From the Lafayette Journal & Courier:
Homeowners have been asked for the past few years to verify that they qualify for homestead deductions. It is part of a statewide effort to make sure that those who receive the deductions and credits are entitled.
Homestead deductions and credits reduce the property owner’s tax bill by almost half; those who receive the deductions must live in the home as their primary residence.
Auditors throughout the state have been attempting to wrap up the verification process to submit the information to the state. Those who do not qualify for the deductions and credits, or those who have not properly responded to earlier attempts to verify that they qualify, might have the tax shelters removed from next year’s property tax bills.
The Journal & Courier asked Tippecanoe County Auditor Jennifer Weston to explain where the process stands for those who have been slow to respond.
Question: How does someone know if he will be losing homestead deductions and credits?
Answer: The auditor’s office sent out 3,300 letters to taxpayers who had not filed requested information with the office over the past three or four years. Three hundred of those mailings were returned, which indicates the property may not be the taxpayer’s principal place of residence, and therefore it is likely not eligible for the deduction.
Of the remaining 3,000, we have received information for about 2,000. We are in the process of reviewing those. Taxpayers can see their current tax status by visiting www.tippecanoe.in.gov, choosing “Pay Property Tax” and searching by name, street or property number.
Q: Those who received a letter from the auditor’s office informing them of their removal — what should they do?
A: In the letter, we stated three ways to submit the information:
Online: Go to http://www.tippecanoe.in.gov/department/?structureid=2, click the Homestead Letter link, complete the information, and click the submit button.
Email: Complete the form (within the letter), scan and email it to AuditorTax@tippecanoe.in.gov
Mail: Complete the form (within the letter), mail to Tippecanoe County Auditor, 20 N. Third Street, Lafayette, IN 47901
Q: What is the latest that a homeowner can verify eligibility for the homestead deductions?
A: The deadline for all deductions is Dec. 31 to be effective for the next tax year. Most homeowners file deductions at closing; however, there are other deductions available. More information about deductions can be obtained at www.dlgf.in.gov by searching “Property Tax Deductions.”
http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013312220020
