To inform Kosciusko County residents about their tax bills, county auditor Sue Ann Mitchell has provided answers to several frequently asked questions.

1. Where is my real estate tax bill?

Kosciusko County tax bills normally due May 10 will be delayed. For bills to be due May 10, they should have been mailed by April 26. Indiana law requires a taxpayer be given at least 15 days notice prior to the due date.

Because of the many delays and changes in reassessment process, the final assessed values have not yet been established. The state Legislature was forced to change the assessment process from a reproduction cost basis to a market value basis due to a tax court decision. Assessments should more closely represent the actual value of property. County officials continue to work on completing the reassessment.

2. When can I expect to receive my spring real estate tax bill?

County officials have been forced to wait on the passage of legislation to allow a provisional tax bill. The legislation is currently awaiting the governor's signature. House Bill 1219 allows the spring 2003 tax billing to be equal to the 2002 spring billing. Bills will be mailed as quickly as possible after final approval by the governor.

Kosciusko County is making every effort to have the due date after June 15, but at this time the exact payment date is unknown. The standard 10 percent penalty will apply to tax bills not paid by the established due date. The county could not prepare early by having tax bills printed in advance because of the special language required on the tax bills. The county treasurer has pledged to do her best to print the tax bills as quickly as possible once the forms are received.

Because Kosciusko County has traditionally sent only one bill, the county will incur additional costs. The provisional tax bill comes with an estimated price tag of almost $30,000 for postage and forms. County officials believe money will be saved by various taxing entities that would be required to borrow money and pay interest if distributions are not made.

3. What does this mean for the government entities expecting the tax dollars?

When taxes are collected with a May 10 due date, distribution is made by June 30 to the various taxing units in the county including schools, libraries, towns, townships, solid waste and the county. Because of the delay in billing, the actual tax distribution will be delayed. The governmental units that provide services that are supported by tax dollars may ask for what is called an "advance draw."

The county auditor will distribute whatever money is collected in advance of the actual distribution when a request in writing is received from the taxing entity. It is hoped the ability to ask for an advanced draw will prevent government entities from having to borrow money and pay interest.

4. When can I expect to receive my fall real estate tax bill?

A reconciling bill will be prepared and mailed when assessed values are established. The bill will calculate the total tax obligation less the payment made for the spring installment.

The fall bill will be due Nov. 10. County officials plan to mail the reconciling bill as early as possible allowing taxpayers longer than the 15 days required by law to make payment.

5. What can I do to reduce my real estate tax obligation?

The deadline to file for exemptions to reduce the taxes due and payable in 2003 was last May 10. Taxpayers have until May 12 to file for exemptions and deductions for their 2003 payable in 2004 tax bills. There are a variety of deductions and exemptions that apply to real property including the following: Homestead credit, mortgage exemption, over 65, disabled veterans, geo thermal, blind and disabled.

6. When will I know what my real estate assessed values are for tax billing purposes?

When the assessments are completed and the assessors in the county have reviewed the assessments for accuracy, the Form 11s will be mailed. When Form 11s are received, you have the right to appeal your reassessment if you feel the value does not represent the market value of your home. Contacting your local assessor is the first step in filing an appeal.

7. When will I receive my personal property tax bill?

Personal property will be billed only with the fall tax bills. Because personal property assessed values vary from year to year, county officials do not believe personal property tax bills can be done based on the 2002 billing. Many people no longer own the property they were assessed for in 2002 or their assessed values have reduced which would cause them to pay more than necessary.

There will be only one billing for personal property that will be due Nov. 10.

8. Who should I contact with questions?

You may contact the Kosciusko County auditor at 574-372-2323 or via e-mail at [email protected] [[In-content Ad]]