St. Joseph County leaders will host another series of informational sessions to inform St. Joseph County citizens of its new 55 and older property tax credit.

The County Council voted unanimously to pass this tax break last year after we heard complaints about rising assessments and wanted to do something to help our residents. We still think there are many older residents in the county not taking advantage of this tax break — as well as other tax savings the county offers — and so we are working to spread the word again.

Property owners, who take advantage of the program, will be capped at a 2 percent increase each year for the next three years — providing them with some peace of mind. This is a limited, three-year program.

The only other qualifications necessary are that the owner has a homestead deduction (meaning that the property is the owner’s primary residence) and the owner has lived in the home for 10 years.

Please join us for another series of FAQs, with our library partners, to learn how you can benefit from this tax savings. Representatives from Auditor John Murphy and Assessor Mike Castellon’s office will be present to help answer questions. We also will cover the 65 and older deduction, which is for seniors on more limited incomes.

FAQs:

Monday, Sept 16, St. Joe County Public Library, Main Library, Leighton Auditorium, Daytime session, 10 am; Evening session: 6 pm.

Wednesday, Sept 18, New Carlisle Olive Township Library, 6 pm.

Monday, Oct 14, Francis Branch Library, 5:30 pm.

SIGN-UP DAY: Saturday, Nov 2, County-City Building, 2nd floor lobby, 8 am – 12 pm.

(Note that this option is for people who want assistance. Residents can also sign-up anytime for the tax credit online at the auditor’s web site: Auditor | St. Joseph County, IN (sjcindiana.gov).)