HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Owen County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.3778% effective rate (varies by taxing district and location within county)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Owen County, Indiana operates under the state's property tax system, where property taxes serve as the primary funding source for local government services, schools, libraries, and other municipal operations. The county's effective tax rate for 2025 is approximately 0.3778%, which translates to $3.78 per $1,000 of assessed value. This rate represents the county-wide base rate, though actual tax bills vary significantly depending on your specific location within Owen County due to additional special taxing districts such as school corporations, fire departments, library districts, and other local governmental units.

Property taxes in Owen County are calculated based on assessed value rather than market value, with assessments typically conducted annually. The tax system includes various tax credits that can reduce your final tax bill, though most require formal application with the county auditor. Unlike some states, Indiana does not impose assessment caps, meaning property values can increase without statutory limits, though homestead tax credits can help limit the impact of assessment increases for primary residences.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Owen County Base0.0037780County-wide rate for FY 2025 (28.10% of total levy)
School DistrictsVariesAdditional rates based on local school corporation
Township/MunicipalVariesFire protection, road maintenance, local services
Library DistrictsVariesPublic library funding where applicable
Special AssessmentsVariesTIF districts, improvement bonds, drainage

Total Effective Rate: ~0.3778% county-wide average

Note: Actual rates vary by specific taxing district within Owen County. Your property may be subject to additional levies from school corporations, fire departments, or other special districts not reflected in the base county rate. Contact the Owen County Auditor for your exact taxing unit breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Owen 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 taxes in Owen County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements completed after the annual assessment date. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include purchasing a newly constructed home, completing major renovations or additions, change of ownership that triggers reassessment, or subdivision of property. For example, if you purchase a new construction home in Owen County valued at $400,000 in September, and the lot was previously assessed at $50,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $350,000 increase in assessed value for the remaining months of that tax year (approximately 25% of the annual tax on that difference).

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home Example:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Standard Homestead Credit: -$45,000 (typical credit, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $255,000
  • Annual Tax: $255,000 × 0.003778 = $963.39
  • Monthly Escrow: $80.28

$600,000 Home Example:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Standard Homestead Credit: -$45,000 (requires application)
  • Over-65 Credit: -$12,480 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $542,520
  • Annual Tax: $542,520 × 0.003778 = $2,049.59
  • Monthly Escrow: $170.80

$1,000,000 Home Example:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Standard Homestead Credit: -$45,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $955,000
  • Annual Tax: $955,000 × 0.003778 = $3,608.09
  • Monthly Escrow: $300.67

Note: Tax credits shown require formal application and approval. Rates may vary based on additional special taxing districts in your area.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Owen County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill, holds these funds in escrow, and pays your taxes directly to Owen County when due. Property taxes in Indiana are typically paid in two installments during the year, and your lender will make these payments on your behalf.

It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement, as property tax changes can result in escrow shortages or surpluses. When property values increase or tax rates change, your monthly escrow payment may need adjustment. You can verify that your lender paid your taxes correctly by checking with the Owen County Treasurer's office or accessing online payment records. If you pay your own property taxes (no escrow), ensure you understand the specific due dates for Owen County to avoid 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 property taxes due in Owen County for FY 2025? A: Property taxes are typically due in two installments. Contact the Owen County Treasurer at (812) 829-5015 for exact due dates, as payment schedules vary by county in Indiana.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Owen County offers several tax credits including Standard Homestead Credit, Over-65 Credit, and Disabled Veterans Credit. All credits require application with the Owen County Auditor before April 1st of the assessment year and must be refiled every even-numbered year.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits assessment increases on your primary residence and provides additional tax relief. It does NOT reduce your home's market value but caps how much your assessment can increase year-over-year. You must apply with the Owen County Auditor.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Owen County? A: Indiana law requires annual reassessment. The Owen County Assessor conducts these assessments to reflect current market conditions, though not all properties are physically inspected each year.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can appeal your assessment to the Owen County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals. Appeals must typically be filed within 45 days of receiving your assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Indiana law imposes penalties and interest on late property tax payments. Contact the Owen County Treasurer for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Owen County Treasurer's office at (812) 829-5015 or visit the county website to determine available online payment options and accepted methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Owen County? A: Different areas of Owen County are served by different school corporations, fire departments, library districts, and other special taxing units, each with their own tax rates that are added to the base county rate.

Q: Do I automatically receive tax credits as a homeowner? A: No, most tax credits in Owen County require formal application with the County Auditor, including the standard Homestead Credit. These applications must be renewed every even-numbered year.

Q: How do special taxing districts affect my bill? A: Special districts for schools, fire protection, libraries, and municipal services each add their own tax rates to the base county rate. Your total rate depends on which districts serve your specific property location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Itemized Property Tax Information - Treasurertreasurer.owencounty60.us
02
Real Property Informationauditor.owen.in.datapitstop.us
03
Tax Doc
Itemized Property Tax Informationauditor.owen.in.datapitstop.us
04
How do I file for the Homestead Credit or another deduction?faqs.in.gov
05
DLGF: Exemptionsin.gov
06
HB 420 (As Introduced) - 2026 Regular Sessionbillstatus.ls.state.ms.us
07
Real Property Informationtreasurer.owen.in.datapitstop.us
08
County
Owen County: Property Tax Calculation - Treasurertreasurer.owencounty60.us
09
Owen - DLGFin.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate