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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Putnam County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.8% to 2.2% of assessed value (varies by township and taxing district)
1st Due
May 10
2nd Due
Nov 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Putnam County, Indiana operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, townships, libraries, and various special districts. Property taxes in Putnam County are calculated by applying tax rates to the assessed value of real estate after applicable credits are applied. The effective tax rate varies significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to overlapping taxing districts and special assessments.

For the 2025 tax year, property tax rates in Putnam County range from approximately 1.8% to 2.2% of assessed value, though this varies by township and incorporated areas. The county portion represents about 19.72% of your total property tax bill, with the remainder coming from schools, townships, municipalities, and special districts. Property owners should note that Indiana assesses property at 100% of market value, and various tax credits are available to reduce your tax liability, though most require annual application.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Levy Year 2025 Tax Rates (Pay Year 2025)

ComponentRatePercentage of BillDescription
Putnam County0.003278019.72%County government operations, services
Jackson Township (example)0.0001740~1.0%Township services and maintenance
School Corporation~0.0120000~66.0%Local school district funding
Library District~0.0015000~8.3%Public library services
Municipal (if applicable)Varies~5.0%City/town services where applicable
Total Rate Range0.0181960+100%Combined rate varies by location

Note: Actual rates vary significantly by specific location within Putnam County based on school district, township, municipality, and special taxing districts. The total gross tax rate can range from 1.8% to over 2.2% depending on your property's location and applicable districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Putnam 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 Putnam County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements that occur after the annual assessment but before the tax year ends. These taxes cover the period from when the change occurred through the end of the current tax year.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: property sales or transfers, completion of new construction, major renovations or additions, subdivision of land, or corrections to previous assessments. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July and your total tax rate is 2.0%, you would receive a supplemental bill for approximately $1,000 ($100,000 × 0.02) prorated for half the tax year, resulting in a supplemental tax of about $500 due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Property Tax Calculations for Levy Year 2025 (assumes Jackson Township location with 1.82% total rate)

Home ValueAssessed ValueStandard DeductionHomestead CreditNet TaxableAnnual TaxMonthly Escrow
$300,000$300,000-$48,000-$26,200$225,800$4,109$342
$600,000$600,000-$48,000-$26,200$525,800$9,569$797
$1,000,000$1,000,000-$48,000-$26,200$925,800$16,849$1,404

Note: Homestead standard deduction is scheduled to phase out over 5 years beginning in 2024 per 2023 legislation. Additional credits may be available for seniors (Over 65 credit - $150), disabled persons (Blind/Disabled credit - $125), and veterans. All credits require annual application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts within your area.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Putnam County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill. The lender holds these funds in a separate account and pays your property taxes directly to the Putnam County Treasurer on the May 10 and November 10 due dates.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing collections, payments, and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly. Property owners should verify that their lender is making payments correctly and on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid. If you pay off your mortgage or choose not to escrow, you'll receive tax bills directly from the county and must make payments by the semi-annual due dates 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 Putnam County? A: Property taxes for fiscal year 2025 are due May 10, 2026 and November 10, 2026. Payments are made to the Putnam County Treasurer.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Available credits include the Homestead Standard Deduction ($48,000, phasing out), Homestead Supplemental Deduction ($26,200), Over 65 Credit ($150), and Blind/Disabled Credit ($125). Most credits require annual application and are NOT automatic - contact the Putnam County Assessor's office to apply.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits assessment increases and provides deductions from assessed value. You must file annually with the county assessor, and it only applies to your primary residence where you live on January 1st of the tax year.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Indiana? A: Indiana requires annual reassessment updates, with trending applied to market values. General reassessments occur periodically to ensure assessments reflect current market conditions.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. A 10% penalty applies to taxes paid after the due date, with additional interest charges accruing monthly.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Putnam County offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's website. Credit card, debit card, and electronic check payments are typically accepted with applicable processing fees.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts like fire protection, drainage, or economic development districts can add additional taxes to your bill. These vary by location within the county and are listed separately on your tax statement.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the County Assessor within specific deadlines. You can appeal based on evidence that your assessed value exceeds market value or if there are errors in property characteristics.

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