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Indiana Taxpayer's Notice to Initiate an Appeal (Form 130)

What is Form 130?​

Form 130, also known as the Taxpayer's Notice to Initiate an Appeal, is a document prescribed by the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) for taxpayers to dispute their property's assessed value. It serves as the initial step in the property tax assessment appeals process in Indiana for both residential and commercial properties.

Who Should File Form 130?​

Form 130 is for taxpayers who wish to appeal their property's assessed valuation, including:

  • Those who believe their property's assessed value is incorrect
  • Those who have identified factual errors or discrepancies in the property record card
  • Those who have been denied or omitted from deductions, credits, exemptions, or tax caps

Types of Appeals​

  1. Subjective Appeals: Where the taxpayer believes the assessed valuation is incorrect
  2. Objective Appeals: Involving factual mistakes in the property record card, such as incorrect descriptions or mathematical errors

Filling Out Form 130​

  1. Section I: Property and Petitioner Information

    • County, Township
    • Parcel or Key Number
    • Address of Property
    • Name of Property Owner
    • Telephone Number
    • Mailing Address

  2. Section II: Reason for Appeal

    • Currently Assessed Value
    • Desired Value
    • Reason for Change

Submitting Form 130​

  • Submission Methods: In person or via email to the local assessing official
  • Submission Timeframe: Within 45 days of the assessment notice or by June 15th of the assessment year if no notice is given

Specific Scenarios Warranting the Use of Form 130​

  • Disputing the assessed value of a property
  • Contesting factual errors on the property record card
  • Reporting errors in property descriptions or incorrect materially factual information
  • Requesting refunds for past overpayments due to incorrect assessments
  • Appealing denials of deductions, credits, or exemptions
  • Contesting clerical, mathematical, or typographical mistakes in the assessment process

Post-Submission Process​

After submitting Form 130, the following steps occur:

  1. The local assessing official reviews the appeal and responds with a recommendation
  2. If denied, the appeal is forwarded to the county Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals (PTABOA) for review
  3. PTABOA Review
  4. Appeal to Indiana Board of Tax Review (if denied by PTABOA)
  5. Appeal to Indiana Tax Court (if still unsatisfied with the outcome)

Potential Financial Benefits of a Successful Property Tax Appeal​

A successful property tax appeal using Form 130 can lead to significant financial benefits for taxpayers. By disputing and potentially reducing the assessed value of their property, taxpayers can lower their annual property tax bills. This reduction in assessed value translates directly into lower tax payments, which can add up to substantial savings over time.

Long-Term Tax Savings​

  1. Annual Savings: Each year, a reduced assessment means lower property taxes. For example, if a property's assessed value is reduced by 10%, the annual property tax savings could be substantial, especially for high-value properties.

  2. Cumulative Savings: Over multiple years, these annual savings can accumulate, providing a significant reduction in total tax payments. For instance, if a property owner saves $1,000 annually due to a reduced assessment, this amounts to $10,000 over a decade.

  3. Increased Disposable Income: By reducing the burden of property taxes, homeowners can enjoy increased disposable income. This extra money can be used for various purposes such as home improvements, investments, or simply enhancing their quality of life.

  4. Improved Financial Planning: Knowing that a successful appeal can lead to long-term financial benefits helps taxpayers plan their finances more effectively. They can budget more accurately and make informed decisions about their financial resources.

  5. Potential for Refunds: In some cases, if the appeal is successful and the assessed value is reduced retroactively, homeowners may even be eligible for refunds on past overpayments. This can provide an immediate financial boost.

Practical Example​

To illustrate the potential financial benefits, consider a scenario where a homeowner appeals their property's assessed value using Form 130 and successfully reduces it by 5%. If the original assessed value was $200,000 and the annual property tax rate is 1%, the homeowner would save $1,000 annually ($200,000 x 0.01 x 0.05). Over five years, this amounts to $5,000 in savings.

By understanding these long-term financial advantages, taxpayers are more likely to take action and file an appeal if they believe their property is over-assessed. This knowledge empowers them to navigate the appeal process effectively and potentially achieve substantial tax savings.

Conclusion​

Initiating a property tax appeal through Form 130 not only provides a formal channel to dispute and request a review of property tax assessments but also offers tangible financial benefits. By reducing the assessed value of their property, taxpayers can enjoy lower annual property taxes and accumulate significant savings over time. This practical perspective on the financial advantages of a successful appeal encourages readers to consider filing an appeal if applicable, thereby enhancing their understanding of the importance of this process in managing their property taxes effectively.

  • Form 130 provides a formal channel to dispute and request a review of property tax assessments
  • It helps detail the reasons behind the dispute and initiate the appeal process with the local assessing official
  • The form must include pertinent facts about why the assessed value is being disputed

Comparison With Other IRS Forms​

Form 130 is specific to Indiana property tax appeals and should not be confused with federal IRS forms. It is unique in its purpose and scope compared to other IRS forms, focusing exclusively on state-level property tax disputes.

Additional Information and Resources​

  • Detailed instructions and downloadable forms are available at local county websites and the State of Indiana's website
  • For comprehensive information on Indiana property tax laws and regulations, refer to the Indiana Code and relevant government resources
  • Contact local county government offices for specific procedures and timelines related to submitting Form 130
  • The Indiana Department of Local Government Finance website provides additional guidance and resources

Guidelines for Effective Appeal​

  1. Complete all relevant sections of Form 130 in detail
  2. Include specific reasons for disputing the assessed value
  3. Submit the completed form to the local assessing official within the prescribed deadline
  4. Gather supporting documentation to strengthen your appeal
  5. Consider seeking professional advice or consulting with the local assessing official if unsure about the process

By understanding the role and requirements of Form 130, taxpayers can effectively navigate the property tax appeal process in Indiana and ensure a successful appeal. Remember to consult with local authorities or seek professional advice for specific situations or complex cases.