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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lake County
Property Tax Guide

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

5 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.8% - 2.8% of assessed value (varies by taxing district and municipality)
1st Due
May 10
2nd Due
Nov 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lake County, Indiana operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and county operations. Property taxes in Lake County are calculated based on assessed value multiplied by local tax rates, with Indiana's statewide base rate averaging around 1% of assessed value. However, your actual tax rate will vary significantly depending on your specific location within Lake County due to the numerous special taxing districts, school corporations, and municipal boundaries that each levy additional taxes.

The effective property tax rates in Lake County typically range from 1.8% to 2.8% of assessed value, depending on your exact location and the combination of taxing districts that serve your property. These rates fund essential services including Lake County government operations, local school districts, township services, municipal services (if within city limits), library districts, fire protection districts, and various special improvement districts. Property owners should note that Lake County contains multiple school corporations and municipalities, each with different tax rates, making location a critical factor in determining your total property tax liability.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General0.1500 - 0.2000Lake County basic operations and services
School Corporation0.8000 - 1.2000Varies by district (Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, etc.)
Township0.0500 - 0.1500Fire protection, poor relief, and township services
Municipal (if applicable)0.2000 - 0.6000City/town services within incorporated areas
Library District0.0800 - 0.1200Public library operations
Special Districts0.0000 - 0.3000Economic development, TIF districts, bonds
Total Effective Rate1.8000 - 2.8000Combined rate varies by location

Rates shown are for Tax Year 2024 (payable in 2025). Your specific rate depends on which taxing districts serve your property location. School corporation rates vary significantly between districts such as Crown Point Community School Corporation, Gary Community School Corporation, Hammond School Corporation, and others within Lake County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lake 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 Lake County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or corrections to assessments that occur after the annual tax roll has been finalized. The most common triggers include new construction or additions completed during the tax year, change of ownership that removes previous exemptions or credits, corrections to property characteristics discovered during reassessment, and removal of exemptions due to change in property use.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the old and new assessed values, applying the current tax rate to that difference, and prorating the tax based on the number of months remaining in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July and your local tax rate is 2.5%, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($50,000 × 0.025) × (6 months remaining ÷ 12 months) = $625. These supplemental bills are typically issued within 60-90 days of the triggering event and have separate due dates from your regular property tax installments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home in Crown Point

  • Gross Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Standard Deduction: -$48,000
  • Less: Over-65 Deduction (if applicable): -$12,480
  • Net Taxable Value: $239,520
  • Tax Rate: 2.1% (approximate for Crown Point area)
  • Annual Tax: $5,030
  • Monthly Escrow: $419

Example 2: $600,000 Home in Schererville

  • Gross Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Standard Deduction: -$48,000
  • Less: Mortgage Deduction: -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $549,000
  • Tax Rate: 2.3% (approximate for Schererville area)
  • Annual Tax: $12,627
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,052

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home in Winfield

  • Gross Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Standard Deduction: -$48,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $952,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.9% (approximate for Winfield area)
  • Annual Tax: $18,088
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,507

Note: All deductions require annual application and approval. The Homestead credit also includes assessment increase caps. Rates vary by specific taxing districts within each community.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lake County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay monthly installments that the lender holds and uses to pay your property taxes when due. Your lender will analyze your tax bill annually and adjust your monthly escrow payment to ensure adequate funds are available. Lake County property taxes are typically paid in two installments - the first due May 10th and the second due November 10th - though dates may shift if they fall on weekends or holidays.

To verify your property tax information and payments, visit the Lake County Treasurer's website at https://www.lakecountyin.org/departments/treasurer/ where you can search for your property, view current and historical tax bills, and make online payments. If your taxes are escrowed, your lender should receive duplicate tax bills, but it's wise to monitor your account to ensure timely payments. You can also set up online notifications to alert you when new tax bills are available or when payments are due, providing an additional layer of protection against missed payments that could result in penalties and interest charges.

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 Lake County property taxes due for Tax Year 2024? A: The first installment is due May 10, 2025, and the second installment is due November 10, 2025. If these dates fall on weekends or holidays, the due date extends to the next business day.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Major credits include the Homestead Standard Deduction ($48,000 reduction in assessed value), Over-65 Deduction (additional $12,480 for seniors), Disabled Veterans Deduction, and Mortgage Deduction. All require annual application through the Lake County Assessor's office by May 10th of the year following the tax year. Applications are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit provides both a standard deduction ($48,000 off assessed value) and caps assessment increases at 5% annually for most properties. You must apply annually, and the credit only applies to your primary residence where you lived on March 1st of the tax year.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: A 10% penalty is added immediately after the due date, followed by interest charges. For the May installment, additional penalties accrue monthly. Properties can be subject to tax sale proceedings if taxes remain unpaid for extended periods.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Lake County? A: Indiana requires annual reassessments, but major revaluations typically occur every few years. Property owners receive assessment notices in spring and have until July 15th to file appeals with the Lake County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Lake County offers online payment options through their treasurer's website. You can pay by bank transfer or credit card, though convenience fees may apply for credit card payments.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Lake County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, municipalities, townships, and special taxing districts. For example, properties in Gary have different school and municipal rates than those in Crown Point or unincorporated areas.

Q: Where can I get help with property tax questions? A: Contact the Lake County Assessor's office at https://www.lakecountyin.org/departments/assessor/ for assessment and credit questions, or the Treasurer's office for payment and billing questions. Both offices provide customer service representatives to assist property owners.

Verified Sources

Backed by 5 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Lake County Assessorlakecountyin.org
02
County
Lake County Assessorlakecountyin.org
03
County
Senate Bill 428 - Supplemental county levyiga.in.gov
04
Senate Bill 341 - Indiana General Assemblyiga.in.gov
05
Tax Doc
claim for homestead property tax standard / supplemental ...lakecounty.in.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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