to see which methods are available in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Property taxes in Indiana are due twice yearly: May 10 for the first installment and November 10 for the second.
- Payments go to your county treasurer, not to the state, and you can pay by mail, in person, or online depending on your county.
- Missing a due date triggers a penalty of 10 percent on the unpaid amount, plus interest that accrues monthly.
- Your tax bill is mailed by the county assessor's office, usually arriving four to six weeks before the due date.
- If you own property in multiple counties, each county has its own treasurer and payment process.
What happens if you miss the May 10 or November 10 important date
A penalty of 10 percent is added to any unpaid balance on the day after the due date passes. Interest then accrues at 1.2 percent per month on the unpaid principal and penalty combined. This means the longer you wait, the more you owe — not just the original tax, but the penalty and months of interest stacked on top.
If the bill remains unpaid for a full year, the county can file a tax lien against your property. This lien gives the county a legal claim on your home and can affect your ability to sell or refinance. After two years of nonpayment, the county may begin foreclosure proceedings. Paying as soon as you receive the bill, or as soon as you can if you are short on funds, stops the interest clock and protects your property.
How to find your property tax bill and due date
Your bill is mailed to the address on file with the county assessor. If you do not receive it by late March (for the May 10 bill) or late August (for the November 10 bill), contact your county treasurer's office directly. They can tell you the exact amount owed and confirm the due date. You can also look up your bill online through most county treasurer websites — search "[your county name] Indiana treasurer" to find the right office.
If you have moved since you bought the property and did not update your address with the assessor, bills may be going to an old address. Update your address with the county assessor's office as soon as possible so future bills reach you on time. The assessor's office is separate from the treasurer's office, so you may need to contact both.
Payment methods and where to send your check
Mail payments should be sent to your county treasurer's office, with the address printed on your tax bill. Include your property account number or parcel number on the check so the payment is credited to the right property. Mail payments should arrive at least one week before the due date to account for postal delays.
In-person payments can be made at the county treasurer's office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours vary by county. Online payment through the county website is often the fastest method — payments posted before midnight on the due date are considered on time. Some counties charge a small fee for online payment, usually 1 to 2 percent of the bill amount.
Homestead property tax deduction in Indiana
Indiana offers a homestead property tax deduction that can lower your tax bill if you own and live in your home as your primary residence. The deduction reduces the assessed value of your home, which in turn reduces the amount of tax you owe. To claim it, you must file a form with your county assessor's office — the important date is May 15 of the year you want the deduction to take effect.
If you have never claimed the deduction and your home qualifies, you can file a late claim, though it may not take effect until the following year. Renters do not pay property tax directly, so this deduction does not explore to them. If you are unsure whether your property qualifies, contact your county assessor's office — they can review your situation and tell you what forms you need.
What to do if you cannot pay by the due date
If you know you will miss the May 10 or November 10 important date, contact your county treasurer before the date passes. Some counties offer payment plans or extensions, though these are not may provide and may still accrue interest. Paying even part of the bill before the due date reduces the penalty — the 10 percent penalty applies only to the unpaid portion, not the full bill.
If you are facing a hardship, look into whether your county offers any relief programs. Some counties have programs for seniors, disabled homeowners, or people with very low incomes. These are separate from the homestead deduction and vary widely by county. Your county assessor's office can tell you what programs, if any, are available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my property taxes online in Indiana?
Most Indiana counties allow online payment through their treasurer's website. Search "[your county name] Indiana treasurer" to find the payment portal. Some counties charge a processing fee of 1 to 2 percent. Check your county's website to confirm the method is available and whether a fee applies.
What if I pay late but before the tax lien is filed?
You will still owe the 10 percent penalty plus interest for each month the bill was unpaid. However, paying before a lien is filed stops the process and prevents foreclosure. The sooner you pay, the less interest accrues. Contact your county treasurer to confirm the exact amount owed, including penalties and interest.
Do I have to pay property taxes if I rent instead of own?
No. Renters do not pay property taxes directly. The property owner pays the tax, and the cost is typically factored into the rent. If you are a renter, you have no property tax obligation.
What if my property is in two different Indiana counties?
Each county has its own treasurer and tax bill. You will receive separate bills from each county, each with its own May 10 and November 10 due dates. Pay each bill to the correct county treasurer to avoid penalties on either property.
Can I deduct property taxes on my federal income tax return?
Yes, but only up to $10,000 per year in total state and local taxes (including property tax, income tax, and sales tax combined). This is a federal deduction, not an Indiana-specific one. Consult a tax professional or the IRS website for details on how to claim it on your return.