May 10, 2006 is the deadline to file your property tax exemptions for 2006 taxes payable in 2007. If you purchased your property or refinanced your Mortgage by March 1, 2006, you have until May 10, 2007 to file. If you have previously filed an exemption on your property, you would only need to re-file if you have moved or refinanced.
Effective March 1, 2002 "Assessed Valuation" Now Equals "True Tax Value." This amount was reflected on the 2002 pay 2003 property tax statements. The state-mandated change has affected the way your property taxes were figured. Prior to this year, the law required that your assessed valuation be set at one-third (1/3rd) of your total true tax value. The change makes the assessed valuation equal to 100% of your true tax value. This has resulted in a shift of the tax burden in Jasper County. To ensure that you are not paying higher taxes than you should for next year, be sure to file for any exemptions that you are entitled.
The following exemptions are available to those who qualify:
Homestead Exemption - Once filed on your residence, only needs to be re-filed if you move.
Mortgage Exemption - Once filed, only needs to be re-filed if you have refinanced. Must bring:
- Date of Closing
- Amount of Mortgage
- Name of Finance Company or Institution.
Over 65 Exemptions
- Must turn 65 by 12/31/04
- Combined adjusted gross income limit is $25,000
- Must bring copy or copies (one for all listed on property) of 1040 for 2004
- Assessed value on all properties owned not to exceed $144,000
Blind / Disability Exemption - Must bring:
- Doctor's statement for proof of blindness or disability, or
- An Awards Letter from Social Security for proof of disability.
Veterans Exemption - with total or partial disability. Must bring:
- VA Statement of Benefit Record (Form 20-5455) with a code listed in Item # 15 or
- Pension Certificate or
- Award of Compensation or
- Letter of Disability from the Veterans' Administration
Your exemptions need to be filed in the Auditor's Office, on the 2nd floor of the Jasper County Courthouse Our office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. If you would like an exemption form mailed to you, please call (219-866-xxxx and make the request. Exemptions for 2006 pay 2006 (May 10, 2006 deadline) can only be filed in person in the Auditor's Office.