Property Assessors Offices - Indiana Key Terms

Understanding important terms relevant to property assessments in Indiana

Property assessments determine how much property owners, whether on a personal or business level, owe in property taxes each year. Assessments determine the value of specific property and then determine a tax amount based upon a formulated tax rate system. County assessor's offices are responsible for assessing property values and determining these tax rates.

Whether you want to work for the Indiana assessor's office or simply want to better understand the assessment process for personal or business application, there are a few key terms you should know.

Property tax

Property tax is a tax that Indiana counties place on residential and commercial real property (and sometimes personal property) in order to obtain revenue for local municipalities. Property tax is typically paid on an annual basis.
STATS Indiana websites for more details on the property tax process in Indiana.

Appeal

If property owners disagree with the assessed value of their property, the Indiana assessor's office can grant them an appeal. In order for an appeal to be approved, the property owner must meet a number of requirements, as well as file a number of state and local government forms.

Reassessment

Reassessment is a process put into place by the Indiana government to reevaluate all of the property in a specific Indiana location in order to double-check assessments and determine a new tax base. As time passes, the gaps between the values of real property and other properties, such as personal property, increase. Reassessment brings those values back into alignment.

Indiana Board of Tax Review (IBTR)

The Indiana Board of Tax Review (IBTR) reviews decisions made by local Indiana assessors or assessment appeals boards regarding assessed property values or property tax deductions and exemptions.

Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF)

The Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) is the Indiana government office that has the responsibility of overseeing the budgeting and property tax assessment of local Indiana governments. The DLGF ensures that these tasks meet the standards and regulations set forth in Indiana laws.

Geographical information system (GIS)

The geographical information system (GIS) captures geographical reference information for management and analysis of data. Indiana county assessor's offices utilize the GIS system to compile and publish real property data.