Auditor’s Office details changes to disabled Veteran property tax benefits

Submitted

The Hamilton County Auditor’s Office is informing veterans and homeowners about important changes to Indiana’s Disabled Veteran property tax benefits following the passage of House Enrolled Act 1210-2026 (HEA 1210).

HEA 1210 makes three significant changes to Disabled Veteran property tax benefits:

1. Two existing Disabled Veteran deductions are being converted into tax credits.
2. Veterans currently receiving one of those deductions do not need to take any action. The Hamilton County Auditor’s Office will automatically convert eligible deductions to credits and will notify affected property owners by mail.
3. A new property tax deduction has been created for totally disabled veterans. Veterans who may qualify for this new deduction must file an application with the Auditor’s Office.

“Our goal is to ensure every eligible veteran receives the benefits they have earned through their service,” Hamilton County Auditor Todd Clevenger said.

New disabled Veteran tax credits

Veteran with Service-Connected Disability Credit, $350. This credit replaces the previous deduction of $24,960.

To qualify, a veteran must:

• Have served in the U.S. military during a wartime period
• Have received an honorable discharge
• Have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10 percent

Required documentation:

• DD-214
• VA Award of Compensation or Certificate of Eligibility

Veteran Age 62 or Older with Disability Credit, $250. This credit replaces the previous deduction of $14,000.

To qualify, a veteran must:

• Have served in the U.S. military for at least 90 days
• Have received an honorable discharge
• Be at least 62 years of age
• Have a disability rating of at least 10 percent

Required documentation:

• DD-214
• VA Award of Compensation or Certificate of Eligibility

New deduction for totally disabled Veterans

HEA 1210 also creates a new property tax deduction for veterans with a total disability rating.  Veterans who believe they may qualify must file an application with the County Auditor’s Office no later than Jan. 15, 2027.

To qualify, a veteran must:

• Have served in the U.S. military for at least 90 days
• Have received an honorable discharge
• Have a total disability rating
• Have been an Indiana resident for at least one year before the assessment date
• Own and occupy the property as their principal place of residence
• Hold title to the property as an individual (properties titled in a trust or LLC are not eligible)

Required documentation:

• DD-214
• VA Award of Compensation or Certificate of Eligibility
• Completed application filed with the County Auditor’s Office

Applications for credits and deductions must be filed by Jan. 15 of the year preceding the tax year in which the benefit will apply. For example, to receive a credit or deduction on taxes payable in 2027, an application must be filed by Jan. 15, 2027.

Applications may be submitted in person through the Hamilton County Auditor’s Real Property Department, located on the first floor of the Historic Courthouse in Noblesville. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments are not required.

For answers to questions regarding eligibility or the application process, call the Real Property Team at (317) 770-4412.

For assistance in understanding how these changes affect tax calculations, call the Adjustments Team at (317) 770-8861.

“We encourage veterans to review the new requirements and contact our office if they have questions about how these changes may affect them,” said Sadie Eldridge, Hamilton County Real Property, Settlement, and Adjustment Department Manager.