UPDATE: Don't forget! Seniors qualify for property tax savings.

Thank you to LaPorte County Auditor Tim Stabosz for reaching out with updates on eligibility requirements for senior property tax breaks. The below newsletter is updated to reflect this.

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Dear neighbor,

Even though we’re well past property tax season, I wanted to remind our seniors of the savings and deductions they can take advantage of in the future. Across the state, property valuations have risen and resulted in increased property tax bills for homeowners. Relief is available to seniors over the age of 65 who can apply for property tax breaks.

Over 65 Property Tax Deduction

Here in LaPorte County, any person over the age of 65 who owns real estate is entitled to a property tax deduction. Seniors can receive a deduction in assessed value of $14,000 or half the assessed value, whichever is less. Here’s a list of the qualifications:

• You turned 65 or older by December 31 of the prior year.

• You can also receive the deduction if your spouse was 65 or older at the time of death. You must be 60 or older and have not remarried.

• You own or have been paying on a recorded contract for at least one year.

• You live in the property as your primary residence.

• You and your spouse have a combined maximum adjusted gross income of $44,871.36 or if single, $33,653.52 for the prior year (these numbers are for property tax bills due in 2025, specifically). These income amounts include that of your spouse and all others who own or pay rent on the property.

• The assessed property value of your home is $240,000 or less.

• You receive no other property tax deductions except the homestead standard and supplemental deductions and the fertilizer storage deduction.

Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit

The Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit limits how much your taxes will increase each year. With this credit, your taxes will increase no more than 2% each year. Here’s a list of the qualifications:

• You turned 65 or older by December 31 of the prior year.

• You have qualified for the homestead standard deduction on the same property this year and last year.

• You have an adjusted gross income of $33,653.52 or less, or a combined adjusted gross income with your spouse of $44,871.36 or less (these numbers are for property tax bills due in 2025, specifically).

• The gross assessed property value is $240,000 (if you have applied for this deduction on or after December 31, 2022) or less on the homestead portion of the property. You can find the value of the homestead portion of your property on your tax bill or property record card.

• You own, are buying on a recorded contract, or have a beneficial interest in the property. 

Applications for both the Over 65 Property Tax Deduction and Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit must be submitted no later than December 31st.

To apply, contact the LaPorte County auditor at (219)326-6808 Ext. 2004. The LaPorte County auditor’s office is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (CST) at 555 Michigan Ave., Suite 205, Michigan City, Indiana. For more information on the property tax deduction and eligibility in LaPorte County, click here. 

For Porter County, contact (219)465-3806. The Porter County auditor’s office is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CST) at 155 Indiana Ave., Suite 204, Valparasio, Indiana. For more information on the property tax deduction and eligibility in Porter County, click here.

I hope senior homeowners in the House District 9 take advantage of these resources!