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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Dearborn County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.59% to 0.65% of assessed value (varies by township and special taxing districts)
1st Due
May 10
2nd Due
Nov 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Dearborn County, Indiana operates on an annual property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, fire protection, libraries, and county government operations. Property taxes are based on assessed value, which is determined by the county assessor and reassessed periodically. The county follows Indiana's property tax framework with local variations based on your specific location within the county.

The effective tax rate in Dearborn County varies significantly depending on which township and special taxing districts your property falls within. Based on 2025 data, the combined rate can be approximately 0.59% to 0.65% of assessed value, though this fluctuates based on your exact location and applicable special districts. For example, properties in Sparta Township will have different rates than those in other townships due to varying local levies for fire protection, libraries, and other municipal services.

Your actual tax bill depends not only on these varying rates but also on any tax credits you may qualify for and successfully apply for through the county assessor's office. Most tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied to your bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

FY 2025-2026 Tax Rates (Pay 2025)

ComponentRatePercentage of TotalDescription
Dearborn County0.005167024.44%General county operations, courthouse, sheriff
Sparta Township0.00078003.69%Township services, fire protection
Additional DistrictsVariesVariableSchools, libraries, special districts

Note: This example shows Sparta Township rates. Rates vary significantly by township and special taxing districts within Dearborn County. Other townships will have different township rates and may have additional special district assessments. Contact the Dearborn County Assessor for rates specific to your property location.

Total estimated combined rate: ~0.0059470 (approximately 0.59%) for this specific district combination

Special districts that may apply depending on location include school corporations, library districts, fire districts, and drainage districts, each adding their own levy to your total tax bill.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Dearborn 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 Dearborn County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to a property's assessed value or ownership status. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase value, ownership transfers that remove previous exemptions, or corrections to the original assessment.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they represent the prorated tax difference for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if you complete a home addition worth $50,000 in assessed value in July, you would receive a supplemental bill for roughly half the year's additional taxes on that $50,000 increase.

Example: A $50,000 assessment increase due to completed construction in July would result in a supplemental tax of approximately $148 (using a 0.59% rate × $50,000 × 0.5 year remaining = $147.50). This supplemental bill would be in addition to your regular annual property tax bill and typically has its own separate due date.

Example Calculation

Tax Year 2025-2026 Examples (Using estimated 0.59% effective rate for illustration)

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Standard Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$290,000 (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $1,711 ($290,000 × 0.0059)
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $143

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Standard Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$590,000 (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $3,481 ($590,000 × 0.0059)
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $290

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Standard Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$990,000 (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $5,841 ($990,000 × 0.0059)
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $487

Note: All tax credits require separate applications through the Dearborn County Assessor's office and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific location within the county. These examples use estimated rates and credit amounts for illustration purposes.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Dearborn County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill plus insurance premiums. These funds are held in a separate escrow account and used to pay your tax bills when due.

Dearborn County property taxes are due semi-annually on May 10th and November 10th. Your lender will typically pay these bills directly to the Dearborn County Treasurer's office from your escrow account. After payment, you should receive copies of the paid tax bills for your records. If your taxes increase or decrease significantly, your lender may adjust your monthly escrow payment and provide you with a new escrow analysis.

Property owners should verify that their lender is paying taxes correctly and on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid. You can verify payments through the Dearborn County Treasurer's website or by contacting their office directly. If you pay off your mortgage or refinance, ensure the transition of tax payment responsibility is handled properly to avoid late penalties.

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 property taxes due in Dearborn County? A: For tax year 2025-2026, property taxes are due May 10, 2026, and November 10, 2026. There's also a winter tax bill deadline of February 16, 2026, for certain payments.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Indiana offers several tax credits including Standard Homestead, Senior Citizens, Disabled Veterans, and others. ALL CREDITS REQUIRE APPLICATION through the Dearborn County Assessor's office - none are automatic. Application deadlines typically fall in spring/early summer for the following tax year.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit caps your assessment increase at a certain percentage annually (often around 5-10%) rather than reducing your home's market value. You must file an application with the county assessor to receive this benefit, and it only applies to your primary residence.

Q: What is the poverty exemption mentioned in the research? A: Dearborn County offers a poverty exemption that can reduce your property's taxable value by up to 50%. You must file a completed application annually with all required documentation to qualify. Contact the assessor's office for specific income and asset requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Indiana properties are typically reassessed on rotating cycles. Contact the Dearborn County Assessor's office for the current reassessment schedule and to understand when your property was last assessed.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners can appeal their assessments. Appeals typically must be filed within specific timeframes after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the Dearborn County Assessor's office for current appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments typically incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Dearborn County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you've missed a deadline.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Many Indiana counties offer online payment options. Check the Dearborn County Treasurer's website or contact their office directly for available online payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Dearborn County? A: Tax rates vary based on which township you're in and what special taxing districts serve your property (school districts, fire districts, library districts, etc.). Properties in different areas of the county may have significantly different total tax rates.

Q: How do I find my specific tax rate and district information? A: Contact the Dearborn County Assessor's office with your property address or parcel number. They can provide your specific tax rate breakdown and inform you which taxing districts apply to your property.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Tax Doc
Itemized Property Tax Information - Auditorauditor.dearborncounty15.us
02
Tax Doc
Itemized Property Tax Informationtreasurer--dearborn--in.datapitstop.us
03
Tax Doc
Itemized Property Tax Informationtreasurer--dearborn--in.datapitstop.us
04
Tax Doc
DLGF: Property Tax Due Datesin.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tax Collection Dates - 2025dearbornheightsmi.gov
06
County
Home / Dearborn County, Indianadearborncounty.in.gov
07
Assessingdearborn.gov
08
Tax Doc
Frequently Asked Questions about Property Values & Taxesdearborn.gov
09
DLGF: Exemptionsin.gov
10
County
Dearborn County: Property Tax Calculation - Auditorauditor.dearborncounty15.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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