Homeowners angry over property tax appeals backlog

Homeowners angry over property tax appeals backlog
April 14, 2009 04:12 PM EST
Marion County Assessor Greg Bowes

Indianapolis - Changes in property tax bills could prompt many Marion County homeowners to refinance. But for others, a backlog of delayed property tax appeals is forcing them out of their homes.
On the southeast side where rows of duplexes and single family homes spring back to life, it's the death of the American dream for some. Homeowners are blaming Marion County's enormous property tax appeals backlog. They want to fight the increases and keep their homes, but can't get a hearing.
"I filed Chapter 13 bankruptcy," said one resident.
"By the time the hearings are done our house will be sold," said another.
"Many people are coming into our office saying my escrow jumped so high I can't afford it," said Marion County Assessor Greg Bowes.
Bowes knows the problem well. Since the 2006 assessment, he has seen 20,000 appeals. Only 3,500 have been resolved. Bowes' top priority: get the new bills out in June.
But what about the homeowners who are barely hanging on right now?
Just this week, the assessor's office just got a bit of good news. Its ratio study that measures the accuracy of its assessments was approved by the state. That means "the people who are in trouble today can find out what their assessed value is. We know that the law says. Your tax bill can be no more than two percent of your assessed value."
For a home assessed at $100,000, the two-percent property tax cap would limit the property tax bill to $2,000. That information can help mortgage companies bring escrow amounts into balance before June's bill, and for some, before it's too late.The Marion County Assessor plans to tackle the backlog of appeals once the June bills are out.
See more information on the approved assessed values and links to property tax information.

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