About the Property Tax Data

Definitions

Variables used in the STATS Indiana outputs are defined below. Additional definitions are available on the Property Tax Terms page. For a more detailed explanation of how property taxes are calculated, see the Citizen's Guide to Property Tax from the Department of Local Government Finance or the ABCs of Property Tax.

Property Tax Rates by County (Profile)

• Tax Rate: The tax rate for a given geography = aggregate tax levy ÷ aggregate net assessed value. The tax bill for a given property = (tax rate x net assessed value) - tax credits.

• Property tax reform was enacted in 2008, altering the way property taxes are calculated. Data prior to 2009 also include the following variables:
  • Gross Rate: This is based on the budgeted levy of the district and the prior year's total assessed value of property.
  • Net Rate: This is derived by multiplying the gross rate by 1 minus the state property tax replacement factor. Of course, the net rate shown is not the final rate paid because final bills are based on updated assessed values not available when these rates are computed.
  • State Property Tax Replacement Credit: The replacement credit determines how much money the tax bill is lowered by fund transfers from the State of Indiana.

Property and Excise Tax (Overview | Time Series)

• Total: The total property and excise taxes collected within a given geographic area.
• Property Taxes: The property taxes collected within a given geographic area.
• Paid by Taxpayers: The portion of the property taxes that come directly from property owners.
• Paid by State & County Credits: The portion of the property taxes that are funded by the state via tax credits (e.g., the homestead credit and the circuit breaker cap credit).
• License Excise Tax

Property and Excise Tax Distribution (Overview | Time Series)

Note: the individual fund values may not sum to the total due to rounding.

• Total: The total property and excise taxes collected within a given geographic area.
• School Funds: The portion of taxes allocated to public schools.
• County & Township Funds: The portion of taxes allocated to county and township govenment.
• Municipal & Special Distribution Fund: The portion of taxes allocated to cities/towns and special distribution funds.
• Library Fund: The portion of taxes allocated to the library districts in the area.
• Healthcare & Medical Assistance
• State Fair Board & Forestry Fund

Important Data Notes

• With the 2002 reassessment, Indiana property tax assessments changed from "true tax value" to "market based value." As a result, rates after that date will vary significantly from previous years, but this does not necessarily indicate significant changes in taxes levied.

Data Source

Indiana Department of Local Government Finance. Specific tax related questions should be addressed to their office.