DeKalb County Property Tax Appeal, Indiana

Travis Bunn·Updated July 22, 2026

DeKalb County is located in northeastern Indiana with Auburn as the county seat. The county had a population of 43,265 in 2020 and an estimated 44,535 in 2025. With a median home value of $112,300 and an effective property tax rate of 0.79%, DeKalb County homeowners pay significantly less than both state and national averages. Property tax appeals can help ensure your assessment reflects true market value and prevent overpayment on your annual tax bill.

Notable cities: Auburn, Garrett, Butler, Ashley

Median Home

$112,300

Tax Rate

0.79%

Annual Tax

$886

On the typical DeKalb County home, valued near $112,300 at the county’s effective tax rate of 0.79%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you appeal it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

2026 Appeal Deadline: June 15, 2026 (if Form 11 mailed before May 1) or 45 days from Form 11 notice date

The filing deadline depends on when your Form 11 Notice of Assessment is mailed. If mailed before May 1 of the assessment year, the deadline is June 15 of that year. If mailed on or after May 1, the deadline is June 15 of the following year when tax bills are issued. You have 45 days from the date on your Form 11 notice to file an appeal.

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How DeKalb County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: DeKalb County Assessor's Office

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: April (before May 1)

Indiana assesses property at 100% of market value using annual trending factors. If your home's market value is $112,300 (the county median), your assessed value would be $112,300. After applying the standard homestead deduction of $48,000 plus the 40% supplemental deduction on the remaining $64,300 ($25,720), your taxable assessed value would be approximately $38,580, resulting in approximately $305 in annual taxes at DeKalb County's effective rate of 0.79%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals (PTABOA). PTABOA hearings are informal proceedings lasting 15-30 minutes where you present your evidence and testimony. The board reviews your case along with the assessor's response and issues a written determination typically within 120 days of the hearing.

Step 1: Review your Form 11 Notice of Assessment when it arrives (typically April). Note the deadline printed on the notice - you have 45 days to file an appeal.

Step 2: Gather supporting evidence including recent comparable sales in your neighborhood, photos of property condition issues, repair estimates, or a recent appraisal. Research comparable properties using the county's online assessment portal.

Step 3: Complete Form 130 (Taxpayer's Notice to Initiate an Appeal). Section I and II are for assessment value appeals based on overvaluation. Section III is for objective errors like incorrect property details. State your opinion of value and reasons for appeal.

Step 4: File Form 130 with the DeKalb County Assessor's office by mail, in person, or online through the county portal. Keep a copy for your records and note your filing date.

Step 5: Preliminary Conference - The assessor's office will contact you within 180 days to schedule an informal meeting or phone call to discuss your case. Many appeals are resolved at this stage through stipulation agreement.

Step 6: PTABOA Hearing - If the informal review does not resolve your appeal, your case will be forwarded to the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals (PTABOA) for a formal hearing within 180 days of filing. Present your evidence and testimony at the hearing.

Step 7: Appeal to Indiana Board of Tax Review (IBTR) - If you disagree with the PTABOA decision or if they fail to issue a determination within 120 days of the hearing, you may appeal to the state IBTR by filing Form 131 within 45 days of receiving the PTABOA determination.

Step 8: Further Appeals - After IBTR review, you may appeal to the Indiana Tax Court within 45 days, and subsequently to the Indiana Supreme Court if necessary.

Required form: Form 130 - Taxpayer's Notice to Initiate an Appeal

Filing Methods

mail:DeKalb County Assessor, 100 S Main St Courthouse, Auburn, IN 46706

in-person:DeKalb County Assessor's Office, 100 S Main St Courthouse, Auburn, IN 46706. Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday

online:Access Form 130 through the DeKalb County Assessment Data Search portal at engage.xsoftinc.com/dekalb - pre-populated forms available

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable property sales (within 12-18 months, similar size and condition)Photos showing property condition, damage, or deferred maintenanceRecent appraisal report (optional but strong evidence if properly trended)Repair estimates or contractor quotes for needed workProperty record card with highlighted errors in square footage, features, or building characteristicsPurchase documentation if recently bought for less than assessed value

DeKalb County Assessor Contact

DeKalb County Assessor's Office

Phone: (260) 925-1824

Address: 100 S Main St Courthouse, Auburn, IN 46706

Website: https://www.co.dekalb.in.us/department/index.php?structureid=3

Online Portal: https://engage.xsoftinc.com/dekalb/home

Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday

Tax Exemptions in DeKalb County

Standard Homestead Deduction

$48,000 standard deduction plus 40% supplemental deduction on remaining assessed value (2026)

Primary residence deduction automatically reducing your taxable assessed value

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as your primary residence as of December 31. Limited to one homestead per individual or married couple.Deadline: January 5 for current tax year (late applications accepted year-round for following year)

100% Disabled Veteran Full Exemption

100% exemption of all property taxes (no assessed value cap)

Complete property tax exemption for totally disabled veterans on their primary residence

Eligibility: Veterans with 100% service-connected disability rating or Individual Unemployability (IU) status. Must have served at least 90 days, received honorable discharge, and occupy property as primary residence. New for 2026 assessment year.Deadline: December 31 annually with county auditor

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Credit

$350 credit for wartime veterans with 10%+ disability; $250 additional credit for disabled veterans age 62+; credits can stack up to $600

Annual tax credit for partially disabled veterans

Eligibility: Veterans with service-connected disability rating of at least 10%, wartime service, and honorable discharge. Age 62+ veterans qualify for additional $250 credit.Deadline: December 31 annually with county auditor

Over-65 Circuit Breaker Credit

Limits annual tax increase to 2% once qualified (permanent protection)

Caps annual property tax increases at 2% per year for qualifying low-income seniors

Eligibility: Age 65 or older, adjusted gross income under $30,000 (single) or $40,000 (joint), homestead valued under $200,000, owned and occupied at least one yearDeadline: January 5 for current tax year

Over-65 Tax Credit

$150 annual credit

Annual property tax credit for seniors with moderate income

Eligibility: Age 65 or older with income under $60,000 (single) or $70,000 (joint). Must have homestead exemption.Deadline: January 5 for current tax year

10% Automatic Homestead Credit

10% of property tax bill, up to $300 maximum

New automatic credit on all qualifying homestead property tax bills

Eligibility: Automatically applied to all properties with homestead status - no application needed. New for 2026 tax year.Deadline: No application required (automatic)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in DeKalb County, Indiana?

The deadline to file a property tax appeal in DeKalb County is typically June 15, 2026, but this depends on when your Form 11 Notice of Assessment is mailed. If your Form 11 is mailed before May 1, the deadline is June 15 of that same year. If mailed on or after May 1, the deadline extends to June 15 of the following year. You have exactly 45 days from the date printed on your Form 11 notice to file Form 130 with the DeKalb County Assessor's office. Missing this deadline means you must wait until the next assessment cycle to appeal, so mark your calendar immediately upon receiving your notice.

How do I file a property tax appeal in DeKalb County online?

DeKalb County offers online access to Form 130 through their assessment portal at engage.xsoftinc.com/dekalb/home. Search for your property by address or parcel number, then click on the 'Forms' tab to access a pre-populated Form 130 with your parcel information already filled in. Complete Section I and Section II if you're appealing the assessed value based on market value concerns, or Section III if you're correcting factual errors like incorrect square footage or features. While you can download and prepare the form online, verify with the Assessor's office at (260) 925-1824 whether electronic submission is accepted or if you need to mail or deliver the completed form.

What is the homestead deduction worth in DeKalb County for 2026?

For the 2026 assessment year in DeKalb County, the Indiana homestead deduction consists of two parts: a standard deduction of $48,000 plus a supplemental deduction of 40% of the remaining assessed value after the standard deduction is applied. For example, on DeKalb County's median home valued at $112,300, you would subtract $48,000 (leaving $64,300), then subtract another 40% ($25,720), resulting in a taxable assessed value of just $38,580. This saves approximately $582 annually at the county's 0.79% effective tax rate. Additionally, all homesteads automatically receive a new 10% property tax credit (up to $300) starting in 2026, providing even more savings.

What happens at a PTABOA hearing in DeKalb County?

A PTABOA (Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals) hearing in DeKalb County is an informal proceeding where you present your case to a panel of appointed board members. The hearing typically lasts 15-30 minutes. You'll present your evidence such as comparable sales data, photos, appraisals, or documentation of errors, and explain why you believe your assessment is too high. The county assessor's office will also present their position. You don't need an attorney, and the proceedings are designed for property owners to represent themselves. After the hearing, the PTABOA has 120 days to issue a written determination. If you disagree with their decision or they fail to act within 180 days of your initial filing, you can appeal to the Indiana Board of Tax Review.

How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in DeKalb County?

The potential savings from a property tax appeal in DeKalb County depends on how much your assessment is reduced. With DeKalb County's 0.79% effective tax rate, every $10,000 reduction in assessed value saves you approximately $79 per year. For example, if you successfully reduce your assessed value from $120,000 to $100,000 (a $20,000 reduction), you would save approximately $158 annually. Over three years, that's $474 in savings. National statistics show about 25% of homes are over-assessed, with successful appeals averaging around 10% reductions. For DeKalb County's median home value of $112,300, a 10% reduction would equal $11,230 in assessment reduction, saving about $89 per year or $267 over three years.

What evidence do I need for a successful DeKalb County property tax appeal?

The strongest evidence for a DeKalb County property tax appeal includes recent comparable sales of similar homes in your neighborhood sold within the past 12-18 months. Indiana law places the burden of proof on the assessor if your assessment increased by more than 5%, but you should still bring supporting documentation. Effective evidence includes: recent comparable property sales showing lower values, photos documenting property condition issues or deferred maintenance, a recent professional appraisal (properly trended to January 1 assessment date), repair estimates for needed work, documentation of property record errors like incorrect square footage or features, and your purchase price if you bought recently for less than the assessed value. While an appraisal is not required, the Indiana Tax Court has stated it is considered the best evidence when properly prepared.

Can disabled veterans get property tax exemptions in DeKalb County?

Yes, Indiana offers substantial property tax benefits for disabled veterans in DeKalb County. Starting with the 2026 assessment year, veterans with 100% service-connected disability or Individual Unemployability status receive a complete exemption from all property taxes on their primary residence with no home value cap. Veterans with partial disabilities (10% or more) who served during wartime receive a $350 annual property tax credit, and if they're also age 62 or older, they qualify for an additional $250 credit, totaling up to $600 in combined credits. New 2026 legislation removed the previous $240,000 assessed value limit, making these benefits available regardless of home value. Veterans must apply with the DeKalb County Auditor's office at (260) 925-2362 and provide DD-214 discharge papers and VA disability rating documentation.

How does the informal review process work in DeKalb County property tax appeals?

After you file Form 130 with the DeKalb County Assessor's office, you'll enter an informal review period lasting up to 180 days. During this time, someone from the assessor's office will contact you to schedule a preliminary conference, either in person or by phone, to discuss your appeal. This informal meeting provides an opportunity to present your evidence, explain your concerns, and potentially reach an agreement without going to a formal PTABOA hearing. Many DeKalb County appeals are resolved at this stage through a stipulation agreement where both parties agree on the correct assessed value. If you cannot reach an agreement within 120 days, or if the assessor does not forward results to PTABOA within 180 days, your case automatically proceeds to a formal PTABOA hearing where you'll present your case to the appeals board.

Official Resources

DeKalb County Assessor's Office →

Official county assessor website with property assessment information, services, and contact details for appeal assistance.

DeKalb County Property Assessment Portal →

Search property records, view assessment data, and access pre-populated Form 130 appeal forms for your parcel.

Indiana Department of Local Government Finance - Property Tax Information →

State-level property tax resources including assessment guidelines, appeal procedures, forms, and taxpayer assistance.

Indiana Property Tax Appeal Forms and Resources →

Download Form 130 for county appeals and Form 131 for state-level appeals, plus detailed guidance on the Indiana appeal process.

For state-wide appeal information including Indiana's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Indiana Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More Indiana Counties

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← All Indiana property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.co.dekalb.in.us/department/index.php?structureid=3 | https://www.tax-rates.org/indiana/dekalb_county_property_tax | https://engage.xsoftinc.com/dekalb/home/resources | https://www.in.gov/dlgf/files/user-guides/251113-Fact-Sheet-Assessment-Appeals.pdf | https://propertytaxrates.org/exemptions/indiana/ | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeKalb_County,_Indiana

Last verified: 2026-07-22