This is a final reminder that if you purchased a property in Indiana in 2008, there are only four days left (until December 30th, since most county offices will be closed on the 24th, 26th and the 31st) to file for your Homestead and other credits with your County Auditor. If you are living in the property as your principle residence, you are entitled to a Homestead credit.
Run - don't walk to the Auditor's office.
This credit will save you hundreds and possibly several thousands of dollars on next year's real estate taxes. At this late date do this in person. Don't trust the mail.
If you already filed for your credits, find your receipt and keep it in a safe place. In the event of a mix-up, the burden of proof will be on you to prove that you filed. Don't expect the County to cut you any slack. They won't.
A couple of weeks ago we mailed Homestead Tax Credit reminders to each of our purchasers during the past year, about 800 in total. We received more than one-dozen calls from folks who had forgotten to file or not realized that they should file. All were quite appreciative that we took the time to remind them. I confess though, my primary motivation in doing the mailing is to avoid unpleasant phone calls after the tax bills come out next spring.
Our Closers explain this in every closing. There are usually two or three forms signed wherein the Buyer acknowledges that we've told them. Yet, human nature being what it is, people don't hear us or don't follow through.
When the tax bill comes, it's too late.
So don't wait any longer. Missing out on this will cost you plenty in extra real estate taxes.
Indiana Real Estate or Mortgage professionals please feel free to republish this post for your clients.
