Don't lose your homestead benefits.

Last chance to submit the "pink" form!

In the next week, those homestead property owners who did not file the "pink form" received in the past two (2) years with their property tax statements, will have one final opportunity to file the necessary form.

Auditor Deborah Adams stresses the importance of the homestead deduction benefits to property owners. Property owners who both own and reside on their property are entitled to receive a homestead deduction.

Unfortunately, the homestead deduction is also a high commodity throughout Indiana and surrounding states. Adams explained that some homeowners actually may own two (2) homes where they are located in individual counties or even outside of Indiana. Individuals and married couples are only limited to one (1) homestead standard deduction. When the deduction is received, due to the benefit, there is always the incentive for fraud. This fraud causes problems for the remaining taxpayers in the area of higher taxes for those who play by the rules.

The state, through HEA 1344-2009, issued a requirement to taxpayers who receive the homestead standard deduction to verify that they are eligible to receive the benefit and to provide additional identifying information necessary to allow county government to better monitor homestead filings.

The information received by the auditors' office is kept confidential and can only be accessed by authorized county officials. The information is utilized by the Department of Local Government Finance to prevent and eliminate homestead fraud.

Only taxpayers who have not previously returned their "Pink" Homestead Verification Form will receive a form with their property tax statements payable for the 2012 year. The forms can be returned with the property owner's property tax check, or it may be brought to the Auditor's office located on the 2nd floor of the Rush County Courthouse, 101 E 2nd Street, Rushville.

As of December 31, 2012, all remaining non-verified homestead property owners will have the deduction automatically removed from their property for the 2012 pay 2013 tax year. Adams explained that this is not a local, option but it is part of HEA 1344-2009. She encourages everyone to not lose out on this very important property tax deduction.

If any property owner has questions concerning their property or deduction, please contact the Auditor's office at 765-932-2077 or e-mail with your questions or concerns to auditor@rushcounty.in.gov.