INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Marion County’s appraiser says there is a grievance process for property tax assessment in place and about 50% of grievances are approved – but owners must take the first step.
Esperanza Alonzo has taken the first step and appealed. She also helps put together a neighborhood group to combat the sharp rise in property taxes.
“We already have several people and have met with the person responsible for the appointment in the office. Our next step is to continue working with the neighborhoods to gather as many people as possible until everyone can appeal before the deadline, ”said Alonzo.
Alonzo lives on the fountain square. She says her property taxes are up 80% year over year.
“There is no law preventing the appraiser from rating the properties that high or how much they can improve the rating of your property,” said Alonzo.
Marion County’s assessor Joe O’Connor said nearly 2,800 people have appealed their spring taxes, which is about 300 more appeals than this time in 2020. He says the process takes about five minutes and can be started online or in person and must be completed by June 15.
“Or call and let us know that you want to file a complaint. We will document and file this complaint for you and refer it to the analyst as soon as possible,” said O’Connor.
Many of the districts affected by the increase have an increasing number of new or converted houses. According to Connor, valuations are based in part on market value, and the increased home value drives up property taxes for the entire neighborhood, regardless of the condition of the homes.
“And that’s just a baseline, that’s what the house was worth, and in less than 5 years you’ll see double, triple sales prices,” O’Connor said.
Alonzo is happy to see home values in the area have increased, but wonders why the value of an older home without a major renovation next to a brand new home is suddenly worth double or triple its value.
“You’re not going from $ 50,000 to now, it’s worth $ 200,000 just because your neighbor next door built a brand new house that’s worth half a million dollars,” Alonzo said.
Once you’ve filed a complaint, you still need to pay your property taxes. If the complaint is awarded in your favor, you will receive a credit on your next property tax bill