(La Porte County, IN) - Due to the recent severe storms, the LaPorte County Assessor's Office wants residents and property owners who have experienced property damage to know that they may be eligible for a reduction in their property tax assessment to reflect that damage.

 

Under Indiana law, a property owner whose real property or business personal property has been partially or totally destroyed by a disaster may petition the County Assessor for a survey and reassessment.

 

If granted, the reassessment adjusts the property's assessed value to reflect the damage, which can lower the property tax owed for that period, said La Porte County Assessor Mike Schultz. 

 

According to the La Porte County Assessor’s Office, property owners can file using State Form 17592 (Form 137R) “Petition for Survey and Reassessment.”  It’s recommended that filing occur within 12 months of the disaster, although petitions may be accepted at any time as allowed by law.

 

The form is available from the La Porte County Assessor's Office and on the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance website. 

 

Any questions can be directed to the La Porte County Assessor’s Office at (219) 326-6808 ext. 2268 or mschultz@laporteco.in.gov or ssweitzer@laporteco.in.gov.