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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Union County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.0563% effective rate (varies by taxing district location)
1st Due
May 10
2nd Due
Nov 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Union County, Indiana operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, libraries, and emergency services. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these public services, with tax rates varying by location within the county based on the specific combination of taxing districts that serve each property.

The overall effective tax rate in Union County is approximately $0.0563 per $100 of assessed valuation for 2025, though actual rates vary depending on your specific location and the special taxing districts that serve your property. Properties are assessed at market value, and Indiana law provides several tax credits and exemptions that can significantly reduce your tax liability, though most require annual application. The county also levies additional assessments for services like the 4H/Extension program and Vector Control, which are distributed across different geographic areas within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100 AVDescription
County General$2.9668Core county services and operations
4H/Extension$0.1619Agricultural extension and youth programs
Vector Control$0.0239Mosquito and pest control services
Island City Sanitation*$0.5814Sanitation services (specific district only)

*Special district rates apply only to properties within the specific service area. The Island City Sanitation district serves a limited geographic area with assessed value of $323,086,858. These rates are for the 2025 levy year and may vary by taxing district combination. Your actual tax rate depends on which special districts serve your property location within Union County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Union 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 Union County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction, property improvements, ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, or corrections to the original assessment. When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate for your district.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition mid-year and it increases your assessed value by $50,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on that additional assessed value prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the improvement was completed. The supplemental tax would be calculated using the same district tax rates that apply to your regular property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Market Value Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Standard Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$45,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $255,000
  • Annual Tax ($255,000 × 0.0563/100): $1,436
  • Monthly Payment: $120

Example 2: $600,000 Market Value Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Standard Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$45,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $555,000
  • Annual Tax ($555,000 × 0.0563/100): $3,125
  • Monthly Payment: $260

Example 3: $1,000,000 Market Value Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Standard Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$45,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $955,000
  • Annual Tax ($955,000 × 0.0563/100): $5,377
  • Monthly Payment: $448

Note: Tax credits require annual application and eligibility verification. Rates shown are base county rates and may be higher depending on special districts serving your property.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Union County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment and holds these funds in an escrow account. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Union County when they become due on September 1st and March 31st.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, and may adjust your monthly payment if property taxes increase or decrease significantly. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits, payments, and account balances. If your property taxes change due to reassessment or new tax credits, notify your lender promptly to avoid escrow shortages. 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 Union County property taxes due? A: Property taxes are due September 1, 2024, with a grace period until January 5, 2025 to avoid interest charges. The second installment is due March 31, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Indiana offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit, Senior Citizens Deduction, and Veterans Disability Credit. Most credits require annual application with the Union County Auditor's office by specific deadlines, typically December 31st.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps annual assessment increases on your primary residence and provides additional tax relief. This is a tax credit that reduces your tax bill, not an exemption that reduces assessed value. You must apply annually and the property must be your principal residence.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Union County? A: Indiana requires annual assessment updates, but major reassessments typically occur every few years. Property owners can appeal assessments through the County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals if they believe their assessment is incorrect.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest charges begin accruing on property taxes not paid by the January 5th deadline. Additional penalties may apply for significantly delinquent accounts, and properties can eventually face tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Union County offers online property tax payment options. Contact the Union County Treasurer's office or visit the county website for current online payment portal information and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Union County? A: Different areas of the county are served by different combinations of special taxing districts such as school corporations, library districts, fire departments, and sanitation services. Your total tax rate is the sum of all districts that serve your specific property location.

Q: How do I find out which special districts serve my property? A: Your annual property tax statement lists all applicable taxing districts and their rates. You can also contact the Union County Auditor's office or use the county's GIS mapping system to determine which districts serve your address.

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