Tax duties shifting (02/27/2009)

You've got mail.

The Jay County Assessor's office is putting postcards in the mail today to all known owners of taxable personal property in Jay County.

The cards serve as a reminder that personal property tax forms must now be filed with the county assessor, since the state eliminated the township assessors' role.

Personal property forms must be returned to the county assessor's office at the Jay County Courthouse by May 15. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and staff will be able to assist taxpayers during those hours.

Under Indiana law, personal property related to businesses and farms is taxed separately from real property (land and buildings). Any depreciable asset claimed on federal income taxes is likely taxable personal property.

County assessor Terry LeMaster also said his office will host a series of satellite sessions to answer questions and assist taxpayers.

Those are set for April 25 at Sugar Grove Church from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 2 at West Jay Community Center in Dunkirk from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and May 9 at the Bryant Community Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There will also be three evening sessions at the courthouse on March 11, April 8, and May 13 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Forms submitted between May 16 and June 16 will be charged a $25 late fee. Forms submitted after June 16 will be charged the $25 late fee plus a penalty of 20 percent of the personal property tax owed.

If you do not receive the postcard notice and do have personal property in Jay County to be taxed, contact the assessor's office at (260) 726-6972 or (260) 726-6912 for assistance.[[In-content Ad]]