Scott County Property Tax Appeal, Indiana

Travis BunnTravis Bunn·Updated July 22, 2026

Scott County is located in southeastern Indiana with Scottsburg serving as the county seat. With a population of approximately 25,000 residents, the county's main cities include Scottsburg (the largest with about 7,500 residents) and Austin. Property tax appeals matter significantly here because Scott County's effective tax rate of 0.82% is well below the national median, but incorrect assessments can still lead homeowners to overpay hundreds of dollars annually. The county's median home value of $96,600 is substantially lower than both Indiana and national averages, making accurate assessments particularly important for homeowners on fixed incomes.

Notable cities: Scottsburg, Austin

Median Home

$96,600

Tax Rate

0.82%

Annual Tax

$788

Population

25,053

On the typical Scott County home, valued near $96,600 at the county’s effective tax rate of 0.82%, 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, or 45 days from the date your assessment notice (Form 11) was mailed, whichever is later

Indiana property tax appeals must be filed by June 15 of the assessment year in most cases, or within 45 days of receiving your Form 11 Notice of Assessment if that notice was mailed after May 1. Always use the later of these two dates. Missing this deadline means waiting another full year to appeal.

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White Indiana house surrounded by trees on a sunny day. Scott County appeal guide.

How Scott County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Scott County Assessor's Office

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: Spring (typically April-May)

Indiana assesses property at 100% of market value, meaning there is no assessment ratio discount. If your home's market value is $96,600 (Scott County's median), your assessed value would be $96,600. At the county's effective rate of 0.82%, this results in approximately $792 in annual property taxes before any homestead deductions or exemptions are applied. After applying Indiana's standard homestead deduction of $48,000 (for 2026) and the 40% supplemental deduction, a median home's taxable value drops significantly, reducing the actual tax bill.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals (PTABOA). PTABOA hearings are typically informal and last 15-30 minutes. You'll present your evidence to a panel of board members who have property valuation knowledge. The board will issue a written determination (Form 115) setting your assessed value within 180 days of your original Form 130 filing.

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Step 1: Review your Form 11 Notice of Assessment carefully when it arrives in spring. Compare your assessed value to recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood using the county's GIS system at http://scott.in.wthgis.com/

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Step 2: Gather evidence to support your appeal, including recent comparable home sales (within the past 12 months), photos of property defects or needed repairs, a recent appraisal if available, and documentation of any errors in your property record card (square footage, number of rooms, etc.)

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Step 3: Complete Form 130 (Taxpayer's Notice to Initiate an Appeal) and file it with the Scott County Assessor's Office within 45 days of your notice date or by June 15, 2026, whichever is later. Include your property details, current assessed value, your opinion of correct value, and reasons for disagreement

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Step 4: Attend the preliminary informal conference with the assessor's office. An assessor representative will contact you to schedule a meeting or phone call to discuss your case. Many appeals are resolved at this stage without a formal hearing

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Step 5: If the informal review doesn't resolve your appeal, your case will advance to a formal hearing before the Scott County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals (PTABOA). You'll receive at least 30 days' notice of the hearing date and will have the opportunity to present your evidence

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

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Step 7: If still unsatisfied after the IBTR decision, you may appeal to the Indiana Tax Court within 45 days, and ultimately to the Indiana Supreme Court if necessary

Required form: Form 130 - Taxpayer's Notice to Initiate an Appeal (State Form 53958)

Filing Methods

mail:Scott County Assessor's Office, 1 E McClain Ave, Suite 150, Scottsburg, IN 47170
in-person:Scott County Assessor's Office, 1 E McClain Ave, Suite 150, Scottsburg, IN 47170. Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
phone:Call (812) 752-8436 to request appeal forms and filing instructions

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable sales (similar homes sold within past 12 months in your area)Photographs showing property condition, defects, or needed repairsRecent professional appraisal (if available)Documentation of errors in property record cardPurchase contract if you recently bought the propertyRepair estimates for significant issues affecting value

Scott County Assessor Contact

Scott County Assessor's Office

Phone: (812) 752-8436

Address: 1 E McClain Ave, Suite 150, Scottsburg, IN 47170

Website: https://www.scottcounty.in.gov/221/Assessor

Online Portal: http://scott.in.wthgis.com/

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Tax Exemptions in Scott County

Homestead Standard Deduction

$48,000 off assessed value (2026)

Reduces the assessed value of your primary residence

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as your primary residence on December 31 of the year prior to the assessmentDeadline: December 31 annually (applies to following year's taxes)

Supplemental Homestead Deduction

40% of remaining assessed value after standard deduction (2026)

Additional percentage reduction applied after the standard deduction

Eligibility: Automatically applies to properties receiving the standard homestead deductionDeadline: Applies automatically with homestead deduction

Homestead Credit (New for 2026)

10% of tax liability, up to $300 maximum

Dollar-for-dollar credit directly reducing your tax bill

Eligibility: Automatically applies to all properties with homestead deductionDeadline: No application needed - applied automatically

Over-65 Credit

$150 annual credit

Tax credit for senior homeowners

Eligibility: Must be 65 or older by December 31, own and occupy as primary residence, and meet income limits ($60,000 AGI for single filers, $70,000 for joint filers)Deadline: December 31 annually

Blind or Disabled Credit

$125 annual credit

Credit for homeowners who are blind or disabled

Eligibility: Must provide documentation of blind or disabled status; no income limitsDeadline: December 31 annually

Disabled Veterans Deduction

$24,960 for 10%+ disability rating; $37,440 for totally disabled veterans (2026)

Deduction for veterans with service-connected disabilities

Eligibility: Must be a veteran with VA disability rating, own and occupy as primary residenceDeadline: December 31 annually

Mortgage Deduction

Varies based on individual circumstances

Additional deduction for homeowners with mortgages meeting specific criteria

Eligibility: Contact Scott County Auditor's Office at (812) 752-8408 for specific requirementsDeadline: December 31 annually

Scott County Appeal Packet — $49

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Scott County for 2026?
You must file your property tax appeal (Form 130) by June 15, 2026, or within 45 days from the date your Form 11 Notice of Assessment was mailed, whichever date is later. Indiana law is strict about these deadlines - missing it by even one day means you cannot appeal until the following year and will be stuck paying the higher assessment. If your notice was mailed after May 1, you have 45 days from that mailing date. Always mark your calendar immediately when you receive your assessment notice to ensure you don't miss this critical window.
How much can I save with the homestead exemption in Scott County?
The Indiana homestead deduction can save Scott County homeowners significant amounts annually. For 2026, you receive a $48,000 standard deduction plus a 40% supplemental deduction on the remaining value, plus an automatic 10% credit (up to $300) on your final tax bill. On Scott County's median home valued at $96,600, the standard deduction alone reduces your taxable value by nearly half. After all deductions and the credit, a typical homeowner saves approximately $400-500 per year compared to not having the homestead benefit. Over 10 years, that's $4,000-5,000 in savings, and the deduction automatically renews each year once you've applied.
What evidence do I need to file a successful property tax appeal in Scott County?
To win your Scott County property tax appeal, you need market-based evidence that your assessed value exceeds your property's actual market value. The strongest evidence includes recent sales of comparable homes in your neighborhood sold within the past 12 months - look for homes of similar size, age, and condition. Bring at least three to five comparable sales with details on sale price, square footage, and location. Also gather photos showing any property defects, needed repairs, or condition issues that affect value. If your property record card contains errors (wrong square footage, extra bathrooms counted, incorrect finished basement area), document those with measurements and photos. A recent professional appraisal is helpful but not required. The key is showing the board solid, objective data that supports your opinion of value.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Scott County if I disagree with my assessment?
To file a property tax appeal in Scott County, first obtain Form 130 (Taxpayer's Notice to Initiate an Appeal) from the Assessor's Office website or by calling (812) 752-8436. Complete the form with your property information, current assessed value, your opinion of the correct value, and detailed reasons for your disagreement. File it with the Scott County Assessor's Office at 1 E McClain Ave, Suite 150, Scottsburg, IN 47170, either in person during business hours (Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM) or by mail postmarked by the deadline. After filing, an assessor representative will contact you to schedule an informal conference to discuss your concerns. Many appeals are resolved at this stage. If not resolved informally, your case proceeds to a formal PTABOA hearing where you can present your evidence.
What happens at a PTABOA hearing in Scott County?
A PTABOA (Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals) hearing in Scott County is a relatively informal proceeding where you present your case to a panel of board members. You'll receive written notice at least 30 days before the hearing with the date, time, and location. The hearing typically lasts 15-30 minutes. You'll have the opportunity to present your evidence, including comparable sales, photos, appraisals, and any other documentation supporting your opinion of value. The assessor's office will also present their evidence supporting the current assessment. Board members may ask questions about your property and evidence. After the hearing, the board must issue a written determination (Form 115) within 180 days of your original Form 130 filing, either reducing, maintaining, or in rare cases increasing your assessed value.
Can I appeal my Scott County property taxes online, or do I have to mail the forms?
Scott County does not currently offer an online portal for filing property tax appeals electronically. You must file Form 130 either by mail to Scott County Assessor's Office, 1 E McClain Ave, Suite 150, Scottsburg, IN 47170, or in person at that same address during office hours (Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM). While you cannot file online, you can use the county's online GIS system at http://scott.in.wthgis.com/ to research your property information and find comparable sales data to support your appeal. You can also call (812) 752-8436 to have forms mailed to you or to ask questions about the appeal process.
How long does the property tax appeal process take in Scott County?
The Scott County property tax appeal timeline varies depending on whether your case is resolved informally or proceeds to a formal PTABOA hearing. After filing Form 130, the assessor's office will contact you within a few weeks to schedule an informal conference, and many appeals are resolved within 30-60 days at this stage. If your appeal isn't resolved informally, Indiana law requires the PTABOA to hold a hearing within 180 days of your Form 130 filing date, though most hearings occur within 90-120 days. After the hearing, the board must issue a written determination, usually within 30-45 days. From start to finish, expect 3-6 months for appeals that go through the full PTABOA process. If you further appeal to the Indiana Board of Tax Review, add another 6-12 months.
What is Scott County's property tax rate and how does it compare to other Indiana counties?
Scott County has an effective property tax rate of 0.82%, which is below the Indiana state average and well below the national median. On the county's median home value of $96,600, this translates to an annual tax bill of approximately $788 before homestead deductions. However, the actual rate you pay depends on your specific location within Scott County, as the county has seven different taxing districts with varying rates depending on local school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other special taxing units. After applying Indiana's generous homestead deduction ($48,000 standard plus 40% supplemental) and the new 10% credit (up to $300), most owner-occupied homes pay significantly less than the gross calculation. Scott County ranks as having relatively affordable property taxes compared to many Indiana counties.

Official Resources

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

Sources: https://www.tax-rates.org/indiana/scott_county_property_tax | https://www.scottcounty.in.gov/221/Assessor | https://www.appealdesk.com/blog/property-tax-appeal-deadline-indiana | https://www.in.gov/dlgf/ | https://honestcasa.com/taxes/indiana/scott-property-tax-guide | https://www.in.gov/ibtr/forms/

Last verified: 2026-07-22