Indiana

Property Tax Problems

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

Just when you thought Marion County was done with it’s property tax problems, think again…

Nearly 1,000 taxpayers could be in jeopardy of losing their homes and businesses due to delinquent property taxes, even though they are appealing their bills.   And complicating  matters is the fact there is confusion over how taxpayers can resolve their issues due to recent reassessments and property tax caps.

County Treasurer Mike Rodman says his office has sent out notices letting delinquent taxpayers with appeals know they must pay something in order to avoid a tax sale of their property.

Rodman says current requires you either pay your current bill and get a refund of the difference with four-percent interest attached or you pay an amount based on the previous year’s assessment, but with the current year’s tax rate.

Are you still with me?  Good, because here’s where it gets really bad.

If your property is under appeal, you would pay an amount based on the previous year’s appeal.  However, that amount may have to be reconfigured since property tax caps have gone into effect and most Marion County property has been reassessed in the last couple of years.

Rodman says the problem stems from the backlog of property tax appeals and the fact a number of township assessors told taxpayers they would not have to pay anything while their taxes were under appeal.

Rodman says his office is more than happy to help out in the individual taxpayer, however the land owner should be prepared to pay something regardless of what the final disposition is.

Did you get all that?  If not, Rodman and I spoke Friday and his interview is below.

Mike Rodman #1

Mike Rodman #2

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on June 30, 2010 (boomark / email).