Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Dearborn County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

Authority	Avg. Rate
County General Fund	0.45%
School District (Avg)	1.20%
City / Local (Avg)	0.35%

How Property Tax Works in Dearborn County

Understanding your property tax burden begins with understanding the basics of how it works. Here's a breakdown of the process: * **Assessment:** The first step involves determining your property's market value, which is done through an assessment process conducted by the county assessor. This value is used to determine the amount of property tax owed. * **Millage Rates:** Millage rates are set locally and represent a dollar amount levied on each $1000 of assessed property value. These rates contribute to funding local government services. Dearborn County's rate is used for calculations, as determined by your county assessor. The total amount of your tax bill will depend on the millage rates applied to your specific property value. * **Property Value:** Your assessment plays a crucial role in determining your overall tax burden. The assessment value determines how much you pay in property taxes each year.

Available Exemptions

Indiana offers various exemptions designed to reduce the financial impact of property taxes for specific groups: * **Homestead Exemption:** This exemption applies to homeowners with certain restrictions, including primary residence occupancy and a maximum age requirement for eligibility (typically over 65). The total deduction for this exemption varies from county to county.

• Check Dearborn County's official website or contact the county assessor's office for specific details.

* **Senior Citizen Exemption:** This exemption provides a percentage reduction in property taxes for eligible seniors (usually over 65) and their spouses. Eligibility criteria vary by state and local jurisdictions, so always refer to Dearborn County's guidelines. * **Disability Exemption:** For qualifying individuals with disabilities, the Indiana tax code offers an exemption for the disabled veterans or active military members, which reduces the amount of property taxes paid. You may be eligible if you are a veteran, active-duty member, or have a disability that prevents you from performing work.

• Contact Dearborn County's Assessor Office for details and specific forms.

* **Veteran Exemption:** Eligible veterans of the US Armed Forces may qualify for this exemption, which reduces their property tax burden. You can find information about your local exemption on the Indiana Department of Local Government's website.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Understanding the payment deadlines and options is essential to avoid penalties:

• The deadline for submitting your property taxes is typically in early fall, which you can check on the Dearborn County assessor's website.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your assessment is inaccurate or unfair, you have options to appeal:

To learn more about the appeals process in Dearborn County, visit your county assessor's office.

* **How to Appeal:** You can typically file an appeal form with the Dearborn County Assessor's Office.

The appeal process is initiated by contacting your local tax assessor's office and filing a formal request for review, which you can usually find on their website or through other official channels.