Are the May and November tax dates sneaking up on you? If you own a home in Fishers, understanding Indiana’s property tax cycle can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises in your mortgage payment. You want clear steps, realistic timelines, and plain-English answers. This guide breaks down the calendar, escrow, and what a new assessment means for your budget so you can stay in control. Let’s dive in.
Indiana property tax calendar
Indiana property taxes are billed twice a year. In most years, the due dates are May 10 for the spring installment and November 10 for the fall installment. Bills go to the owner of record or to your mortgage servicer if your taxes are escrowed.
An assessment notice is not a tax bill. The assessment shows the value the county will use to calculate your taxes. Your actual tax bill arrives later and reflects that value plus local tax rates and any deductions or credits you qualify for.
Who does what
- Hamilton County Assessor sets your assessed value and manages deductions and exemptions. The Assessor also handles assessment notices and appeal filings.
- Hamilton County Auditor and Treasurer prepare and mail tax statements, collect payments, and post penalties for late payment.
- The Indiana Department of Local Government Finance provides statewide guidance on assessments and appeals. You can review state rules and resources on the DLGF website.
- Your mortgage servicer collects escrow and pays your tax bills on schedule if your loan includes an escrow account.
Assessments, exemptions, and appeals
Your property tax starts with assessed value. The Assessor evaluates your home using state rules to arrive at a market-in-use value. Local tax rates are then applied to that value, and deductions or credits are subtracted to produce the final bill.
If you live in your home as your primary residence, you may be eligible for a homestead deduction. Other deductions or credits may also apply, such as those for veterans. Check your assessment notice and contact the Hamilton County Assessor to confirm which deductions are on your record and how to apply.
Appeals are time sensitive. If you disagree with your assessed value, review the appeal deadline on your notice and start right away. The DLGF’s guidance outlines forms and steps. For local questions, contact the Hamilton County Assessor’s office.
How escrow affects your monthly payment
Many Fishers homeowners pay property taxes through an escrow account managed by their mortgage servicer. Escrow typically covers property taxes and homeowners insurance.
Servicers estimate what they expect to pay over the next 12 months and divide that by 12 to set your monthly escrow contribution. They can include a small cushion, and they complete an annual escrow analysis to adjust your payment if needed. For a plain-language overview of escrow statements and your rights, see the CFPB’s explanation of escrow accounts.
Because taxes are due in May and November, your servicer times those payments to meet the deadlines. After paying the bills, the servicer’s annual analysis may raise or lower your monthly payment based on what changed.
Illustrative examples
The figures below are for illustration only. Always confirm your actual Hamilton County tax rate and assessed value before budgeting.
Example A: Annual tax from assessed value
- Assessed value after deductions: $300,000
- Illustrative combined tax rate: 1.25 percent
- Estimated annual tax: $3,750, or about $1,875 each in May and November
Example B: Monthly escrow contribution
- Annual tax: $3,750
- Annual homeowners insurance: $1,200
- Total: $4,950 per year, or about $412.50 per month for escrow, plus any allowed cushion your servicer requires
Example C: When assessment increases
- If assessed value rises 10 percent to $330,000 and the illustrative 1.25 percent rate holds, estimated annual tax becomes $4,125
- Increase of $375 per year is about $31.25 more per month in escrow
- If your servicer already paid a higher bill, you could see a shortage spread over up to 12 months in your next escrow analysis
What to do in Fishers
A few simple checks each year can prevent surprises:
- Verify your assessed value, legal description, and that your homestead deduction or other credits are applied. Use Hamilton County parcel and tax bill lookup tools or call the Assessor and Treasurer.
- Review your tax bill to see last year’s total and payment history. This helps you compare year over year.
- If you spot a change you do not understand, contact the Hamilton County Assessor for valuation questions or the Treasurer for billing and payment questions.
- If you expect higher assessments or local levies, plan for a possible escrow increase after your servicer’s next annual analysis.
Spring mover timeline
Use this quick timeline if you are buying or moving in spring:
Pre-move, 30–90 days out
- Ask the seller for the most recent tax bill and whether taxes are escrowed.
- If you are financing, ask your lender if taxes and insurance will be escrowed. Request an estimate of your initial escrow deposit at closing.
Closing day
- Confirm tax proration on your closing disclosure so you know what portion you and the seller each pay.
- Get your mortgage servicer’s contact info if you will have escrow, plus phone numbers for the Hamilton County Assessor and Treasurer.
0–30 days after closing
- Confirm the county shows you as the owner of record and your mailing address is correct.
- If you are not escrowed, calendar the due dates: May 10 and November 10.
Spring assessments
- If you receive an assessment notice, review assessed value, deductions, and the appeal deadline. Start the appeal promptly if needed.
Each year
- Watch for your annual escrow analysis from your servicer. Review it to see if and when your monthly payment will change.
Paying on time
The Hamilton County Treasurer typically offers multiple payment options, such as online, by mail, or in person. Penalties and interest apply if you miss a due date. Confirm current payment methods, office hours, and any penalty details with the Treasurer before you pay.
Quick reference calendar
- May 10: First installment due
- November 10: Second installment due
Build reminders a few weeks ahead of each date, especially if you pay without escrow.
If you want help coordinating timelines, understanding escrow, or planning for a move around tax season, our team is happy to guide you. Reach out to Sarah Fishburn for local, hands-on support.
FAQs
What are the key property tax due dates in Indiana?
- Indiana property taxes are billed in two installments, typically due May 10 and November 10 each year.
How does an assessment notice affect my Fishers tax bill?
- The assessment sets your property’s value for tax purposes. Your bill is calculated later using that value plus local rates and any deductions or credits you receive.
When will my mortgage payment change if taxes go up?
- If you escrow, your servicer adjusts your escrow after its annual analysis, which can increase or decrease your monthly payment. Adjustments can happen sooner if there is a large shortage.
Do I need an escrow account to pay property taxes?
- Not always. Some loans require escrow, but many borrowers can pay taxes directly. If you pay yourself, track the May 10 and November 10 deadlines and budget accordingly.
How can I lower my Hamilton County tax bill?
- Make sure eligible deductions, such as the homestead deduction, are on file. If you believe your assessed value is too high, follow the appeal process by the deadline listed on your notice.
Where can I learn more about assessments and escrow rules?
