How to apply for Indiana Over-65 Property Tax Benefits — Over 65 Credit + Circuit Breaker Credit

Who it's for

Indiana has two property tax credits for homeowners 65 and older. (1) The Over 65 Credit takes $150 off your property tax bill each year. Your adjusted gross income must be $60,000 or less if you file a single return, or $70,000 or less if you file a joint return. It replaced the old Over-65 Deduction. (2) The Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit keeps your property tax bill from going up more than 2% from the year before. For tax bills due in 2027, your adjusted gross income must be $61,680 or less if single, or $71,960 or less if married; these limits rise each year with the Social Security cost-of-living increase. For both, you must be 65 by December 31 of the year before the taxes are due, live in the home, get the homestead standard deduction, and have owned the home for at least one year. File State Form 43708 with your county auditor by January 15 of the year the taxes are due. Once filed, it stays in effect unless something changes.

What you'll need

• Proof of age 65+
• Proof of Indiana homeownership and primary residence
• Most recent federal/Indiana income tax return
• Property parcel number

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Indiana Over-65 Property Tax Benefits — Over 65 Credit + Circuit Breaker Credit. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of age 65+, proof of Indiana homeownership and primary residence, most recent federal/Indiana income tax return — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather proof of age, proof that you own and live in your Indiana home, your most recent federal or Indiana income tax return, and your property parcel number.
2. Check that you meet the rules for the credit you want. For both credits, you must be 65 by December 31 of the year before the taxes are due, live in the home, get the homestead standard deduction, and have owned the home for at least one year.
3. Compare the two credits before you apply. The Over 65 Credit is a flat $150 and has a lower income limit than the Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit. The Circuit Breaker Credit only helps if your property tax bill would otherwise rise more than 2%. If you own the home with someone under 65 who is not your spouse, the $150 credit is reduced.
4. Complete State Form 43708 for the Over 65 Credit and the Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit.
5. Submit State Form 43708 to your county auditor by January 15 of the year the taxes are due. You can also apply online or call 317-232-3777 for help.
6. Keep copies of your form and documents in case the county auditor asks for more information.

What to expect: After you apply, the county auditor reviews your form and may contact you if more information is needed. Processing times vary, so ask for an estimate if needed. Once filed, the credit stays in effect unless your situation changes, so you do not need to file again unless something changes.

Renewals

file once; stays in effect unless your situation changes