Notice to Hamilton County Residents who claim a homestead credit.
Homestead fraud is a growing trend that has the potential for significant penalties, and is causing higher tax bills for everyone. Individuals and married couples are limited to one homestead standard deduction per homestead laws (IC 6-1.1-12-37 & IC 6-1.1-20.9). The State of Indiana has passed legislation (IC 6-1.1-36-17) allowing the county auditor to back tax and add a penalty for those property owners deemed ineligible. Homestead deductions are not automatically removed when a taxpayer files a deduction on another property. It is the homeowners' responsibility to provide a written, certified statement to the county auditor within 60 days of the date of change.
Homestead fraud is a growing concern among state and county officials, as well as local residents, as it affects us all. Our county is always generating new ways to eliminate homestead fraud. Should you have a tip of a local rental property, or know someone who has not been living in their home for a while, please let us know by sending an e-mail to:
ineligiblehomesteadtips@hamiltoncounty.in.gov