Some 38,000 Lake and Porter county homeowners have only a few weeks left to avoid a large property tax increase in 2013 by completing their homestead verification forms.
...
The two county auditor's offices have been sending out pink one-page forms the last three years to all property owners. The owners must provide their names, addresses, Social Security numbers, driver's licenses or state-issued identification card number, passport or work visa and sign the form, certifying they are eligible for credit.
Lake Auditor Peggy Katona said about 30,000 Lake owners have yet to file their paperwork. Porter Auditor Robert Wichlinski said he is still waiting to hear from about 8,000.
Those who fail to respond can lose their credit and face a stiff tax increase when the new bills come out next year.
Although the verification program ends Dec. 31, Katona said Tuesday she doesn't want to punish those with legitimate reasons for filing late and will give property owners until the end of January to provide documents.
She said she cannot delay longer and still get tax bills out in time.
...
