This year Hoosiers may receive an extra sheet of paper with your property tax bill. "There is no cause for alarm", says Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Jimtown). The form is just a result of legislation enacted in 2009 through House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1344. Starting in 2010, HEA 1344 requires the tax statement to include a form that allows taxpayers to verify their residency and eligibility for the homestead deduction. In addition, this form is an extra protection to reduce homestead fraud. It is important for homeowners to fill out this form, because it allows them to continue receiving the homestead standard deduction. A homeowner who does not fill out this form could potentially lose their homestead deduction beginning in 2013. This form need not be returned in person. You may mail it back to the provided address including the last five digits of your social security number and your driver's license number. The information will only be used to track the homestead database and to prevent fraud. "Providing information like this helps ensure that the property tax burden is spread over the entire population of Indiana population," said Rep. Walorski. "This helps make taxes lower for everyone." If you have any further concerns or questions, please do not hesitate contacting me at 317-232-9648, toll free at 1-800-382-9841, or by going to the Department of Local Government Finance's website: http://www.in.gov/dlgf/8455.htm. -30- Rep. Walorski can be reached by phone at 1-800-382-9841 or by e-mail at h21@in.gov. |
