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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Starke County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Starke 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
$1.99 per $1,000 assessed value (base county rate) - total varies by district with additional local taxes
1st Due
May 10
2nd Due
Nov 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Starke County, Indiana operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, schools, libraries, and special districts. Property owners in Starke County pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which is expressed as dollars per $1,000 of assessed value. For 2025, the base property tax rate is $1.99 per $1,000 of assessed value, though this represents only the county-wide components.

The actual tax rate you pay depends on your specific location within Starke County, as additional taxes are levied by local school districts, municipalities, library districts, and other special taxing units that serve your area. This means two properties with identical assessed values may have different tax bills based on which taxing districts they fall within. Property taxes in Starke County fund essential services including public education, emergency services, road maintenance, county government operations, and various special district services like solid waste management.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County General$1.99Base county operations, services, and administration
School DistrictsVariesLocal school corporation levies (varies by district)
MunicipalVariesCity/town taxes (if applicable to property location)
Library DistrictVariesPublic library funding (if within district boundaries)
Special DistrictsVariesSolid waste management, fire protection, other districts

Note: The $1.99 base rate applies to FY 2025 and represents the county-wide levy components. Total effective rates typically range from $8-15 per $1,000 of assessed value depending on your specific location within Starke County and which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Starke County Auditor's office to determine your exact tax rate based on your property's location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Starke 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 Starke 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 established. The most common triggers include new construction or additions that increase a property's assessed value, changes in property ownership that may affect exemptions or credits, and corrections to assessment errors discovered mid-year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the change in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July that increases your assessed value by $50,000, and your total tax rate is $12 per $1,000, you would owe a supplemental bill of approximately $300 ($50,000 ÷ 1,000 × $12 × 0.5 years remaining). These supplemental bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the assessment change and have separate due dates from your regular property tax installments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$45,000 (standard deduction, application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $255,000
  • Annual Tax ($12/$1,000 rate): $3,060
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $255

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$45,000 (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $555,000
  • Annual Tax ($12/$1,000 rate): $6,660
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $555

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$45,000 (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $955,000
  • Annual Tax ($12/$1,000 rate): $11,460
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $955

Note: Tax rate of $12/$1,000 is used for illustration. Actual rates vary by location within Starke County. All credits require application and approval - they are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Starke County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, holding these funds in a separate escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Starke County when they become due in spring and fall.

Lenders typically perform an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, adjusting your monthly payment if necessary based on actual tax bills and any changes in assessed value or tax rates. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits and payments made on your behalf. If your property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may require an immediate escrow shortage payment or spread the deficiency over 12 months. Property owners have the right to request escrow account information and can petition to eliminate escrow requirements once they reach 20% equity, though lenders may have additional requirements for escrow waiver approval.

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 Starke County for 2025? A: Property taxes are paid in two installments. The first installment is due May 10th, and the second installment is due November 10th. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Indiana offers several tax credits that require application, including the Homestead Credit (primary residence), Senior Citizen Credit (age 65+, income limits apply), Disabled Veterans Credit, and Blind/Disabled Credit. None of these are automatic - you must file applications with the Starke County Assessor's office.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit is not an exemption but a credit that can reduce your tax bill and caps annual assessment increases. You must apply for this credit - it's not automatic. The credit applies only to your primary residence and helps limit how much your assessed value can increase year-over-year.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Starke County? A: Indiana requires annual updates to assessments, with more comprehensive reassessments conducted periodically. Property owners receive assessment notices and have the right to appeal if they believe their assessment is incorrect.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Continued delinquency can result in tax liens and eventual tax sale proceedings. The county typically holds tax sales for properties with extended delinquencies.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Starke County Treasurer's office to inquire about online payment options, accepted payment methods, and any associated processing fees for electronic payments.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts like fire protection, library districts, and solid waste management districts can levy additional taxes on properties within their boundaries. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and vary based on your property's location.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal their assessment by filing a petition with the Starke County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals. There are specific deadlines and procedures that must be followed for appeals to be considered.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
2025 Certified Local Income Tax Distributionsin.gov
02
County
2025 Starke County Budget Orderin.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Tax | North Canton, OHnorthcantonohio.gov
04
County
Treasurer – Starke County Indiana - IN.govstarke.in.gov
05
2025 Assessment Calendarin.gov
06
State
Real Estate Tax Cyclestarkcountynd.gov
07
County
Auditor – Starke County Indiana - IN.govstarke.in.gov
08
County
Stark County Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
09
Homestead Exemptionstarkcountyohio.gov
10
Starke - DLGFin.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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