Lake County Property Tax Homestead Exemption s
Have you received an amended property tax bill that is double, triple–even ten times what your last bill was? Is Lake County trying to collect on a Lake County Property Tax Homestead Exemption all the way to 2009 or earlier? Do you owe thousands as a result of this amended tax bill in interest and penalties? SFT Lawyers may be able to help.
What is a Lake County Property Tax Homestead Exemption?
The Lake County Property Tax Homestead Exemption was instituted in its current form in 1989. A “homestead” means an individual’s principal place of residence that is located in Indiana, that the individual owns, the individual is buying under a contract, or the beneficiary of a trust or other corporation or entity that consists of a dwelling and the real estate, not exceeding one (1) acre, that immediately surrounds that dwelling. If a qualified individual resides in such a dwelling, the individual is entitled to receive a deduction from the property’s assessed valuation, as well as a one percent (1%) cap. Once the Lake County Property Tax Homestead Exemption is applied for and granted, it endures until the property’s ownership or use changes.
A Lake County Property Tax Homestead Exemption can make a significant, if not daunting difference in your property tax bill. In some cases, removing the exemption can result in a tax bill that is double, triple, or even quadruple what last year’s Lake County tax bill was, not to mention additional taxes due going all the way back to 2009 or earlier. Some have reported receiving a single Lake County tax bill for tens of thousands of dollars!
Why Did My Lake County Property Tax Homestead Exemption Get Removed?
Right now, the Lake County Commissioners are under contract with a third-party vendor to review all Lake County Property Tax Homestead Exemptions throughout the entire county in an effort to generate additional revenue. This vendor is aggressively attempting to enforce the law with regard to Lake County Property Tax Homestead Exemptions, and this vendor is reviewing hundreds, if not thousands, of Lake County Property Tax Homestead Exemptions each and every day. When these vendor employees find inconsistencies or errors, they will generally assess taxes–back as far as 2009 or farther–claiming that somehow the Lake County Property Tax Homestead Exemption was improper.
Have You Been Falsely Accused of Fraud in Falsely Claiming a Lake County Property Tax Homestead Exemption?
When the Lake County Commissioners‘ third party vendor finds these inconsistencies with a Lake County Property Tax Homestead Exemption, it generally sends a letter along with an amended tax bill. This new tax bill often goes back in time to assess taxes, interest, and penalties as far as 2009. Clients sometimes find the language used in these letters to be aggressive and offensive, accusing the taxpayer of committing fraudulent acts in receiving the Lake County Property Tax Homestead Exemption.
What Should You Do When You Receive a Notice that Your Lake County Homestead Property Tax Exemption Has Been Revoked?
SFT Lawyers‘ own, Attorney Christopher Buckley, has represented various county tax officials in the State of Indiana, and he wants to put that knowledge base to work for you! Attorney Buckley understands the complex array of statutes and regulations which govern Lake County Property Tax Homestead Exemptions and can assist you in getting your Lake County tax bill reduced. CALL TODAY for a FREE CONSULTATION. (219) 841-5683.