Jan. 15 Is Key for Indiana Property Tax Savings

A January Deadline That Could Put Real Money Back in Hoosiers’ Pockets

For thousands of Indiana homeowners — especially seniors and residents who are blind or disabled — the new year brings an opportunity for meaningful property tax relief. But there’s a catch: it only works if eligible Hoosiers take action by Jan. 15, 2026.

State Sen. Eric Koch is urging residents not to let the deadline slip by, warning that even those who have received property tax benefits in the past need to reapply under the state’s updated system. The changes are part of Senate Enrolled Act 1 of 2025, a sweeping overhaul that reshapes how property tax relief is delivered — and expands who qualifies.

Why This Year Is Different

For years, Indiana offered certain property tax deductions for seniors and for residents who are blind or disabled. Under SEA 1, those deductions have been replaced with credits — a shift that may sound technical, but makes a real difference.

A credit directly reduces the amount of tax owed, rather than simply lowering the assessed value of a home. That means savings are more reliable, especially for homeowners whose property tax bills are already capped. The new law is estimated to save Indiana homeowners $1.3 billion over the next three years, with seniors and vulnerable residents among the biggest beneficiaries.

What Blind and Disabled Hoosiers Need to Know

One of the most important changes affects blind and disabled homeowners. Under the new law, they are now eligible for a $125 Blind/Disabled Credit, replacing the previous Blind/Disabled Deduction.

Even if a homeowner received the deduction in past years, they must apply for the new credit by Jan. 15, 2026. Without reapplying, the benefit could be interrupted — something state officials are trying hard to prevent through early outreach.

Applications can be downloaded online or obtained through local county auditor offices, which are available to help residents navigate the process.

A Bigger Win for Seniors Over 65

Seniors are also seeing long-awaited improvements. The former Over 65 Deduction has been converted into a $150 Over 65 Credit. The result is broader, more consistent relief — even for homeowners who hit Indiana’s property tax caps.

Just as significant, SEA 1 removed the maximum assessed value limit that previously prevented some seniors from qualifying. Rising home values had pushed many older Hoosiers out of eligibility, despite living on fixed incomes. That barrier is now gone.

To receive the credit starting with property taxes paid in calendar year 2026, seniors must apply by Jan. 15, even if they were previously receiving the deduction.

Expanded Circuit Breaker Credit Brings Added Protection

SEA 1 didn’t stop there. The law also expanded eligibility for the Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit, which protects seniors from sudden spikes in property tax bills. The credit limits increases in property tax liability on a qualifying homestead to no more than 2% over the prior year.

Under the updated law, the assessed value limit for qualifying homes has been removed. Income thresholds have also been raised, allowing more seniors to qualify — up to $60,000 for individuals and $70,000 for couples.

This expansion is especially important for retirees who have seen modest income growth or rising property values push them just outside the old eligibility limits.

What the Application Process Looks Like

Applying for the credits is straightforward but time-sensitive. To qualify, a filer must be at least 65 years old on or before Dec. 31 of the year prior to claiming the credit. Applications must be filed with the county auditor by Jan. 15 of the year property taxes are first due and payable.

Both the Over 65 Credit and the Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit are covered under a single form — the Application for Senior Citizen Property Tax Benefits (Form 43708). Applicants will need to provide documentation to verify eligibility.

Once approved, homeowners do not need to reapply every year as long as their eligibility remains unchanged. However, if a homeowner becomes ineligible in a future year, they must notify the county auditor within 60 days.

Why Missing the Deadline Matters

The Jan. 15 deadline is more than a bureaucratic footnote. Missing it could mean waiting an entire year to receive benefits — or experiencing a disruption in relief that homeowners have come to rely on.

County auditor offices across Indiana are prepared to answer questions, provide forms, and assist residents with applications. State officials encourage Hoosiers to apply early rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.

Relief Designed for Those Who Need It Most

SEA 1 represents one of the most significant property tax relief efforts Indiana has enacted in years. By converting deductions into credits and expanding eligibility, lawmakers aimed to ensure that seniors and residents living with disabilities receive predictable, meaningful savings — even as home values and costs continue to rise.

For many Hoosiers, the only thing standing between them and that relief is a simple application — and a Jan. 15 deadline they don’t want to miss.