Frequently Asked Questions (Taxes)

Can I send my tax bill to the return address on the envelope?

Please DO NOT send tax bills to the return address on the envelope as it creates extra handling and could cause your bill to be late and incur penalties for being late up to and including Sheriff's Sale.

How can I find my tax information online?

Get the copy of your tax bill. You can search in many ways on the website. In the green area Duplicate Number, Parcel Number, Last Name only of the owner on the bill, or mailing address using (house number only or street name only). Less information is better when searching.

  1. Go to http://www2.porterco.org
  2. Click on Tax Website located on the right side of the page.
  3. Before you do anything print out the Graphical Tutorial as a guide.
  4. At Quick Access to: choose General Search from the pull-down box.
  5. Fill in the Dot and enter one choice from the information above.
  6. Press submit (popup blockers must be off).
  7. At this point read the tutorial.
  8. Read information. Click on a tab to take you to what you are looking for.
  9. If you want to pay FREE online click on the Check Book.
  10. Read the warning and click on OK. (You will not be able to pay online if you are on tax sale or collections for delinquent personal property.
  11. Follow direction that came with those delinquent notices.
  12. Choose e-check (FREE) or credit card if desired but there is a charge for all credit card use.
  13. Follow directions and make the payment.
  14. Be sure to enter your e-mail address and check the box to get a receipt.
  15. The Zip Code has to be the one (5 digit code) printed on the address of the tax bill.
  16. Click on the Printer for a bill copy or a receipt.
  17. Click on the blue folder for Assessment Information.

MUCH CAN BE SEEN ON THE SITE AND READING THE TUTORIAL IS VERY HELPFUL!

How can I find out if my taxes have been paid from my escrow account?

You may call your mortgage company or your escrow agent to confirm payment. You may also call the County Treasurer's Office, or you may look online at [External]http://www.porterco.org/pati and follow the directions to see if your taxes have been paid. You will need to look at each parcel individually. (Information: Historically mortgage companies or like agencies do not wire their accounts to the Treasurer's Office until the last day to pay. The Treasurer's Office will post the accounts as soon as possible as on-time payments.)

How is the tax penalty calculated and when does it go into effect?

Click [External]here to visit the State Statute on the 10% penalty.

If I mail my taxes in can I get a receipt?

When you mail your tax bill to the Porter County Treasurer provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope and the Treasurer's Office will send you a receipt.

If I overpaid my taxes, when and how can I receive a tax surplus refund?

Once settlement takes place, letters notifying taxpayers of an available surplus refund are sent out from the County Treasurer's Office to all those who have surplus funds. This letter contains the amount of surplus and information about collection of the surplus from the County Auditor's Office.

What is necessary for a mobile home permit to transfer title or for moving the mobile home unit?

The original title must be brought into the Treasurer's Office. All taxes, current and past due, must be paid prior to obtaining the permit. Payments need to be made by cash or money order for an immediate Mobile Home Permit. If payment is made y check a two-week wait is required.

What is the Treasurer's Office doing to prevent long lines when paying taxes?

We have addressed that problem by creating two lines for Check Payments Only (no problems and no consultation), one Cash Payment Line (no problems and no consultation) and one Problems and Consultation Line paying with check or cash. This new system has proven to move the process of payment along quickly. Suggestion! The best way to stay out of lines is mail in your payment. If you want a receipt include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so a receipt can be sent to you.

What options do I have available to pay my taxes?

You can mail your payment(s) as indicated to the address on the reverse side of the coupon. (DO NOT send payments to the return address on the envelope.)

  1. You may also deposit your payment(s), and avoid waiting in line, by placing your payment(s) in the drop box at the County Building, and your tax payment will be processed on that day. A receipt of your payment(s) will be mailed to you if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
  2. You may stand in the appropriate line to pay your tax bill and receive a receipt.
  3. You can currently pay your tax bill by credit card. The credit card service provider, NOT the county, will apply a 2.75% convenience charge to your payment.

What property tax exemptions are available to me and where do I file for them?

Categories include Homestead Credit and Mortgage, Blind or Disabled, Over 65, Energy System, and Disabled Veteran. Exemptions are applied for in the Porter County Auditor's Office.

When is my tax bill considered late?

  1. The Post Mark is what the Lock Box uses to determine if your bill is on time or late. If your payment is post marked later than the due date indicated on the coupon you are LATE. Suggestion! Send your payment early and use your Online Banking or call your bank to see if the check has been canceled. You may also check on the Porter County website at [External]http://www.porterco.org/pati and follow the instructions to view your tax bill(s).
  2. If you pay over the counter you have until end of business day on the date indicated on the payment coupon. (Penalties can only be waived at the Auditor's Office.)

Where can I get information on my tax history?

You may obtain property tax history at the Porter County Treasurer's Office at 155 Indiana Avenue, Valparaiso, Indiana during normal business hours. Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. excluding holidays.

Where can I go to pay my tax bill and get an immediate receipt?

You may come to the County Administration Building at 155 Indiana Avenue, Valparaiso, Indiana, main floor, and take the hall immediately to your left after you enter the main doors, and wait in line. Working hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday except for holidays.

Where will I be sending my real property and personal property payments?

Mail tax payments to: Porter County Treasurer, P.O. Box 2150, Valparaiso, IN 46384-2150.

Why am I sending my payments to a Lock Box?

Using a Lock Box provides much more efficiency by allowing payments to be processed in a timely manner. Your payment is transferred out of your account and into the county's account by 12:00 a.m. each business day after it is received and your canceled check is processed much sooner than in the past. (In the past checks may not have been processed and canceled for 4-6 weeks after you paid the tax bill.)