Effective July 1, 1986
Including Amendments Received Through April 2, 2008.
Rule 1. Scope of the rules
These rules govern the procedure and practice in all actions jurisdictionally cognizable in the Indiana Tax Court. They shall be construed to secure the just, speedy and inexpensive determination of every action. Except to the extent these rules are clearly inconsistent with the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure ("Trial Rules"), those Trial Rules shall apply to actions in the Tax Court, but nothing herein or in the Trial Rules shall be deemed to extend the jurisdiction of the Tax Court with respect to persons, actions, or claims over which it does not otherwise have authority. In the case of an appeal from a determination of a probate court, the Indiana Rules of Appellate Procedure shall apply.
(A) In the Indiana Tax
Court, there shall be one form of action in the nature of a civil action to be
known as an "original tax appeal."
(B) An original tax appeal is an action that arises under the tax laws of the State of Indiana by which an initial judicial appeal of a final determination of the Department of State Revenue the Indiana Board of Tax Review, or the Department of Local Government Finance is sought.
(A) Appeals from final
determinations of the Department of State Revenue. An original tax appeal
from a final determination of the Department of State Revenue is commenced by
filing a petition in the Tax Court.
(B) Appeals from final determinations of the Indiana Board of Tax Review.
An original tax appeal from a final determination of the Indiana Board of Tax Review is commenced by filing a verified petition in the Tax Court. The petition shall set forth the following:
(1) the name and mailing address of the petitioner;
(2) the mailing address of the Indiana Board of Tax Review;
(3) identification of the final determination of the Indiana Board of Tax Review at issue, together with a copy, summary, or brief description of the final determination;
(4) identification of all persons, as defined under IC 4-21.5-1-11, that were parties to any proceeding of the Indiana Board of Tax Review that led to its final determination;
(5) specific facts to demonstrate that the petitioner has standing to obtain judicial review of the final determination of the Indiana Board of Tax Review, has exhausted all applicable remedies, has timely filed the petition, and has met any other statutory conditions for the availability of judicial review;
(6) specific facts to demonstrate that the petitioner has been prejudiced by one or more grounds which provide the basis for a grant of relief under applicable law;
(7) at the election of the petitioner, a request that the Indiana Board of Tax Review prepare a certified copy of the agency record; and
(8) a request for relief stating the type and extent of relief requested.
The petition shall be verified under Trial Rule 11(B). A sample petition for an original tax appeal from a final determination of the Indiana Board of Tax Review is included in the Appendix to these rules. If the petitioner does not include in the petition a request that the Indiana Board of Tax Review prepare a certified copy of the agency record, the petitioner shall file a separate request for such record under Section (E) of this rule.
(C) Appeals from final determinations of the Department of Local Government Finance. An original tax appeal from a final determination of the Department of Local Government Finance is commenced by filing a petition in the Tax Court
(D) Copies of petitions. Copies of the petition required under Section B of this rule shall be served upon the following:
(1) the chairperson of the Indiana Board of Tax Review;
(2) the Attorney General;
(3) each party to the administrative proceedings before the Indiana Board of Tax Review that led to the final determination under review;
(4) if the administrative proceeding before the Indiana Board of Tax Review involved an appeal from a determination of a county property tax assessment board of appeals, the secretary of such county property tax assessment board of appeals.
A petitioner complies with this rule by serving a copy of the petition in the manner provided by Trial Rule 5(B). Copies of the petition shall be served upon public officers only in their official capacities.
(E) Filing the record of judicial review. In original tax appeals filed under Section (B) of this rule, the petitioner shall request the Indiana Board of Tax Review to prepare a certified copy of the agency record within thirty (30) days after filing the petition. A request included as part of the petition filed under Section (B)(7) of this rule satisfies this requirement. The petitioner shall transmit a certified copy of the record to the Tax Court within (30) days after having received notification from the Indiana Board of Tax Review that the record has been prepared.
(F) Enjoining the collection of a tax. If the petitioner wishes to enjoin the collection of a tax pending the original tax appeal, there must be included with the original tax appeal a petition to enjoin the collection of the tax, which petition must include a summary of:
(1) the issues that the petitioner will raise in the original tax appeal; and
(2) the equitable considerations for which the Tax Court should order the collection of the tax to be enjoined.
(G) Documents and Information Excluded from Public Access and Confidential Pursuant to Administrative Rule 9(G)(1). Documents and information excluded from public access pursuant to Administrative Rule 9(G)(1) shall be filed in accordance with Trial Rule 5(G).
Amended Sep. 30, 2004, effective Jan. 1, 2005.
(A) Appeals from final determinations of the Department of State Revenue and the Department of Local Government Finance.
(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Tax Court acquires jurisdiction over the Department of State Revenue or the Department of Local Government Finance upon the filing of a petition with the clerk of the Tax Court seeking to set aside a final determination of either of such state agencies, as the case may be. The clerk of the Tax Court shall promptly transmit copies of a petition filed in the Tax Court to the Attorney General and to the state agency named as the respondent in such petition and shall state in accompanying transmittal letters: (1) the date on which the petition was filed; (2) the date on which the petition is being mailed to the Attorney General and the respondent state agency; and (3) the time within which these rules require a responsive pleading. Nothing in this rule shall relieve a party from complying with the statutory requirements for bringing an original tax appeal.
(2) In original tax appeals of final determinations of the Department of State Revenue or the Department of Local Government Finance, it shall not be necessary to serve summons on the Attorney General, the Department of State Revenue, or the Department of Local Government Finance. Service of summons in accordance with the Trial Rules shall be required of the Tax Court to acquire jurisdiction over any other persons; such service shall be made as provided in Trial Rule 4.11.
(B) Appeals from final determinations of the Indiana Board of Tax
Review.
(1) In original tax appeals of final determinations of the Indiana Board of Tax Review, the Tax Court acquires jurisdiction over a party or person who under these rules commences or joins in the original tax appeal, is served with summons or enters an appearance, or who is subjected to the power of the Tax Court under any other law.
(2) In original tax appeals initiated by taxpayers, the named respondent shall be the person or persons designated by statute as parties to judicial review of final determinations of the Indiana Board of Tax Review.
(3) In original tax appeals initiated by a government official or entity, the named respondent shall be the taxpayer who was a party to the proceeding before the Indiana Board of Tax Review.
(4) Service of summons shall be required only with respect to the named respondent and any other person whom the petitioner seeks to join as a party. If the Department of Local Government Finance is a named respondent, service of summons shall be made upon the Commissioner of the Department of Local Government Finance. Service of summons shall be made in accordance with the Trial Rules.
(C) Public Officers in their Official Capacities. Public officers shall only be made parties to original tax appeals in their official capacities.
(D) Substitution of Parties.
(1) When a public officer who is made a party to an original tax appeal in his or her official capacity dies, resigns or otherwise no longer holds the public office, the officer’s successor is automatically substituted as a party.
(2) A party shall, by notice filed with the Clerk, advise the Court of the succession in office of any party. The failure of any party to file a notice shall not affect the party’s substantive rights.
(3) The death or incompetence of any party on appeal shall not cause the original tax appeal to abate. Successor parties may be substituted for the deceased or incompetent parties.
Amended Dec. 15, 1995, effective Feb. 1, 1996. Amended Dec. 21, 2001, effective Jan. 1,2002. Amended effective April 2, 2008.
Time for Response to Petition. In a case in which the clerk of the Tax Court has served a petition in an original tax appeal without service of summons, the period for filing a response to such petition by the State Agency so served shall be thirty (30) days after the mailing of the clerk's transmittal letter. In a case governed by Rule 4(B), the period for filing a response to a petition shall be thirty (30) days after the service of the petition and summons on a named respondent.
(A) Joinder of Taxpayer in Tax Court Appeals by Government Organization or Representative. In an original tax appeal in the Tax Court brought by a governmental organization or official representative, any person or persons whose liability for, or right to a refund of, taxes would be directly affected by the outcome of such appeal may intervene in the action pursuant to Trial Rule 24 if not already named as a respondent or joined under Trial Rule 20.
(B) Right of Intervention. The Department of Local Government Finance shall have the right to intervene in original tax appeals of final determinations of the Indiana Board of Tax Review when the interpretation of its rules is at issue. This right of intervention shall not extend to settlement of the litigation between the original parties to the tax appeal unless the Department of Local Government Finance was a party to the action before the Indiana Board of Tax Review.
(A) Appropriate Court. An application for an order to a party to compel discovery may be made to the Tax Court, or alternatively, on matters relating to a deposition or an order under Trial Rule 34, to a court in the county where the deposition is being taken or where compliance is to be made. Application for an order to compel discovery directed to a deponent who is not a party shall be made to a court in the county where the deposition is being taken or to the Tax Court.
(B) Sanctions by the Court in the County Where Deposition Is Taken or by the
Tax Court. If a defendant fails to be sworn or to answer a question after
being directed to do so by the court in the county in which the deposition is
being taken or by the Tax Court, the failure may be considered a contempt of
that court.
(A) All evidentiary hearings shall be conducted in Allen County, Jefferson County, Lake County, Marion County, St. Joseph County, Vanderburgh County or Vigo County. A taxpayer who appeals to the Tax Court shall, at the time the appeal is filed, file a written election as to the county in which the evidentiary hearings in the appeal shall be conducted. If the taxpayer is an appellee in an appeal to the Tax Court, the taxpayer shall file such written election within thirty (30) days after receiving notice of the appeal. If no such written election is timely filed, evidentiary hearings shall be conducted in Marion County unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
(B) All original tax appeals shall be tried to the Court without a jury.
(A) Subpoena for Taking Depositions--Place of Examination. Proof of service of a notice to take a deposition as provided in Trial Rules 30(B) and 31(A) constitutes a sufficient authorization for the issuance by the Tax Court or by the clerk of court for the county in which the deposition is to be taken of subpoenas for the persons named or described therein. The subpoena may command the person to whom it is directed to produce designated books, papers, documents, or tangible things which constitute or contain matters within the scope of the examination permitted by Trial Rule 26(B), but in that event the subpoena will be subject to the provisions of Trial Rules 26(C) and 45(B).
(B) Subpoena for a Hearing or Trial. At the request of any party,
subpoenas for attendance at a hearing or trial shall be issued by the clerk of
the Tax Court when requested, or, in the case of a subpoena for the taking of a
deposition, by the clerk of the Tax Court or by the clerk of the court in the
county in which the deposition is being taken. A subpoena may be served at any
place within the state; and when permitted by the laws of the United States,
this or another state or foreign country, the Court upon proper application and
cause shown may authorize the service of a subpoena outside the state in
accordance with and as permitted by such law.
(C) Contempt. Failure by any person without adequate excuse to obey a
subpoena served upon him may be deemed in contempt of the Tax Court or the
court from which the subpoena was issued, or of the court of the county where
the witness was required thereunder to appear or act. The attendance of all
witnesses when duly subpoenaed, and to whom fees have been paid or tendered as
required by law may be enforced by attachment.
(A) Effect. The Court shall determine the facts and judgment shall be entered thereon pursuant to Trial Rule 58. The Court shall render its decisions in writing. The Court shall make special findings of fact without request
(1) in granting or refusing preliminary injunctions, including
injunctions against collection of any tax;
(2) in making any final decision after trial; and
(3) in any other case provided by these rules or by statute.
The Court on appeal shall not set aside the findings or judgment of the Tax Court unless clearly erroneous, and due regard shall be given to the opportunity of the Tax Court to judge the credibility of the witnesses. The findings of a master shall be considered as findings of the Court to the extent that the Court adopts them. If an opinion or memorandum of decision is filed, it will be sufficient if the findings of fact and conclusions appear therein. Findings of fact are unnecessary on decisions of motions under Trial Rules 12 or 56 or any other motion except as provided in Trial Rules 41(B) (dismissal) and 59(J) (motion to correct errors).
(A) Tax Court Always Open. The Tax Court shall be deemed always open for the purpose of filing any pleadings or other proper paper, of issuing and returning any process contemplated by these rules, and of making and directing all interlocutory motions, orders and rules. Terms of court shall not be recognized.
(B) Evidentiary Hearings--Orders in Chambers. All evidentiary hearings
in connection with an original tax appeal shall be conducted in open court in a
regular court or hearing room in the county designated for such hearing by the
taxpayer party thereto. In the absence of such designation, such hearings shall
be conducted in Marion County. All other acts or proceedings may be done or
conducted by the judge in chambers without the attendance of the clerk or other
Court officials and at any other place within the State.
(C) Clerk, Clerk's Office and Orders by Clerk. The clerk of the Court is
the clerk of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals and the address of the
clerk's office is State House, Room 217, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. Except as may be otherwise provided by law, the clerk's office with the clerk or a deputy
in attendance shall be open during business hours on all days except Saturdays,
Sundays and legal holidays. All motions and applications in the clerk's office
for issuing process, for entering defaults or judgments by default, and for
other proceedings which do not require allowance or order of the Court are
grantable of course by the clerk; but the clerk's action may be suspended or
altered or rescinded by the Court upon cause shown.
(D) Notice of Orders or Judgments. The clerk shall give notice of
rulings, orders or judgments and with the effect as provided in Trial Rule
72(D).
(A) The judge shall periodically establish times and places, at intervals sufficiently frequent for the prompt dispatch of business at each of the counties designated for the hearing of evidence in original tax appeals, at which motions requiring notice and hearing may be heard and disposed of; but the judge at any time or place and on such notice, if any, as the judge considers reasonable may make order for the advancement, conduct and hearing of actions. To expedite its business, the Court may direct the submission and determination of motions without oral hearing upon brief written statements or reasons in support and opposition, or direct and permit hearings by telephone conference call with all attorneys or other similar means of communications.
(B) Every motion shall be accompanied by a proposed form of order and
except in motions for continuance shall include a memorandum of law or a
statement of points and authorities, explaining how relevant authorities
support the contentions of the moving party.
(C) In matters other than motions for summary judgment (governed by
Trial Rule 56), an opposing party may file a written memorandum of law or a
statement of authority in response to the matters raised in any motion not
later than 10 days from the date of service of the motion, or within such
shorter or longer time as the Court may allow.
(D) A reply memorandum, if any, shall be filed within seven days of the
service of the responding memorandum, or within such shorter or longer time as
the Court may allow.
(E) Oral hearings shall be conducted on motions in the discretion of the
Court if requested by either party, or when ordered by the Court. In the motion
or response, a party requesting oral hearing shall specify the amount of time
required for hearing, whether appearance by telecommunications is requested,
the names and telephone numbers of all parties served with the motion or
response, and whether official court reporting services are requested for the
hearing.
(F) When a petition to enjoin the collection of a tax pending the
original tax appeal is filed pursuant to IC 33-3-5-11(b), a hearing will be
held as promptly as possible upon request of either party.
(G) If exigent circumstances are present, the petitioning party may wish
to consult Trial Rule 65(B).
Amended Nov. 17, 1987, effective Jan. 1, 1987
The Tax Court has exclusive statewide jurisdiction over all original tax appeals, and venue of all original tax appeals shall lie only in the Tax Court.
(A) Pleadings and Papers--Where Filed and Entered. All pleadings, papers and rulings, including final judgments and appealable orders, shall be filed with the clerk of the Court who shall file and keep them under a consecutive file number assigned by the clerk to each case.
(B) Docket Book. The clerk of the Court shall keep a docket book of such
form that the file number of each case or proceeding shall be noted on the
folio of the docket whereon the first entry of the action is made. All papers
filed with or transmitted to the clerk, all process issued and returns made
thereon, all appearances, orders, verdicts, judgments, enforcement proceedings,
execution and returns thereon shall be entered chronologically in the docket on
the folio assigned to the action and shall be marked with its file number and
the date of filing. Such entries shall be brief but shall show the nature of
each paper filed or writ issued and the bare substance of each order or
judgment of the Court and of the returns showing execution of process. Each
entry shall show the date the filing, return or entry was made, including the
date of judgment or order was entered.
(C) Indexes. The clerk under the direction of the judge shall keep
suitable indexes of the docket maintained by him.
(D) Calendars. There shall be prepared under the direction of the judge
calendars of all actions ready for trial.
(E) Order Book. The clerk shall maintain an order book in such form as
the judge may prescribe or may have prescribed by local or other rule. Every
ruling, order, or judgment of the judge should be entered or filed in such book
verbatim for each day and the judge shall sign the book as to such day's
entries. The order book may include such other matters as the judge may direct
and shall include such matters as may be required by local or other rule.
(F) Replacing Lost Papers. If an original pleading or paper filed with
the clerk be lost, or be withheld by any person, the Court may authorize a copy
thereof to be filed and used instead of the original.
(G) Method of Keeping Records. Under the direction of the Supreme Court
or the judge, the clerk may, notwithstanding the foregoing sections, keep
records in any suitable media, including without limitation, electromagnetic,
photographic, electric, electronic, electrostatic and paper media or
combinations thereof.
If the judge of the Tax Court is disqualified from hearing a case or is incapable of exercising judicial duties with respect to a case, the Chief Justice of the State of Indiana shall appoint a judge pro tempore to sit in place of the disqualified or absent judge.
(A)
General. The
Small Tax Case Rules set forth the special provisions which are to be applied
in the Indiana Tax Court to small tax cases as required by IC 33-3-5-12. Except
as otherwise provided in the Small Tax Case Rules, the Indiana Rules for Small
Claims are also applicable to such cases. To the extent not inconsistent
therewith, the Indiana Tax Court Rules will apply. The term "small tax
case" means a case which involves a claim for refund from the Department
of State Revenue that does not exceed $5,000 for any year.
(B) Notice of Claim. The notice of claim to be used under Small Claims Rule 2 shall contain:
(1) the name of the Tax Court;
(2) the name, address and telephone number of claimant;
(3) a designation of the type of tax the claim involves;
(4) a statement of the taxable period involved;
(5) a brief statement of the nature of the claim;
(6) a statement of the amount of tax at issue; and
(7) any additional information which may facilitate proper service or
processing of the claim.
(C) Manner of Service. For the purpose of service, the notice of claim
shall also be considered to be the summons. A copy of the notice of claim shall
be served upon the Attorney General by registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested.
(D) Appearances for Governmental Defendants. The Attorney General shall
be deemed to have entered an appearance for and on behalf of the governmental
defendant or defendants.
All judgments shall be incorporated in written memorandum decisions by the court. Unless specifically designated "For Publication," such written memorandum decisions shall not be published and shall not be regarded as precedent nor cited before any court except for the purpose of establishing the defense of res judicata, collateral estoppel, or the law of the case. Judgment shall be subject to review as prescribed by relevant Indiana rules and statutes.
Adopted Nov. 30, 1989, effective Jan. 1, 1990; amended Dec. 5, 1994, effective Feb. 1, 1995. Amended Dec. 21, 2001. effective Jan. 1, 2002.
The judge of the Tax Court may from time to time make and amend rules governing practice before it not inconsistent with these rules. In all cases not provided for by rule, the Tax Court may regulate its practice in any manner not inconsistent with these rules. Two (2) copies of all special rules shall be furnished to the clerk and to the Office of the Administrator of State Courts.
Adopted as Rule 16, eff. July 1, 1986. Renumbered as Rule 17, eff. Jan. 1, 1990.
These rules shall be effective as of July 1, 1986, and they shall govern all proceedings in the Tax Court, whether originally commenced in the Tax Court or in another court.
Adopted as Rule 17, eff. July 1, 1986. Renumbered as Rule 18, eff. Jan. 1, 1990.
These rules may be known as the Indiana Tax Court Rules.
Amended Nov. 30, 1989, effective Jan. 1, 1990.
IN THE
INDIANA TAX COURT
CASE No.
)
)
______________________ )
Petitioner, )
)
v. )
)
)
)
)
______________________ )
Respondent. )
[Party/amicus name], [by counsel/pro se], serves notice of the following
[change in] information for purposes of this [appeal/review]:
1. [If this notice is filed by the party initiating the appeal or review, the
first rhetorical paragraph must designate the type of tax that is the subject
of this appeal. If a review of property tax is sought, specify whether personal
property taxes or real property taxes are the subject. Also specify the issue
concerned in the appeal, i.e. whether the appeal is concerned with an assessed
value or other issue.]
2. [The next rhetorical paragraph must state the relationship of the filing
party to the appeal or review; i.e., whether the filing party is the
petitioner, respondent, an entity seeking amicus curiae status, or a party not
participating in the appeal but seeking to be placed on the service and notice
list, etc. Note that any party seeking amicus curiae status must indicate
whether amicus curiae status has been previously sought and either granted or
refused in connection with this proceeding.]
3. [The next rhetorical paragraph must state the date of the final
determination by the administrative agency involved. The character of the
determination should also be stated. For example: "This cause is an appeal
from a final determination entered by the [agency] on January 2, 1995."]
4. [As applicable, the name, address, attorney number, telephone number, FAX
number, and computer address of the attorney representing the party filing the
appearance form. Note that the names and addresses on the appearance form will
be used for service from the Clerk's office and will be the names and addresses
printed on any written opinion issued by the Indiana Tax Court. A party is reminded
of its ongoing obligation to advise the Indiana Tax Court of any changes in
appearance information.]
5. [Which, if any, of the listed attorneys are requesting service of orders and
opinions by FAX pursuant to In.Appellate Rule 26. Service by FAX must be
requested in writing on an appearance form.]
6. [As applicable, the name, address, and telephone number of the party filing
the appearance form.]
7. [As applicable (i.e. if an appeal from a probate or trial court), or if not
previously provided by another party: the name of the lower tribunal from which
the appeal or review is sought, the lower cause number, and the name of the
presiding judge or agency.]
8. [As applicable, and if not provided by another party: the name, address, and
telephone number of the court reporter responsible for the preparation of the
transcript.]
signature____________________________________________________
Attorney or pro se litigant's name, address and telephone information, attorney
number, party represented
[The name of each party served with this form should be identified,
along with the date and method of service, and the name and signature of the
person responsible for initiating service.]
Adopted effective March 13, 1995.
IN THE
INDIANA TAX COURT
CASE No.
)
)
_________________________ )
Petitioner, )
)
v. )
)
)
)
)
_________________________ )
Respondent. )
VERIFIED PETITION FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW
OF A FINAL DETERMINATION OF
THE INDIANA BOARD OF TAX REVIEW
The Petitioner, [Name of Petitioner], [with counsel/pro se], (“Petitioner”), for its Petition against Respondent, [Name of Respondent], brings this petition for judicial review of a final determination of the Indiana Board of Tax Review (“Board”) and in support thereof alleges as follows:
1. [The name and mailing address of the Petitioner].
2. [The name and mailing address of the Board].
3. [Identification of the Board’s final determination at issue, together with a copy, summary, or brief description of the final determination (the “Board’s Determination”)].
4. [Identification of all persons, as defined in IC 4-21.5-1-11, that were parties to any proceedings that led to the final determination of the Indiana Board of Tax Review].
5. [Specific facts to demonstrate that the Petitioner is entitled to obtain judicial review of the Board’s Determination under IC 4-21.5-5-2 including:
a. The standing of the Petitioner under IC 4-21.5-5-3.
b. The exhaustion of the Petitioner’s administrative remedies under IC 4-21.5-5-4.
c. The timeliness of the Petitioner’s Petition under the applicable statutes.
d. A statement that the Petitioner shall transmit a certified record of the administrative proceedings to the Indiana Tax Court within thirty (30) days after having received notification from the Board that the certified record has been prepared in accordance with IC 6-1.1-15-6.
e. Any other statutory conditions for the availability of judicial review].
6. [At the election of the petitioner, a request that the Indiana Board of Tax Review prepare a certified copy of the agency record. If the petitioner does not include the request in the petition, the petitioner must file a separate request for the record under Rule 3(E).]
7. [Specific facts to demonstrate that the Petitioner has been prejudiced by one or more of the grounds described in IC 33-3-5-14.8].
WHEREFORE, the Petitioner prays for judicial review of the Board’s Determination, that the same be vacated and set aside, and that an order be issued remanding this case to the Indiana Board of Tax Review for redetermination in accordance with the Order of this Court, and for all further just and proper relief [and further recite any additional or different relief, specifying the type and extent of relief requested].
/s/_______________________
Attorney’s Name, Address and
Indiana Attorney Number
I (we) affirm, under the penalties for perjury, that the foregoing representation(s) is (are) true.
/s/_______________________