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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Wells County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Wells 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
Varies by district, typically 1.5%-2.5% of assessed value depending on school corporation and special taxing districts
1st Due
May 10
2nd Due
Nov 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Wells County, Indiana operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, schools, fire departments, libraries, and other essential community services. Property owners in Wells County can expect an effective tax rate that varies by location within the county, with rates typically falling within Indiana's statewide average range.

The actual tax rate you'll pay depends on your specific location within Wells County, as different areas are served by various special taxing districts including school corporations, fire districts, and library districts. Each property is assessed at its fair market value, and tax rates are applied to the net assessed value after any applicable tax credits are deducted. It's important to note that most tax credits require a formal application process and are not automatically applied to your property tax bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available data for the FY 2025-2026 levy year:

ComponentRateDescription
Wells County General0.0023040County operations, services, and infrastructure
Lancaster Township0.0000970Township-specific services (example district)
Total Rate Example0.0024010Combined rate for Lancaster Township area

Note: Tax rates vary significantly by location within Wells County depending on which school district, township, fire district, library district, and other special taxing units serve your property. The rates shown above represent one specific area and your actual rates may differ. Contact the Wells County Assessor's office for rates specific to your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Wells 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 Wells County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to a property's assessed value or ownership during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction, major renovations, change of ownership, or correction of assessment errors. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the change in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in January and your area's tax rate is 1.5%, you would owe approximately $750 in supplemental taxes ($50,000 × 0.015) for that tax year. The Wells County system can calculate these supplemental amounts automatically or allow for manual override when necessary. These supplemental bills are separate from your regular property tax payments and have their own due dates.

Example Calculation

The following examples use a representative tax rate and assume the Homestead Credit has been applied (application required):

$300,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (applied): Varies by assessment growth cap
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.5% rate): $4,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $375

$600,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (applied): Varies by assessment growth cap
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.5% rate): $9,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $750

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Tax Credits (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.5% rate): $15,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,250

Note: Actual rates vary by location within Wells County. Tax credits shown require application and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Wells County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. Your monthly mortgage payment includes a portion that goes into this escrow account, which the lender uses to pay your property taxes on your behalf. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual property tax bill each month, plus a cushion amount as allowed by federal law.

Property taxes in Wells County are paid semi-annually with due dates of May 10 and November 10. Your lender will make these payments directly to the Wells County Treasurer from your escrow account. It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement to ensure adequate funds are being collected, especially after reassessments or rate changes. You can verify that payments have been made by checking with the Wells County Treasurer's office or through their online payment portal.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Wells County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due May 10, 2026, and November 10, 2026, for the current tax year. Payments are made to the Wells County Treasurer.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Credit for primary residences. Most tax credits require application to the Wells County Auditor's office - they are NOT automatically applied. Contact the county auditor for available credits and application forms.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits how much your assessment can increase year-over-year on your primary residence (typically a 5-10% cap). This credit does NOT reduce your home's market value but limits assessment growth. You must apply for this credit - it's not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Wells County? A: Indiana conducts general reassessments periodically. Contact the Wells County Assessor's office for the current assessment schedule and to understand how your property value was determined.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. After May 10 and November 10 deadlines, penalty rates apply to unpaid balances according to Indiana state law.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Wells County Treasurer's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your location within Wells County determines which school district, fire district, library district, and other special taxing units serve your property. Each adds its own tax rate to your total bill.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Wells County Assessor's office within specific deadlines. Contact their office for appeal forms, procedures, and current deadlines.

Q: What if I received a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental bills are issued for mid-year changes like new construction or ownership transfers. These are separate from regular tax bills and have their own payment due dates.

Q: Where do I apply for tax credits? A: Most tax credit applications are submitted to the Wells County Auditor's office. Download forms from their website or visit their office for assistance with applications.

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
Itemized Property Tax Informationtreasurer.wells.in.datapitstop.us
02
Tax Doc
Itemized Property Tax Information - Treasurertreasurer.wellscounty90.us
03
Tax Doc
Itemized Property Tax Information - Treasurertreasurer.wellscounty90.us
04
Tax Doc
DLGF: Property Tax Due Datesin.gov
05
Tax Doc
April 23, 2023 24th Annual Indiana Property Tax Institutein.gov
06
Tax Doc
Treasurer Tax Informationweld.gov
07
DLGF: Deductions and Creditsin.gov
08
County
Homestead Deduction | Porter County, IN - Official Websiteportercountyin.gov
09
Auditorsjcindiana.gov
10
County
Wells County: Property Tax Calculation - Auditorauditor.wellscounty90.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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