Welcome to Jackson Township! I hope you’re enjoying your new location. Below is a check list of a few items that may be of help to you. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me.

Homestead Credit

If you were living in your home on March 1, you are entitled to the Homestead Credit and Standard Deductions. You must file by May 10, of any given year to receive credit for the following year’s taxes. This exemption must be filed in person at the County Auditor’s office. Your real estate agent, title company or other related purchasing agents cannot file this for you. If you have your copy of the title policy, it will facilitate filing.

Mortgage Exemption

If you have a mortgage on your property, you may be entitled to a Mortgage Deduction. When filing, you need your mortgage company name and address and approximate amount owed. This filing is also done at the County Auditor’s office by May 10 of any given year. If you refinance, you must re-file for this deduction.

Your New Address

Filing for exemptions does not change your mailing address. Be sure to notify the County Auditor’s office of your new address. In many cases, when you purchased vacant land, your old address was on the deed. Even though your mortgage company may be responsible for paying your taxes, any notices from this office would be sent to what is on the original records. You can call this office for your tax duplicate number when reporting the change to the auditor.

9-1-1

Please see the "Emergency Telephone Numbers!" page for information relating to contacts with individual departments. If there are any "special needs" at your home, please contact the Sheriff’s department.

Three Inch Numbers

Porter County has an ordinance which requires the use of 3 inch high house numbers posted on a contrasting color, which can be seen from the road. This is vital for emergency personnel when responding to a call at your home.

When placing your mailbox at the road, be sure to keep it a slight distance from the pavement. Snow plows do need to clear to the edges. (Be cautious when digging in easements - gas lines, electric lines, etc.) Contact the post office for the required height of the box.

Dog Tags

Anyone owning or harboring a dog is required to pay Indiana Dog Tax. This tag is only available from the Trustee’s office. Veterinarian tags are not the same. To obtain tags, you can mail a check, made out to "Jackson Township" at the address on the bottom of this page. Neutered or spayed dogs are $2.00, non-neutered are $4.00, and each additional dog, regardless, is $6.00. Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of your tags. Tags should be purchased in the township of residence. For those desiring a kennel license, a variance must be granted by the Porter County Plan Commission.

Voter Registration

Applications are available at the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles locations, Voter Registration at the County Administration Center or from this office.

Refuse/Garbage Disposal

Jackson Township does not provide refuse pick-up. There are private companies for this service.

Open Burning Law

The State of Indiana and Porter County has a ban on open burning. Refuse, leaves and other material should be disposed of in a manner that does not conflict with this ban. If you have any questions, you can call the Porter County Environmental Office at 465-3593.

Newspapers

There are a number of local newspapers. Check out the "In the Area" page.

Be sure to check the other pages in this site for more information.