For immediate release – Governor’s State Office of Management & Budget
Contact: Stephanie Russo
(317) 232-5617 - office
srusso@sba.in.gov - email 

Huge Property Tax Cut for Orange County Homeowners

Indianapolis (Aug. 13, 2008) – Homeowners in Orange County will soon see the first effects of the governor’s property tax relief plan when tax bills are mailed this week. On average, homeowners in Orange County will see a 45-percent cut in their 2008 property tax bills, according to information released by the State Office of Management and Budget. 

“The Governor promised lower property taxes, and this is step one of fulfilling that commitment,” said Ryan Kitchell, state director of the Office of Management and Budget and a member of the governor’s cabinet. “The plan is off to a great start.”

The reduced bills are the result of historic legislation Gov. Daniels led earlier this year in the 2008 General Assembly. That legislation created permanent property tax relief throughout the state, starting with $620 million in additional homestead credits to be applied this year. That money is used to lower homeowners’ share of local government and school expenses and, therefore, reduce their property tax bills.

“Our primary focus during the 2008 session was significant, permanent property tax relief for Hoosiers,” said Sen. Brent Steele (R-Bedford). “As a result, our reform package has delivered a 45-percent average decrease for Orange County homeowners. The property tax reforms we passed finally put the taxpayers first and the government second. I refuse to believe there is not room to cut spending at the local level.”

Beginning in 2009, homeowner property tax bills will be capped at 1.5 percent of the home’s assessed value, and capped at 1 percent in 2010.  Rental property, agricultural land and business property will also enjoy permanent protection as their tax caps start next year.

Also, effective July 1, 2008, voters must approve major projects paid for with local property taxes before those projects can proceed. This new voter-referendum process allows taxpayers to have a direct say in how their tax dollars are spent.

The state is funding the property tax reform primarily with a one-cent increase in the sales tax. When the caps are fully implemented, the property tax plan delivers $1.72 in tax cuts for each $1 of new sales tax.

Orange County officials anticipate mailing bills this week for the first 2008 property tax installment. The statements will reflect a simple comparison of the 2007 and 2008 bills, and will list those expenses the homeowner’s taxes pay for, such as schools and public safety.