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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hancock County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Base rate $1 per $1,000 assessed value, varies by taxing district
1st Due
May 10
2nd Due
Nov 10
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Hancock County, Indiana, are the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, fire and police protection, libraries, parks, and county government operations. The county operates under Indiana's property tax system, where taxes are calculated based on assessed value and applied tax rates that vary significantly by location within the county.

Hancock County property tax rates for the 2025 levy year are approximately 0.001 (or $1 per $1,000 of assessed value) as a base rate, though actual rates vary considerably depending on your specific taxing district. Your total effective tax rate depends on which school district, township, library district, and other special taxing units serve your property. Most properties in the county see effective rates ranging from 0.8% to 1.4% of assessed value, with the state average around 1.0%.

The county uses a calendar-based assessment and billing system, with tax bills typically mailed in May and payment due dates of May 11th and November 10th for the current tax year. Property owners can make payments at the County Treasurer's office located at 111 S American Legion Place, Suite 205, or through available online payment systems.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

2025 Levy Year Tax Components (Rates vary by taxing district)

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General0.0002-0.0004County government operations, courts, sheriff
School Corporation0.0004-0.0008Local school district operations and debt service
Township0.0001-0.0003Township government, fire protection, assistance
Library0.0001-0.0002Public library system operations
Municipal0.0002-0.0005City/town services (where applicable)
Special Districts0.0001-0.0003Fire districts, conservancy, other special services

Total Effective Rate Range: 0.008-0.014 (0.8%-1.4%)

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year for collection in 2026. Your specific rate depends on which taxing districts serve your property location. Rural properties may have different fire district assessments, while municipal properties include city/town taxes. Contact the Hancock County Assessor for your exact taxing district combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hancock 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 property taxes in Hancock County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or corrections to assessments during the tax year. The most common triggers include completion of new construction projects, additions to existing homes, change in property use classification, or discovery of previously unassessed improvements.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the original assessment and the new corrected assessment, then applying the applicable tax rate for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed and assessed in July, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $50,000 increase for the remaining 6 months of the tax year.

Property owners receive supplemental tax bills separately from regular annual tax bills, and these are typically due 30 days from the date of issuance. The County Assessor's office processes these assessments and works with the Treasurer's office to issue supplemental bills as needed throughout the year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (applied): -$25,000 assessment reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $275,000
  • Tax Rate (example district): 0.011
  • Annual Tax: $3,025
  • Monthly Escrow: $252

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (applied): -$25,000 assessment reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $575,000
  • Tax Rate (example district): 0.012
  • Annual Tax: $6,900
  • Monthly Escrow: $575

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (applied): -$25,000 assessment reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $975,000
  • Tax Rate (example district): 0.012
  • Annual Tax: $11,700
  • Monthly Escrow: $975

Note: Homestead and other tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Tax rates shown are examples - actual rates vary by specific taxing district location within Hancock County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hancock County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment, though many borrowers choose escrow even when not required. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically 1/12th of your annual property tax bill plus a small cushion amount allowed by federal law.

Hancock County's bi-annual payment schedule (due May 11th and November 10th) means your lender will make two payments per year from your escrow account. Lenders typically pay before the due dates to ensure timely payment and avoid penalties. Your annual escrow analysis, usually provided each fall, shows whether your monthly payment needs adjustment based on actual tax bills and account balance.

Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax bill information, especially after reassessments or successful credit applications. You can contact the Hancock County Treasurer at (317) 477-1101 to confirm payment status. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, remember that you're responsible for both installments and any supplemental bills that may be issued during the year.

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 Hancock County? A: For the current tax year, property taxes are due May 11, 2026, and November 10, 2026. Tax bills are typically mailed in May preceding the first due date.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit, providing up to $25,000 reduction in assessed value for primary residences. Additional credits may include Over-65 Credit, Blind/Disabled Credit, and Veterans' Disability Credit. ALL credits require annual application - none are automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit reduces your assessed value by up to $25,000 and caps annual assessment increases. You must file Form 136 with the County Assessor by April 1st of the assessment year. This is not automatic and must be renewed annually.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Indiana conducts annual reassessments, with more comprehensive reviews on cyclical schedules. You'll receive assessment notices in spring with appeal deadlines typically in June.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur a 10% penalty after the due date, with additional collection costs and potential tax sale procedures for severely delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, online payment options are available through the Hancock County Treasurer's website. Contact their office at 111 S American Legion Place, Suite 205, or call for current payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within the county? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, townships, fire districts, libraries, and municipalities. Each taxing unit sets its own rate based on approved budgets and assessed values.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File an appeal with the County Assessor within the deadline specified on your assessment notice (typically 45 days). You can present evidence of comparable sales, property condition issues, or assessment errors.

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