If you are like most homeowners your property taxes are paid through your mortgage company so you might not have paid much attention to the recent tax bill 
which included a nice pretty pink piece of paper. That pink paper was important. Here’s what it’s all about:
There’s a new state law aimed at preventing tax fraud and requires homeowners who want to claim the Indiana Homestead Deduction to file for the tax break, even if you’ve done it in the past.
What is a homestead? The official definition is defined as a “dwelling used as an individual’s primary residence, one garage and up to one acre of immediately surrounding land”…basically, it’s your home.
Why should I care about this? Well…the homestead standard deduction reduces the taxable assessed value of the ‘homestead’ portion of a property by the lesser of 60% or $45,000. It’s saving you money!!
What if I’m already receiving a homestead deduction? You still must file a Homestead verification form to certify residency and eligibility for the deduction!(Click here for the form) -Yes, more paperwork!
How much time do I have to do this? If you didn’t return it by April 30th, you still have time. Whew! The homestead verification form will be mailed with the 2010, 2011, and 2012 tax bills and must be completed at least once by January 1, 2013.
Why in the world do I have to do this? For security purposes and to prevent fraud. The form must include the individual, or the married couples last five digits of both the driver’s license and social security numbers which will then be used to populate a secure homestead database to prevent homestead fraud.
What happens if I ignore this? Your homestead can be removed beginning with the 2012-pay-2013 property tax bills. OUCH!
What if I’m totally confused right now? 1) you can call me and I’d be happy to walk you through this, or 2) click here for (Frequently Asked Questions)
Don’t miss out on getting your Indiana Homestead Deduction. There’s a new state law requiring a new process. Even if you’ve claimed it in the past it doesn’t matter, you’ve got to do it again in order to get the deduction. Don’t Lose Your Homestead Deduction by procrastinating
Brad Applegate
FC Tucker, Indianapolis, Indiana
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