Spring property tax season is again upon us. The Montgomery County yearly tax statements should have arrived at households. They include payment coupons for both the spring and fall payments and dog tax forms. Due dates this year are May 10 and Nov. 10.
Indiana tax forms provide great information for residents to compare assessed values, tax break-downs, available exemptions and much more. Additional information is online at www.montgomerycounty.in.gov or www.beacon.schneidercorp.com.
At this time, payments can be made in several ways.
Use a Drop Box
An outdoor drop box is located on the south side of the courthouse under the awning and is checked multiple times daily. There is also a drop box inside the front entrance by the security station that is accessible during business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Put payments in an envelope and mark them clearly with information to identify the taxpayer, the address and the parcel. If paying by cash, use the inside drop box and submit exact change only. If a receipt is desired, then include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Mail in Payments
Mail payments to the Treasurer’s Office, 100 E. Main St., Room 101, Crawfordsville, IN 47933. If a receipt is desired, then include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The postmark date is accepted as an on-time payment, but it is not encouraged to wait until the final day to ensure that the mail is truly processed and marked on time.
Pay at Local Banks
All Montgomery County First Financial, Hoosier Heartland and Tri-County banks offer a service to county residents by accepting
payments during the tax season. This is in effect now through the due date as long as you have the payment coupon and pay that exact amount. Drive-thru and lobbies are accessible (masks may be required). You will be given a receipt.
Pay Online
The county website is www.montgomerycounty.in.gov. On the home page, select Online Bill Pay. Next choose the Property Tax, Dog Taxes & Tax Payments option. Multiple parcels and dog taxes can be paid in the same transaction. Be aware that using any type of debit or credit card will accrue a 2.95% service fee. Using bank routing numbers for an e-check payment instead has only a 95-cent charge.
Pay by Phone
By using the secure access line of 855-276-8051, taxpayers can make payments over the phone by entering the parcel number. Just like an online payment, fees do apply.
Treasurer Heather Laffoon advises that though the county does not have formal payment plans, full and partial payments are accepted anytime throughout the year. She advises that appropriate penalties will apply if installments are not paid in full by the due date.
Spring is also a good time to remind all Montgomery County residents that the county commissioners enacted the Dog Tax in 2007. All dog owners are legally bound to pay $5 for each dog over 6 months of age, with the maximum of $30 per family. Kennel owners pay $30 for one to six dogs and $50 for seven dogs and more. Those payments can be made at the same time property taxes are being paid. The dog tax funds go to great causes. The county keeps 75 cents for a processing fee. The remaining funds go toward the Montgomery County Animal Welfare League, animal control, claim reimbursements and canine research and education.
To lower future property tax bills, many are eligible for deductions including the Homestead, Mortgage, Over 65, Blind and Disabled, Disabled Veteran, or Geothermal. To check that eligibility or to update an address, visit the auditor’s link at www.montgomerycounty.in.gov.
If you have any questions, contact the appropriate office: tax payments, treasurer at 765-364-6410; deductions and address changes, auditor at 765-364-6400; assessed values, assessor at 765-364-6420; and ditch reconstruction fees, surveyor at 765-361-3234.
