Submitted
The COVID-19 crisis is a public health emergency unparalleled in the disruption of daily life, which has fundamentally changed many things. Unfortunately, the deadline for filing for your Homestead Deductions is not one of them.
The pandemic, historically low interest rates and limited space for social distancing has the Hamilton County Auditor developing a plan to help ensure a seamless yearend filing process.
Mills
“If you have refinanced your home in 2020, as many people have, you will need to refile your mortgage deduction,” Hamilton County Auditor Robin Mills said. “Perhaps you have not refinanced in 2020, but were married or divorced – both are reasons to refile your standard homestead deductions.”
Also, if you purchased a home in 2020 or changed your deed, you will need to file all applicable deductions before the deadline.
“Normally, the last two weeks of December bring with them long lines. With the unprecedented number of refinances this year, we are anticipating even more people,” Mills said. “I am urging you to do it now.”
To accommodate the larger than normal crowds, Mills is working with her team to move the filing location from the first floor, up into the Historic Courtroom located on the second floor of the Historic Courthouse.
“The Historic Courtroom is large enough to allow proper social distancing for 200 to 300 taxpayers,” Mills said. “Throughout the past two quarters, the filing volume has been up 68 percent from last year with no signs of slowing. We are working diligently to provide a safe and healthy space for everyone that shows up in person to file.”
Outlined below are the various deductions offered, along with their qualifications. There is no cost to file a deduction, it only takes about five to 10 minutes, and no appointment is necessary. All applicable deductions must be filed by Dec. 31 to take effect on the following year’s tax bill:
- The Standard Homestead Deduction: You must be an Indiana resident, you must have ownership in the home, and you must occupy the home as your principal place of residence. When filing, you will need the last five digits of your social security number and driver’s license number. If you are married, you will need the same information for your spouse, regardless of how the home is titled. Individuals and married couples are limited to one standard homestead deduction.
- The Mortgage Deduction is for Indiana residents who maintain a mortgage on their home. When filing, don’t forget your closing packet.
- The Disabled Veteran Deduction offers veterans with a 10 percent or greater disability an additional deduction. When filing, please bring a copy of your DD214 and either your Award Letter (aka summary of benefits) or Certificate of Eligibility.
- The Blind or Disabled Deduction requires proof of disability or blindness at the time of filing. Acceptable forms of proof are the social security disability award letter or a letter from your doctor’s office outlining the disability. Additionally, your annual income may not exceed $17,000.
- The Over Age 65 Deduction is available to taxpayers over the age of 65. However, the assessed value of your home may not exceed $200,000 and your annual household adjusted gross income must not exceed $30,000 for a single applicant, or $40,000 for a married couple. All deeded owners must reside on the property and maintain a standard homestead deduction. Proof of income is required at the time of filing.
- The Over Age 65 Circuit Breaker Credit is an additional benefit for taxpayers over the age of 65. You must be over the age of 65, be an Indiana resident with a standard homestead on file, and the assessed value of the home may not exceed $200,000. Your annual household adjusted gross income must not exceed $30,000 for a single applicant, or $40,000 for a married couple. Proof of income is required at the time of filing.
- Geothermal Deduction: Thinking about going green? If you are, be sure to contact the Auditor’s Office regarding any geothermal unit(s) or solar/wind power devices you are considering. The geothermal deduction is for a very specific heating and cooling unit. When filing for this deduction you will want to bring the make, model, and serial number(s) of all working unit(s).
Eldridge
“You may file the deductions on our website: hamiltoncounty.in.gov. Simply type the desired deduction in the search bar and click enter,” Lead Real Property Deputy Sadie Eldridge explained. “If you prefer to file in person, our hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and currently face coverings are required upon entering the building.”
The only point of entry into the Historic Courthouse is the West entrance. The Real Property Department’s phone number is (317) 770-4412 and you are asked to only leave one voicemail, as multiple messages delay a returned call.
If you are visiting the office to record a transfer document, such as a warranty deed, you’ll first visit the Assessor’s office on the second floor, followed by the Auditor’s office on the first floor. Then lastly, make your way to the County Recorder’s office on the third floor. The Auditor’s office only accepts cash or check when recording a deed; as a reminder it does not cost anything to file real property deductions.
Eldridge echoed Mills by saying, “We look forward to assisting you and urge you to beat the crowd and file now.”