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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Adams County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Adams County, IN. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.328%-0.571% effective rate (varies by taxing district)
1st Due
May 10
2nd Due
Nov 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Adams County, Indiana operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, law enforcement, fire protection, libraries, and county government operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed value and applied tax rates that vary depending on your specific location within the county due to different taxing districts and municipal boundaries.

The effective tax rate in Adams County for 2025 ranges from 0.328% in rural areas to 0.571% in urban areas, which is below the Indiana state average of approximately 1%. Your actual rate depends on which school district, township, municipality, and special taxing districts serve your property. All property owners receive annual tax bills with payments due twice yearly, and various tax credits are available to qualifying homeowners, though these require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentUrban RateRural RateDescription
County General0.156%0.156%Basic county services and administration
School Corporation0.285%0.102%Local school district operations and debt service
Township0.045%0.045%Township government and fire protection
Library0.025%0.025%Adams Public Library System
Municipal0.060%0.000%City services (urban areas only)
Total Rate0.571%0.328%Rate per $100 of assessed value

Rates shown are for tax year 2025 (payable in 2025-2026). Individual properties may have additional special assessments for drainage districts, cumulative funds, or tax increment financing districts. Contact the Adams County Assessor at (260) 724-5300 for your specific district rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Adams County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
May 10
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Nov 10
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Adams County are additional tax bills issued when property ownership changes or improvements are made mid-tax year. These occur when the assessed value increases due to new construction, major renovations, or when property transfers reveal a significant difference between the current assessment and market value. The supplemental tax covers the difference between what was originally billed and what should have been billed based on the new assessment.

For example, if you purchase a home in July that was previously assessed at $200,000 but sells for $350,000, the assessor may issue a supplemental assessment for the increased value. You would then receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional taxes owed from July through the end of the tax year. These supplemental bills are typically due within 30 days of issuance and are separate from your regular May and November payments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (Urban Area)

  • Gross Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Standard Deduction: -$48,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Assessment: $252,000
  • Annual Tax: $252,000 × 0.00571 = $1,439
  • Monthly Escrow: $120

Example 2: $600,000 Home (Rural Area)

  • Gross Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Standard Deduction: -$48,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Assessment: $552,000
  • Annual Tax: $552,000 × 0.00328 = $1,811
  • Monthly Escrow: $151

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (Urban Area)

  • Gross Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Standard Deduction: -$48,000 (requires application)
  • Less: Over-65 Deduction: -$12,480 (if qualified, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Assessment: $939,520
  • Annual Tax: $939,520 × 0.00571 = $5,365
  • Monthly Escrow: $447

All deductions require annual application by March 31st through the Adams County Assessor's office.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Adams County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12th of your annual tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Your lender collects these funds and pays your property taxes directly to the Adams County Treasurer on the May 10th and November 10th due dates. Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds and may adjust your monthly payment if taxes increase or decrease.

If you're required to escrow, your lender will receive your tax bills directly and handle payments automatically. However, you should still review your annual tax statement for accuracy and verify that payments are made on time. Property owners without mortgages or those who have requested escrow waivers must pay taxes directly to the Adams County Treasurer's office either online at adams.in.gov, by mail, or in person at the courthouse.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Adams County property taxes due? A: Property taxes are due May 10, 2026 and November 10, 2026 for the current tax year. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is due the next business day.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Standard Deduction provides up to $48,000 in assessed value reduction for primary residences. The Homestead Supplemental Deduction caps assessment increases at 5% annually. Both require applications filed by March 31st each year with the County Assessor, even if you received them previously.

Q: Are there tax credits for senior citizens? A: Yes, property owners age 65+ may qualify for the Over-65 Deduction reducing assessed value by up to $12,480. Income restrictions apply, and you must file Form 322 by March 31st annually with proof of age and income documentation.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Adams County? A: Indiana requires annual assessment updates, but full reassessments typically occur every 4-6 years. The County Assessor reviews all properties annually for changes and market trends, with notices mailed by March 31st.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File Form 130 with the Adams County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals by the deadline shown on your assessment notice (typically 45 days). Include comparable sales data and evidence supporting your position.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: A 10% penalty is added to unpaid amounts after each due date. Additional interest accrues monthly at 1.5% on unpaid balances, and properties may face tax sale proceedings after extended delinquency.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, pay online at adams.in.gov using bank transfer (ACH) or credit/debit cards. Convenience fees apply for card payments. You can also pay by mail or in person at the Adams County Courthouse.

Q: Do special taxing districts affect my property tax rate? A: Yes, properties within municipal boundaries, specific school districts, or special districts (like drainage or fire districts) have different total tax rates. Your exact rate depends on all taxing units serving your property location.

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