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Deductions
What Are Deductions?
Indiana offers property owners a number of deductions that can help lower property tax bills.
How Do Deductions Benefit You?
Tax deductions subtract a certain amount from your property's Assessed Value (AV). For example, let's say you own a home assessed at $180,000 and you filed and qualify for the homestead deduction. Your standard homestead deduction is $45,000, and your supplemental deduction is $47,250. Without any deduction, the tax rate would be applied to the AV of $180,000. But with the homestead deduction, the tax bill is calculated based on a net AV of $87,750.
How Do You File For Deductions?
You will need to complete and file an application for each of the deductions you wish to claim with the Porter County Auditor’s office. Generally, applications must be completed, signed and dated by December 31st in order to obtain the deduction in the immediately succeeding year. The completed deduction form along with all necessary documentation, must be filed or post marked on or before January 5th. You can file the application in person or by mail to: Porter County Auditor’s Office, 155 Indiana Ave., Suite 204, Valparaiso IN 46383
For more information about the most common deductions, including downloadable application forms with instructions, choose from the list below.
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Blind & Disabled Persons Deductions
A maximum of $12,480 is deducted from the assessed value of the property. Applicants must provide proof of blindness or disability when filing. Find more information about eligibility and filing.
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Heritage Barn Deduction
An eligible applicant is entitled to a deduction from the assessed value of the structure and foundation of a heritage barn beginning with assessments after 2014. Find more information about eligibility and filing.
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Homestead Deduction
$45,000 maximum standard deduction for residential real property improvements (including a house or garage) located in Indiana that an individual uses as the individual's principal residence, including a mobile or manufactured home not assessed as real property. Find more information about eligibility and filing.
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Ineligible Homestead Certification
Homestead deductions are not automatically removed when a taxpayer files a deduction on another property. It is the homeowners' responsibility to provide a written, certified statement to the Auditor's office within 60 days of the date of the change. Find information about filing the Ineligible Homestead Certification form.
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Mortgage Deduction
$3,000 is deducted from the assessed value of the property. Property owners must maintain a balance of $3,000 or more at all times on their recorded mortgage or line of credit (if you principle loan is paid in full) to be eligible to receive the benefit of this deduction. Find more information about eligibility and filing.
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Over 65 Deductions
There are two deductions/credits available to homeowners age 65 or older. You may receive both deductions/credits if you qualify for both. Find more information about eligibility and filing.
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Veteran Deductions
There are two deductions available to disabled Veterans, the Totally Disabled Veteran and Veteran With Service Connected Disability Deductions. You may receive both deductions if you qualify. Find more information about eligibility and filing.