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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Shelby County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Shelby 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
$1.1157 per $100 assessed value (base rate - varies by district with additional levies)
1st Due
May 10
2nd Due
Nov 10
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Shelby County, Indiana operates under Indiana's property tax system, which funds essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed value and applied tax rates that vary by location within the county due to different taxing districts and special assessments.

For the 2025 tax year, Shelby County's certified tax rate is $1.1157 per hundred dollars of assessed value, though actual rates vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county. Different municipalities, school districts, and special taxing districts within Shelby County impose additional levies, meaning property owners in different areas face different total tax rates. Indiana law requires properties to be reassessed periodically, with the most recent county-wide reappraisal completed for January 1, 2025 values.

The effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 1.0% to 1.5% of assessed value, depending on your specific taxing districts. Property owners should verify their exact rate and applicable districts with the Shelby County Assessor's office, as rates can vary substantially between townships, municipalities, and school districts within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
Base County Rate$1.1157Certified county-wide rate for 2025 tax year
Municipal TaxesVariesAdditional levies for incorporated cities/towns
School District TaxesVariesLocal school corporation levies
Township TaxesVariesTownship government and fire protection
Special DistrictsVariesLibrary, park, drainage, and other special districts

Levy Year: These rates apply to the 2025 tax year (payable in 2025-2026).

Important Note: The $1.1157 rate represents only the base certified county rate. Your total effective tax rate will be higher once municipal, school district, township, and special district taxes are added. Total rates vary significantly by location within Shelby County. Contact the Shelby County Assessor at (317) 392-6320 for your specific combined rate and applicable taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Shelby 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 in Shelby County are additional property tax bills issued when property ownership changes or new construction is completed during the tax year. These taxes cover the difference between what the previous assessment generated and what the new assessment should generate for the remaining portion of the tax year.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: property sales that result in reassessment, completion of new construction or major improvements, changes in property use classification, and corrections to previous assessments. The supplemental amount is calculated by taking the difference between the old and new assessed values, applying the current tax rate, and prorating for the remaining months in the tax year.

Example: If a property's assessed value increases from $200,000 to $300,000 due to completed construction in July, and the total tax rate is 1.2%, the annual tax difference would be $1,200. The supplemental bill would be $600 (for the remaining 6 months of the tax year). Supplemental bills are typically issued 30-60 days after the triggering event and have separate due dates from regular property tax installments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (Indiana assesses at market value)
  • Available Credits Applied: -$45,000 (Homestead Standard Deduction - requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $255,000
  • Annual Tax: $3,060 (at 1.2% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $255

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Available Credits Applied: -$45,000 (Homestead Standard Deduction only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $555,000
  • Annual Tax: $6,660 (at 1.2% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $555

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Available Credits Applied: -$45,000 (Homestead Standard Deduction only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $955,000
  • Annual Tax: $11,460 (at 1.2% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $955

Important Notes: All tax credits require application and approval. The Homestead Standard Deduction caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Actual rates vary by taxing district within Shelby County. Contact the County Assessor for specific rates and available credits in your area.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Shelby County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly payments are collected along with your mortgage payment to cover annual property taxes. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual tax bill each month, plus a cushion of up to two months' payments as allowed by federal law.

Property taxes in Shelby County are paid in two installments, with payments due May 10th and November 10th each year. Your lender will pay these installments directly to the Shelby County Treasurer from your escrow account. Lenders must provide an annual escrow analysis showing collections, payments, and any required adjustments to your monthly payment.

If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may need to increase your monthly escrow payment or require a one-time payment to cover shortfalls. Property owners can verify that their taxes have been paid by checking with the Shelby County Treasurer's office. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, ensure payments reach the Treasurer by the due dates to avoid penalties and interest charges.

How HonestCasa Helps
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  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Shelby County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: May 10th and November 10th each year. Payments become delinquent if not received by these dates, and penalties apply after the due dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The Homestead Standard Deduction provides up to $45,000 reduction in assessed value for owner-occupied homes. Additional credits may be available for seniors, disabled veterans, and disabled persons. ALL credits require application with the County Assessor's office and are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit caps the annual increase in your property's assessed value and provides a standard deduction. It does NOT reduce your property's market value but limits assessment growth. You must file an application with the County Assessor to receive this credit.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Shelby County? A: Indiana law requires periodic reassessment. Shelby County completed a county-wide reappraisal for January 1, 2025 values. Individual properties may be reassessed more frequently due to sales, improvements, or appeals.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Shelby County Treasurer's office at (317) 392-6310 for specific penalty rates and payment options if you cannot meet the due dates.

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

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts for libraries, parks, drainage, and other services add to your base tax rate. Your total rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. The County Assessor can provide a complete breakdown of your applicable districts.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Shelby County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals. Deadlines and procedures are strictly enforced. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal forms and current deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
resolution 40-2025millingtontn.gov
02
County
NEWS from the Shelby County Mayor's Office Lee Harris, ...shelbycountytn.gov
03
Tax Doc
DLGF: Property Tax Due Datesin.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Taxes - Treasurer's Officeshelbycounty.iowa.gov
05
Tax Doc
Find Property Tax Due Datesindy.gov
06
County
Homestead Tax Reduction - Shelby Countyco.shelby.oh.us
07
County
Property Tax Definitions - Shelby Countyco.shelby.oh.us
08
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQco.shelby.oh.us
09
County
Shelby County: Property Tax Calculationauditor.shelby.in.datapitstop.us
10
County
Shelby County Legislation 5 First Read: 05-APR-11 Palison.legislature.state.al.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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