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OMB > Press Releases > Big Property Tax Cut for Allen County Homeowners Big Property Tax Cut for Allen County Homeowners

For immediate release – Governor’s State Office of Management & Budget
Contact: Stephanie Russo
(317) 232-5617 - office
srusso@sba.in.gov - email

Big Property Tax Cut for Allen County Homeowners

Indianapolis (July 24, 2008) – Homeowners in Allen County will soon see the first effects of the governor's property tax relief plan when tax bills are mailed later this week. On average, homeowners in Allen County will see a 32-percent cut in their 2008 property tax bills, according to information released by the State Office of Management and Budget. 

“The Governor promised lower property taxes, and this is step one of fulfilling that commitment,” said Ryan Kitchell, state director of the Office of Management and Budget and a member of the governor’s cabinet. “The plan is off to a great start.”

The reduced bills are the result of historic legislation Gov. Daniels led earlier this year in the 2008 General Assembly. That legislation created permanent property tax relief throughout the state, starting with $620 million in additional homestead credits to be applied this year. That money is used to lower homeowners' share of local government and school expenses and, therefore, reduce their property tax bills.

“This is what we worked for and what we thought it would be,” said Rep. Jeff Espich (R-Uniondale). “We listened to what taxpayers told us, and we accomplished what we set out to accomplish. This is great news.”

Beginning in 2009, homeowner property tax bills will be capped at 1.5 percent of the home's assessed value, and capped at 1 percent in 2010.  Rental property, agricultural land and business property will also enjoy permanent protection as their tax caps start next year.

Also, effective July 1, 2008, voters must approve major projects paid for with local property taxes before those projects can proceed. This new voter-referendum process allows taxpayers to have a direct say in how their tax dollars are spent.

“Legislators worked closely with Gov. Daniels to craft a reform package that cuts and caps property taxes, controls spending by local governments and schools and begins a constitutional amendment process making the caps permanent,” said Senate President Pro Tem David C. Long (R-Fort Wayne). “Senior citizens and young homeowners are among the biggest winners from our property tax reforms, because they are now better protected from unfair, skyrocketing taxes on unrealized appreciation on perhaps the most important asset they own, their home.”      

The state is funding the property tax reform primarily with a one-cent increase in the sales tax. When the caps are fully implemented, the property tax plan delivers $1.72 in tax cuts for each $1 of new sales tax.

The Allen County auditor's office anticipates mailing bills this week for the first 2008 property tax installment. The statements will reflect a simple comparison of the 2007 and 2008 bills, and will list those expenses the homeowner's taxes pay for, such as schools and public safety.

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