AppealDesk

Monroe County Property Tax Appeal, Indiana

Travis BunnTravis Bunn·Updated July 22, 2026

Monroe County is located in south-central Indiana with Bloomington as its county seat and largest city, home to Indiana University. The county has a population of approximately 143,345 as of 2025, with other notable communities including Ellettsville and Clear Creek. Property tax appeals are particularly important here due to recent assessment increases, with the county assessor reporting that state cost tables increased by approximately 30% in recent years. Monroe County's median home value of $254,200 is significantly higher than the state average, while the effective tax rate of 0.97% is slightly below the national median of 1.02%. The median annual property tax bill of $2,705 is higher than the national median of $2,400, making careful assessment review important for homeowners.

Notable cities: Bloomington, Ellettsville, Clear Creek

Median Home

$254,200

Tax Rate

0.97%

Annual Tax

$2,705

Population

143,345

On the typical Monroe County home, valued near $254,200 at the county’s effective tax rate of 0.97%, 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

Appeals must be filed by June 15, 2026 if the Form 11 Notice of Assessment was mailed before May 1 of the assessment year. In Monroe County, the 2026 assessment notices were mailed on April 28, 2026, making the deadline June 15, 2026. If notices are mailed on or after May 1, the deadline extends to June 15 of the year the tax bill is mailed.

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How Monroe County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Monroe County Assessor's Office

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: Late April (April 28 in 2026)

Indiana assesses property at 100% of market value, meaning your assessed value equals your home's market value as of January 1 of each year. For example, if your home's market value is $254,200 (the county median), at Indiana's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $254,200. After applying the standard homestead deduction of $40,000 and the supplemental homestead deduction, your taxable value would be reduced significantly, resulting in approximately $2,465 in annual taxes at Monroe County's effective rate of 0.97% before the automatic 10% homestead credit.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals (PTABOA). PTABOA hearings are informal quasi-judicial proceedings where you present your case to a board of three property owners knowledgeable in property valuation. Hearings typically last 15-30 minutes, and you'll have the opportunity to present evidence and answer questions from board members.

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Step 1: Obtain and review your Form 11 Notice of Assessment mailed in late April. Compare your assessed value to recent comparable sales in your neighborhood and verify all property characteristics are correct.

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Step 2: File Form 130 (Taxpayer's Notice to Initiate an Appeal) with the Monroe County Assessor's Office by June 15, 2026. Include your parcel number, the assessed value you're disputing, your opinion of correct value, and specific reasons for the appeal.

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Step 3: Participate in an informal review or conference with the assessor's office. Many appeals are resolved at this stage. If you reach an agreement, you'll sign Form 134 (Informal Hearing Joint Agreement).

4

Step 4: If the informal review doesn't resolve your appeal, your case will be scheduled for a formal hearing before the Monroe County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals (PTABOA). You'll receive at least 30 days' notice of the hearing date.

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Step 5: Attend the PTABOA hearing and present your evidence, including comparable sales, photos, appraisals, or other documentation. The hearing is typically informal and lasts 15-30 minutes. The PTABOA will issue a written determination (Form 115) within 180 days of your initial filing.

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Step 6: If you disagree with the PTABOA's decision, you may appeal to the Indiana Board of Tax Review (IBTR) by filing Form 131 within 45 days of receiving the PTABOA's determination.

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Step 7: If the IBTR ruling is unfavorable, you may further 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 (State Form 53958)

Filing Methods

mail:Monroe County Assessor's Office, 100 West Kirkwood Avenue, Room 104, Bloomington, IN 47404
in-person:Monroe County Assessor's Office, 100 West Kirkwood Avenue, Room 104, Bloomington, IN 47404. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
email:Contact jsharp@co.monroe.in.us for appeals (Judy Sharp handles general questions and appeals)
phone:Call 812-349-2842 or 812-349-2502 to discuss your appeal or request forms

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data from at least three recently sold properties of similar size, age, and locationPhotographs showing property condition issues, deferred maintenance, or unique factors affecting valueLicensed appraisal report dated within the last 12 monthsRepair estimates or contractor quotes for needed workProperty record card to verify accuracy of square footage, features, and characteristicsPurchase agreement if you recently bought the property

Monroe County Assessor Contact

Monroe County Assessor's Office

Phone: 812-349-2842 or 812-349-2502

Address: 100 West Kirkwood Avenue, Room 104, Bloomington, IN 47404

Website: https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/Departments/assessor/

Online Portal: https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?App=MonroeCountyIN&PageType=Search

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Tax Exemptions in Monroe County

Standard Homestead Deduction

$40,000 for 2026 assessment year (phasing down from $48,000 in 2025)

Reduces the assessed value of your primary residence

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as your primary residence on or before December 31 of the prior yearDeadline: January 15 of the year following purchase or change in use

Supplemental Homestead Deduction

40% of remaining assessed value after standard deduction for 2026

Additional deduction applied after the standard homestead deduction, calculated as a percentage of remaining assessed value

Eligibility: Automatically applied if you qualify for the standard homestead deductionDeadline: No separate application required; applied automatically with standard homestead

Supplemental Homestead Credit (New in 2026)

Lesser of $300 or 10% of property tax liability

Automatic credit applied to property tax bill for homestead properties

Eligibility: All homestead properties receive this credit automaticallyDeadline: No application required; applied automatically by county auditor

100% Disabled Veteran Exemption

Full property tax exemption with no home value cap

Complete exemption from property taxes for veterans with 100% service-connected disability or Individual Unemployability status

Eligibility: Veterans with 100% VA disability rating or IU status, must have served at least 90 days and received honorable dischargeDeadline: December 31 annually

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Credit

$350 for wartime veterans with partial disability; $250 for disabled veterans age 62+; credits can be combined for up to $600

Annual tax credit for partially disabled veterans

Eligibility: Veterans with service-connected disability who served at least 90 days with honorable dischargeDeadline: December 31 annually

Over-65 Circuit Breaker

Limits property tax increase to 2% per year

Caps annual property tax increases for qualifying seniors

Eligibility: Age 65 or older with strict household income limitsDeadline: Contact county auditor for specific requirements and annual recertification

Monroe County Appeal Statistics

Avg Reduction

$650

Monroe County Appeal Packet — $49

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Monroe County for 2026?
The deadline to file a property tax appeal in Monroe County is June 15, 2026. This deadline applies because the Form 11 Notice of Assessment was mailed on April 28, 2026, which was before May 1. You must file Form 130 (Taxpayer's Notice to Initiate an Appeal) with the Monroe County Assessor's Office by this date. Missing this deadline means you'll have to wait until next year to appeal your assessment, and you'll be stuck paying taxes based on the current assessment for another year.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Monroe County online or by mail?
To file a property tax appeal in Monroe County, you'll need to complete Form 130 (Taxpayer's Notice to Initiate an Appeal, State Form 53958) and submit it to the Monroe County Assessor's Office. While Monroe County doesn't have a dedicated online appeal filing portal, you can submit your appeal by mailing it to 100 West Kirkwood Avenue, Room 104, Bloomington, IN 47404, or by emailing it to jsharp@co.monroe.in.us. You can also file in person during office hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) or call 812-349-2842 to discuss your appeal. Make sure to include your parcel number, current assessed value, your opinion of the correct value, and detailed reasons for your appeal with supporting documentation.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Monroe County, Indiana?
The homestead exemption in Monroe County consists of multiple components that can provide substantial tax savings. For 2026, the Standard Homestead Deduction is $40,000 off your assessed value, followed by the Supplemental Homestead Deduction of 40% of the remaining assessed value. Additionally, all homestead properties receive an automatic 10% credit (up to $300 maximum) applied directly to the tax bill. For a home with Monroe County's median assessed value of $254,200, the standard deduction removes $40,000, leaving $214,200, and then the supplemental deduction removes another $85,680 (40%), bringing the taxable value down to $128,520. This results in annual savings of approximately $1,220 before the additional $300 credit, for total savings exceeding $1,500 annually.
What happens at a PTABOA hearing in Monroe County?
A PTABOA (Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals) hearing in Monroe County is an informal quasi-judicial proceeding where you present your case to a three-member board of Monroe County property owners who are knowledgeable in property valuation. The hearing typically lasts 15-30 minutes and takes place in a meeting room at the courthouse. You'll present your evidence, including comparable sales data, photographs, appraisals, or other documentation supporting your claimed value. The county assessor will also present their position. Board members may ask questions about your property and evidence. After the hearing, the PTABOA will issue a written determination (Form 115) within 180 days of your original Form 130 filing, either agreeing with your assessment, the county's assessment, or setting a value somewhere in between.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Monroe County?
The amount you can save by appealing your property taxes in Monroe County depends on how much your assessed value is reduced. Based on available data, successful appeals in Monroe County result in an average savings of $650 annually. However, individual results vary significantly. With Monroe County's effective tax rate of 0.97%, every $10,000 reduction in assessed value saves you approximately $97 per year in property taxes. For example, if you successfully reduce your assessment from $300,000 to $250,000 (a $50,000 reduction), you would save about $485 annually, which equals $4,850 over ten years. Given that Monroe County assessor Judith Sharp reported cost table increases of approximately 30% in recent years, many homeowners have legitimate grounds for appeals and could see substantial reductions.
What evidence do I need for a successful Monroe County property tax appeal?
To build a successful property tax appeal in Monroe County, you need objective evidence that demonstrates your property's assessed value exceeds its actual market value. The most compelling evidence includes at least three comparable sales from the past 6-12 months of similar homes in your area that sold for less than your assessed value. A recent professional appraisal (within 12 months) conducted by a licensed Indiana appraiser carries significant weight. Additionally, provide clear photographs documenting property condition issues, deferred maintenance, or unique factors that negatively affect value. If you recently purchased the property in an arm's-length transaction, your purchase agreement is strong evidence. Repair estimates from licensed contractors for needed work also support your case. Make sure to review your property record card for errors in square footage, number of bathrooms, or other features, as objective errors are often the easiest appeals to win.
Can I appeal my Monroe County property taxes if I just bought my home?
Yes, you can absolutely appeal your Monroe County property taxes even if you just purchased your home, and recent buyers often have the strongest appeal cases. If you bought your home in an arm's-length transaction within the past year, your purchase price is excellent evidence of the property's true market value. Indiana law recognizes that a recent sale between a willing buyer and willing seller represents fair market value. You should file Form 130 by the June 15 deadline and include your closing statement, purchase agreement, and any appraisal that was done for your mortgage. However, be aware that you must apply for the homestead exemption separately by January 15 following your purchase to receive those valuable deductions ($40,000 standard deduction plus 40% supplemental deduction). The appeal addresses the assessed value, while the homestead exemption reduces your taxable value further.
What is Form 11 and what should I do when I receive it in Monroe County?
Form 11 is the official Notice of Assessment of Land and Structures that the Monroe County Assessor mails to all property owners each year, typically in late April (mailed April 28 in 2026). This notice shows your property's assessed value that will be used to calculate your property taxes for the upcoming tax year. When you receive your Form 11, immediately compare the assessed value to recent sales of comparable homes in your neighborhood and verify that all property characteristics (square footage, number of bathrooms, lot size, etc.) are accurate. If you believe your assessed value is too high or find errors in the property description, you have until June 15, 2026 to file Form 130 to appeal. The Form 11 also shows what deductions and exemptions are being applied to your property, so verify that you're receiving your homestead deduction if the property is your primary residence.

Official Resources

Monroe County Assessor Official Website →

Access official assessment information, appeal deadlines, contact information, and downloadable forms directly from the Monroe County Assessor's Office.

Monroe County Property Search Portal →

Look up your property record card, view assessed values, search comparable sales, and verify property characteristics online.

Indiana Department of Local Government Finance - Property Tax Appeals →

Access state-level resources, appeal forms including Form 130, guidance documents, and information about the Indiana Board of Tax Review appeal process.

Monroe County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals →

Learn about the PTABOA board members, meeting schedules, and the formal appeal hearing process in Monroe County.

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

Allen County (Fort Wayne)Hamilton County (Noblesville)Johnson County (Greenwood)Kosciusko County (Warsaw)Lake County (Gary)Marion County (Indianapolis)
← All Indiana property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/Departments/assessor/ | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/indiana/monroe-county | https://propertytaxduedates.com/indiana/monroe | https://propertytaxrates.org/exemptions/indiana/ | https://www.wishtv.com/news/politics/new-indiana-law-exempts-100-disabled-veterans-from-property-tax/

Last verified: 2026-07-22