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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Jefferson County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Jefferson 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
Averages $0.36 per $100 assessed value, varies by taxing district location
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Jefferson County, Indiana operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, fire protection, and other municipal services. The property tax system is administered by the County Assessor and Treasurer, with assessments based on market value and taxes calculated using rates set by various taxing districts within the county.

Property tax rates in Jefferson County vary by location due to different combinations of special taxing districts, including school corporations, fire districts, and municipal boundaries. For 2025, the county-wide rate averages approximately $0.36 per $100 of assessed property value, though individual properties may experience different effective rates depending on their specific taxing district combination. Property owners should note that their actual tax bill depends not only on the tax rate but also on their property's assessed value and any applicable tax credits they may qualify for and apply to receive.

The Jefferson County property tax system follows Indiana's annual assessment cycle, with property taxes serving as a critical funding mechanism for local government services and school districts throughout the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100 AV)Description
County General$0.12Basic county operations and services
School Corporation$0.18Local school district funding (varies by district)
Township$0.03Township government services
Municipal$0.03City/town services (where applicable)
Total Base Rate$0.36Average combined rate for FY 2025

Note: These rates are for levy year 2025 and represent average countywide figures. Actual rates vary significantly by taxing district within Jefferson County. Properties located within different school corporations, fire districts, library districts, or municipalities will have different total tax rates. Special assessments for debt service, capital projects, or other local improvements may result in additional charges not reflected in the base rate structure.

Property owners should contact the Jefferson County Assessor's office to determine their specific taxing district combination and exact applicable rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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 Jefferson County occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements that alter the assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes reflect current property values and ownership status throughout the assessment period.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: change of ownership (property sales), completion of new construction or major improvements, removal of exemptions due to change in use or ownership status, and corrections to assessments discovered during the tax year. When a supplemental assessment is issued, the additional tax amount is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the change in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining.

For example, if a property sale in Jefferson County removes a homestead exemption in July, resulting in an additional $10,000 in taxable assessed value, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: $10,000 × $0.36 per $100 × 50% (remaining months) = $18 in additional taxes. Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills within 60-90 days of the triggering event, with payment due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (up to $6,000): -$6,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $294,000
  • Annual Tax ($294,000 × $0.36/$100): $1,058
  • Monthly Escrow: $88

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (up to $6,000): -$6,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $594,000
  • Annual Tax ($594,000 × $0.36/$100): $2,138
  • Monthly Escrow: $178

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (up to $6,000): -$6,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $994,000
  • Annual Tax ($994,000 × $0.36/$100): $3,578
  • Monthly Escrow: $298

Note: All tax credits require application and approval. Rates shown are average countywide rates - actual rates vary by taxing district location within Jefferson County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Jefferson County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, then pays property taxes directly to Jefferson County when bills become due.

Jefferson County issues property tax bills annually in mid-April, with payment installments due May 11 and November 10. Lenders typically receive tax bills directly and make payments on behalf of homeowners from accumulated escrow funds. Property owners should verify that their lender has current mailing addresses and parcel information to ensure timely receipt of tax bills and avoid late payment penalties.

Escrow accounts are analyzed annually by lenders to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase due to assessment changes or rate increases, monthly escrow payments may be adjusted accordingly. Property owners can verify tax payments and escrow account status through their lender's online portal or by contacting the Jefferson County Treasurer's office to confirm payments have been received.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Jefferson County property taxes due for 2025? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: Spring installment due May 11, 2025, and Fall installment due November 10, 2025. Tax bills are mailed in mid-April with both remittance slips.

Q: What is the Homestead Tax Credit and how do I apply? A: The General Homestead Credit (also called Owner Occupied Credit) can reduce your assessed value by up to $6,000 for owner-occupied residences. This credit is NOT automatic and requires application through the Jefferson County Assessor's office. Contact the assessor for application forms and deadlines.

Q: What is the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze and how do I qualify? A: This tax credit freezes your property's assessed value at a base level for qualifying senior citizens. For 2025 applications, your 2024 household income must be $65,000 or less. You must apply annually - this credit is not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Jefferson County? A: Indiana requires annual assessments, but Jefferson County typically conducts comprehensive reassessments every four years with trending adjustments in intervening years. Property owners receive assessment notices and have appeal rights if they disagree with assessed values.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Payments must be postmarked by the due date to avoid penalties. Contact the Jefferson County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Jefferson County Treasurer's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods. Many Indiana counties offer online payment portals for property tax payments.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Jefferson County? A: Tax rates differ based on which taxing districts serve your property location, including school corporation, fire district, library district, and municipal boundaries. Each taxing unit sets its own rate for local services.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Jefferson County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals within specified deadlines after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
2025 Jefferson County Budget Orderin.gov
02
Tax Doc
Notice About 2025 Tax Ratesjeffersoncountytx.gov
03
Tax Doc
Update on Property Tax Assessment Noticesjeffersoncountyga.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Deadlinesjeffersoncounty.in.gov
05
Treasurerjeffersoncounty.in.gov
06
Tax Doc
Taxjeffersoncounty.in.gov
07
County
Property Tax Exemptions - Jefferson County - Illinois.govjeffersoncounty.illinois.gov
08
County
Assessor - Jefferson County, IN - IN.govjeffersoncounty.in.gov
09
Auditorsjcindiana.gov
10
Real Property Information - Treasurertreasurer.jeffersoncounty39.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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