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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Orange County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.0%-1.5% effective rate (varies by taxing district combination)
1st Due
May 10
2nd Due
Nov 10
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Orange County, Indiana operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding source for local government services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. Property taxes in Indiana are assessed at 100% of true tax value, with different assessment ratios applied to residential (1%), agricultural (1%), and commercial/industrial (2%) properties. The county's effective tax rates typically range from 1.0% to 1.5% of assessed value, though this varies significantly based on your specific location within the county.

Your actual tax rate depends on the combination of taxing districts where your property is located, including the county general fund, school corporation, township, library district, and any special taxing units. Each district sets its own levy to fund specific services, which means properties in different areas of Orange County will have different total tax rates even if they have the same assessed value.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Note: FY 2025-2026 tax rates are still being finalized by the Orange County Auditor's Office. The following represents typical rate components:

ComponentEstimated RateDescription
County General0.3-0.4%County government operations, courts, jail
School Corporation0.6-0.8%Local school district operations and capital
Township0.1-0.2%Township government, fire protection, assistance
Library District0.1-0.15%Public library services
Special Districts0.0-0.3%Varies by location (drainage, fire, etc.)
Total Estimated Rate1.1-1.55%Combined rate varies by taxing district

Rates shown are estimates and vary by specific taxing districts within Orange County. Contact the Orange County Auditor's Office for exact rates applicable to your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Orange 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 are additional tax bills issued when there's an increase in your property's assessed value during the current tax year. The most common trigger is a change in ownership, where the property is reassessed at current market value. New construction, additions, or improvements that add value to your property can also generate supplemental taxes.

The supplemental tax covers the difference between the old and new assessed values for the remaining portion of the current fiscal year. For example, if you purchase a home in Orange County for $400,000 that was previously assessed at $300,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional $100,000 in assessed value, prorated for the months remaining in the fiscal year. These bills are typically issued 3-6 months after the triggering event and have separate due dates from your regular property tax installments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (residential 1%): $3,000
  • Less: Homestead Standard Deduction: -$45,000 assessed value reduction
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $255,000 assessed value
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2% rate): $3,060
  • Monthly Escrow: $255

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (residential 1%): $6,000
  • Less: Homestead Standard Deduction: -$45,000 assessed value reduction
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $555,000 assessed value
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2% rate): $6,660
  • Monthly Escrow: $555

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (residential 1%): $10,000
  • Less: Homestead Standard Deduction: -$45,000 assessed value reduction
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $955,000 assessed value
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2% rate): $11,460
  • Monthly Escrow: $955

Note: Tax credits and deductions require application and are not automatic. Rates shown are estimates.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Orange County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment and pays your property taxes directly to the county when they're due. The monthly escrow amount is calculated by dividing your annual tax bill by 12, often with an additional cushion amount as allowed by federal regulations.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected. If your property taxes increase, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You can monitor your property tax payments and verify your lender has made timely payments through the Orange County online payment system. Property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid on time, even when using escrow services.

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 Orange County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in three installments: First installment by December 10, 2025; Second installment by May 10, 2026; and Third installment by November 10, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Indiana offers several tax credits including the Homestead Standard Deduction, Over-65 Deduction, and Disabled Veteran Deduction. All credits require application through the Orange County Assessor's Office and are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead Standard Deduction provides up to $45,000 in assessed value reduction for owner-occupied homes. It also caps assessment increases at 5% annually for qualified properties. You must file an application with the County Assessor - it is not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Indiana conducts annual reassessments, but major reassessments typically occur every few years. Properties are also reassessed upon sale or significant improvements.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Indiana charges a 10% penalty on delinquent taxes, plus interest. Additional collection costs may apply for severely delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Orange County offers secure online payment options through their official website. You can also pay by phone at (714) 834-3411 for amounts up to $99,999.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts provide specific services like fire protection, drainage, or libraries. These districts can levy additional taxes, which is why tax rates vary by location within Orange County.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the County Assessor's Office by specific deadlines. Contact the Assessor at (714) 834-2727 for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: Change of ownership, new construction, additions, or other improvements that increase your property's assessed value will trigger a supplemental tax bill for the current fiscal year.

Q: Where can I check my property tax payment status? A: Orange County provides online access to view up to two years of payment history and 16 years of tax bills through their official website's parcel lookup system.

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