Tax deduction filing deadline nears

GREENCASTLE -- While Indiana real property owners have until the end of 2009 to file for property tax deductions, Putnam County auditor Stephanie Campbell is urging local residents to file as soon as possible.

"With the holiday season and winter weather approaching, property owners should file deduction applications as soon as they are able," said Campbell. "We don't want anyone to miss out on a deduction because they missed the application deadline."

Deduction applications must be completed and dated by Dec. 31 and filed with Campbell on or before Jan. 5, 2010 for the taxpayer to receive the eligible deductions on 2010 property tax bills.

Deduction applications are available at the county auditor's office or may be downloaded from the Department of Local Government Finance Web site at http://www.in.gov/dlgf/2344.htm

In addition to meeting all other eligibility requirements for the desired deduction(s), the applicant for the deduction must own or be buying the property under contract on the date the application is filed in order to receive the deduction.

Persons filing for deductions on annually assessed mobile homes are still required to apply for the deduction during the 12 months before March 31 of each year.

For more information, visit the DGLF property tax deductions Web site http://www.in.gov/dlgf/2344.htm

Specific questions about property tax deduction eligibility should be directed to Campbell. The office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and the phone number is 653-5513.