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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Delaware County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8%-1.2% of assessed value (varies by taxing district combination including schools, townships, cities)
1st Due
May 10
2nd Due
Nov 10
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Delaware County, Indiana operates under the state's property tax system, which funds essential local services including schools, libraries, fire protection, and municipal services. Property taxes in Delaware County are based on assessed values determined by the county assessor, with tax rates varying significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to overlapping taxing districts such as school corporations, townships, cities, and special service districts.

The effective tax rate in Delaware County typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, though this can vary based on your specific taxing district combination. Indiana uses a true tax rate system where your final tax bill depends on both the assessed value of your property and the combined tax rates of all taxing units that serve your property location. It's important to note that tax rates are set annually during the budget process and can fluctuate based on local government funding needs and state-imposed levy limits.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The 2025 tax rates for Delaware County have not yet been finalized as they are determined during the annual county budget process. Tax rates vary by taxing district within the county. Here's the general structure:

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General FundVariesBasic county operations and services
School CorporationVariesLocal school district operations and debt service
TownshipVariesTownship-level services including fire protection
MunicipalVariesCity services (if within city limits)
LibraryVariesPublic library operations
Special DistrictsVariesAdditional services like cumulative funds

Note: Rates are expressed per $100 of assessed value and apply to the 2025 levy year. Final rates will be available on the Delaware County website once the budget process is complete. Your specific rate depends on which taxing districts serve your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Delaware 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 Delaware County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or corrections to assessments after the regular tax bills have been distributed. Common triggers include new construction completion, property splits or combinations, assessment corrections, and certain ownership transfers that weren't captured in the regular assessment cycle.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the change in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year the change was in effect. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July and your combined tax rate is 1.0%, you would owe approximately $250 in supplemental taxes (50% of the year at $500 annual increase). These supplemental bills are issued as changes are processed and have separate due dates from regular property tax installments.

Example Calculation

The following examples use estimated rates pending final 2025 rate determination:

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$45,000 assessment increase cap benefit
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 1.0%
  • Annual Tax: $3,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $250

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$45,000 assessment increase cap benefit
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 1.1%
  • Annual Tax: $6,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $550

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$45,000 assessment increase cap benefit
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 1.2%
  • Annual Tax: $12,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,000

Note: Credits require application and eligibility verification. Actual rates vary by taxing district.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

If you have a mortgage, your lender typically collects property taxes through monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment. Lenders are required to pay your property taxes on time using escrowed funds. In Delaware County, with tax due dates of May 10 and November 10, lenders usually pay each installment shortly before the due date to maximize interest earnings on escrowed funds.

Your lender will conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, adjusting your monthly payment if necessary. You can verify that taxes were paid correctly by checking with the Delaware County Treasurer's office or viewing payment records online. If you pay your mortgage off or refinance, ensure there's a clear plan for who will pay the upcoming tax installments, as you become personally responsible once the escrow account closes.

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 Delaware County? A: Property taxes are due on May 10 and November 10 each year. Personal property tax forms must be filed by May 15.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Various credits are available including homestead, over-65, disability, and veterans' credits. Most credits require application and are NOT automatic. Contact the Delaware County Auditor's office to apply, as signatures are typically required in person.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It requires filing an application with the auditor's office and is not automatically applied. You must file in person with required signatures.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Indiana conducts annual assessments with periodic reassessment cycles. Property owners can appeal assessments through the county assessor's office if they believe the valuation is incorrect.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Delaware County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and payment options if you've missed a due date.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Delaware County offers online payment options. You can also pay in person, by mail, or by phone. Check the county treasurer's website for current payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: Why did my tax bill change from last year? A: Tax bills can change due to assessment changes, new tax rates set by local governments, changes in credits or exemptions, or special district additions. Contact the auditor's office for specific explanations of your bill changes.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment through the Delaware County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals. There are specific deadlines and procedures for filing appeals, so contact the assessor's office promptly if you have concerns.

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