Welcome to Engage™, St. Joseph County's citizen engagement portal!

A modern approach to citizen engagement suggests that some citizens appreciate the ability to interact with their local government in a digital environment, such as online access to services to; pay property taxes, research publicly available information, submit documents and forms, etc. That’s where Engage™ comes in!

Thank you for visiting our website and for the opportunity to serve you and your needs.

Please contact us anytime - we are here to help!


News

County Assessor's Annual Report - 2026

News

County Assessor's Annual Report - 2026

Welcome to Engage™, St. Joseph County's citizen engagement portal!

A modern approach to citizen engagement suggests that some citizens appreciate the ability to interact with their local government in a digital environment, such as online access to services to; pay property taxes, research publicly available information, submit documents and forms, etc. That’s where Engage™ comes in!

Thank you for visiting our website and for the opportunity to serve you and your needs.

Please contact us anytime - we are here to help!

I WANT TO...

I WANT TO...

Cyclical Reassessment

During statewide reassessments, county and township assessors physically inspect each property to ensure that records are correct. Approximately 25% of the parcels in each jurisdiction will be reassessed each year, over a four-year time frame.

During a field inspection, personnel will attempt to make contact with the taxpayer to identify his/herself and explain their purpose for the visit. They will ask several questions to verify information about the interior of the property and request permission to inspect the exterior. If no one is home, personnel will proceed with their work, which includes an inspection of the front and rear of the property. When the inspection is complete, a door hanger will be left to inform the taxpayer that we were there. Photographs will also be taken during all inspections.

Each reassessment field inspector wears an ID badge. If a taxpayer is uncertain about the identity of a representative, please contact the St. Joseph County Assessor's Office for verification.

St. Joseph County Ratio Studies by Township

Cyclical Reassessment

During statewide reassessments, county and township assessors physically inspect each property to ensure that records are correct. Approximately 25% of the parcels in each jurisdiction will be reassessed each year, over a four-year time frame.

During a field inspection, personnel will attempt to make contact with the taxpayer to identify his/herself and explain their purpose for the visit. They will ask several questions to verify information about the interior of the property and request permission to inspect the exterior. If no one is home, personnel will proceed with their work, which includes an inspection of the front and rear of the property. When the inspection is complete, a door hanger will be left to inform the taxpayer that we were there. Photographs will also be taken during all inspections.

Each reassessment field inspector wears an ID badge. If a taxpayer is uncertain about the identity of a representative, please contact the St. Joseph County Assessor's Office for verification.

St. Joseph County Ratio Studies by Township

Appeals


*NEW LEGISLATIVE CHANGES AFFECTING THE APPEALS PROCESS*

IC 6-1.1-15-1.1
As a result of legislative changes that were passed in 2017, significant changes have been made to the appeal process. Taxpayers wishing to contest their assessment must now do so on the State prescribed form, Form 130. Form 133, which was previously used to contest assessments on objective grounds, has been eliminated. Taxpayers wishing to contest their assessment on objective grounds (for example, a garage that has been removed or too much square footage) should now do so using page 2 of Form 130. For further information, please visit the DLGF’s website at http://www.in.gov/dlgf/ or contact our office directly.

For the assessment, January 1, 2024 Form 11's were mailed on April 26, 2024 and the filing deadline is June 17, 2024.

Appeals


*NEW LEGISLATIVE CHANGES AFFECTING THE APPEALS PROCESS*

IC 6-1.1-15-1.1
As a result of legislative changes that were passed in 2017, significant changes have been made to the appeal process. Taxpayers wishing to contest their assessment must now do so on the State prescribed form, Form 130. Form 133, which was previously used to contest assessments on objective grounds, has been eliminated. Taxpayers wishing to contest their assessment on objective grounds (for example, a garage that has been removed or too much square footage) should now do so using page 2 of Form 130. For further information, please visit the DLGF’s website at http://www.in.gov/dlgf/ or contact our office directly.

For the assessment, January 1, 2024 Form 11's were mailed on April 26, 2024 and the filing deadline is June 17, 2024.

Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals

St. Joseph County has a 5 voting-member Board. The County Assessor serves as secretary and a non-voting member.

Voting Members
Rosemary Mandrici
Heather Merrill
Gloria Niedbalski
Anthony Piraccini
Connor McCarthy

Non-Voting Members
Michael Castellon, – St. Joseph County Assessor, Certified Level III Assessor/Appraiser, Secretary to the Board

PTABOA Attorney
Frank Agostino


Meetings Are held on the 4th Floor, Council Chambers, County-City Building, 227 W Jefferson Blvd, South Bend IN 46601.

Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals

St. Joseph County has a 5 voting-member Board. The County Assessor serves as secretary and a non-voting member.

Voting Members
Rosemary Mandrici
Heather Merrill
Gloria Niedbalski
Anthony Piraccini
Connor McCarthy

Non-Voting Members
Michael Castellon, – St. Joseph County Assessor, Certified Level III Assessor/Appraiser, Secretary to the Board

PTABOA Attorney
Frank Agostino


Meetings Are held on the 4th Floor, Council Chambers, County-City Building, 227 W Jefferson Blvd, South Bend IN 46601.

Tax Bill Estimator

The Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF), in partnership with the Indiana Business Research Center (IBRC) at Indiana University, created the below tax bill projection tools for Indiana taxpayers. These tools will allow the taxpayer to enter their property's assessed value and possible deductions to see a range of tax bill estimates.

The estimates provided by these tools are projections only and should not be taken as a statement of true tax liability.

For a list of Taxing Districts (Number/Name) by Township, please see this listing made available by the DLGF.

Tax Bill Estimator

The Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF), in partnership with the Indiana Business Research Center (IBRC) at Indiana University, created the below tax bill projection tools for Indiana taxpayers. These tools will allow the taxpayer to enter their property's assessed value and possible deductions to see a range of tax bill estimates.

The estimates provided by these tools are projections only and should not be taken as a statement of true tax liability.

For a list of Taxing Districts (Number/Name) by Township, please see this listing made available by the DLGF.

Forms

Please take note of the instructions regarding the forms below:

  • Blank forms may be downloaded.
  • Fillable PDFs will not save as populated under the "save" option. Once filled, they may be printed to a PDF under the "print" option.
  • Fillable forms are to be printed, signed, and submitted to the Assessor's office.

Forms

Please take note of the instructions regarding the forms below:

  • Blank forms may be downloaded.
  • Fillable PDFs will not save as populated under the "save" option. Once filled, they may be printed to a PDF under the "print" option.
  • Fillable forms are to be printed, signed, and submitted to the Assessor's office.

Inheritance

Inheritance tax in the State of Indiana was repealed for individuals who died after Dec. 31, 2012. No inheritance tax returns have to be prepared or filed. No tax has to be paid. In addition, no Consents to Transfer personal property or Notice of Intended Transfer of Checking Account are required for those dying after Dec. 31, 2012. However, for individuals who died before January 1, 2013, inheritance tax returns are still required for those that exceed their exemption amount.

Effective April 1, 2016, all resident Indiana Inheritance Tax Returns (Form IH-6) for individuals who died prior to January 1, 2013 must be filed with the Indiana Department of Revenue, rather than the county courts.

For more information regarding the repeal of inheritance tax view the letter the Indiana Department of Revenue issued here, inheritance.pdf. You can visit the DOR's Inheritance Tax webpage, contact via email, or call 317-232-2154, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Eastern Time.

Inheritance

Inheritance tax in the State of Indiana was repealed for individuals who died after Dec. 31, 2012. No inheritance tax returns have to be prepared or filed. No tax has to be paid. In addition, no Consents to Transfer personal property or Notice of Intended Transfer of Checking Account are required for those dying after Dec. 31, 2012. However, for individuals who died before January 1, 2013, inheritance tax returns are still required for those that exceed their exemption amount.

Effective April 1, 2016, all resident Indiana Inheritance Tax Returns (Form IH-6) for individuals who died prior to January 1, 2013 must be filed with the Indiana Department of Revenue, rather than the county courts.

For more information regarding the repeal of inheritance tax view the letter the Indiana Department of Revenue issued here, inheritance.pdf. You can visit the DOR's Inheritance Tax webpage, contact via email, or call 317-232-2154, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Eastern Time.

Mobile Home

The true tax value of mobile homes is assessed under IC 6-1.1-7 (other than mobile homes subject to the preferred valuation method under IC 6-1.1-439(b)) using The National Automobile Dealers Association Guide.

50 IAC 3.3-2-2
"Annually assessed mobile home" defined Sec. 2
"Annually assessed mobile home" means a mobile home that: (1) has a certificate of title issued by the bureau of motor vehicles under IC 9-17-6; and(2) is not on a permanent foundation.

IC 9-17-1-0.5
Items requiring a title under IC 9-17Sec. 0.5. The following are required to be titled under this article:(3) Manufactured or mobile homes that are:(A) personal property not held for resale; or(B) not attached to real estate by a permanent foundation.

50 IAC 3.3-2-3 - "Mobile Home" means a "dwelling" as defined in IC 9-13-2-103.2.

A "manufactured home" as defined in IC 9-13-2-96

If you have any questions regarding Transferring/ Moving permits, see the guidance offered by the Office of the St. Joseph County Treasurer.

  • For questions or information regarding mobile home titles, please contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
  • If the name(s) on the title appears to be incorrect, please contact your mobile home park office.

Reports

Mobile Home

The true tax value of mobile homes is assessed under IC 6-1.1-7 (other than mobile homes subject to the preferred valuation method under IC 6-1.1-439(b)) using The National Automobile Dealers Association Guide.

50 IAC 3.3-2-2
"Annually assessed mobile home" defined Sec. 2
"Annually assessed mobile home" means a mobile home that: (1) has a certificate of title issued by the bureau of motor vehicles under IC 9-17-6; and(2) is not on a permanent foundation.

IC 9-17-1-0.5
Items requiring a title under IC 9-17Sec. 0.5. The following are required to be titled under this article:(3) Manufactured or mobile homes that are:(A) personal property not held for resale; or(B) not attached to real estate by a permanent foundation.

50 IAC 3.3-2-3 - "Mobile Home" means a "dwelling" as defined in IC 9-13-2-103.2.

A "manufactured home" as defined in IC 9-13-2-96

If you have any questions regarding Transferring/ Moving permits, see the guidance offered by the Office of the St. Joseph County Treasurer.

  • For questions or information regarding mobile home titles, please contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
  • If the name(s) on the title appears to be incorrect, please contact your mobile home park office.

Reports

Personal Property

Personal Property is a self-assessed valuation system whereby property owners are responsible for reporting all tangible personal property that is used in their trade or business, used for the production of income, or held as an investment that should be or is subject to depreciation for federal income tax purposes. Completed personal property returns must be received on or before Monday, May 15, 2023. Returns can be mailed to: St. Joseph County Assessor, 127 W Jefferson Blvd Flr 3, South Bend, IN 46601 and must be postmarked on or before May 15, 2023.

A penalty of twenty-five dollars ($25) applies for returns filed after May 15, 2023. For returns not filed within thirty (30) days of the due date, an additional fee of twenty percent (20%) of the taxes payable will be assessed.

Personal Property Exemption

Personal Property exemption eligibility/notification SEA 233-2019

Indiana Senate bill 233 was passed amending IC6-1.1-3-7.2 to allow an exemption from the tax for business owners filing under $80,000 in acquisition costs. Beginning with January 1, 2023 assessment date, a taxpayer is no longer required to file a personal property tax return if they have previously filed a return that claimed the exemption, unless or until the taxpayer no longer qualifies for the exemption. (IC 6-1.1-3-7.2(f) SEA-2002 Sec.11)

Business owners shall report assets in the correct taxing unit where the property has tax situs.* The return must have an NAICS code which appears on the federal return. Individuals using Social Security numbers as Federal Identification numbers are only required to use the last four digits. Failure to file a return on or before the due date without a declared value or signature, not in the correct taxing unit, or without an NAICS code, will result in a penalty of $25.00 per Indiana code 6-1.1-37-7.

* See links below to access websites for required information.

Personal Property Online Portal – Indiana (PPOP-IN)

The Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) has a new online service portal to file business personal property filings, and can be found here.
To Look up your taxing district go to https://budgetnotices.in.gov/
NAICS codes look up go to https://www.census.gov/naics/
Please contact our office at (574) 235-9523 or personalproperty@sjcindiana.gov if you have any further questions.

Forms

Personal Property

Personal Property is a self-assessed valuation system whereby property owners are responsible for reporting all tangible personal property that is used in their trade or business, used for the production of income, or held as an investment that should be or is subject to depreciation for federal income tax purposes. Completed personal property returns must be received on or before Monday, May 15, 2023. Returns can be mailed to: St. Joseph County Assessor, 127 W Jefferson Blvd Flr 3, South Bend, IN 46601 and must be postmarked on or before May 15, 2023.

A penalty of twenty-five dollars ($25) applies for returns filed after May 15, 2023. For returns not filed within thirty (30) days of the due date, an additional fee of twenty percent (20%) of the taxes payable will be assessed.

Personal Property Exemption

Personal Property exemption eligibility/notification SEA 233-2019

Indiana Senate bill 233 was passed amending IC6-1.1-3-7.2 to allow an exemption from the tax for business owners filing under $80,000 in acquisition costs. Beginning with January 1, 2023 assessment date, a taxpayer is no longer required to file a personal property tax return if they have previously filed a return that claimed the exemption, unless or until the taxpayer no longer qualifies for the exemption. (IC 6-1.1-3-7.2(f) SEA-2002 Sec.11)

Business owners shall report assets in the correct taxing unit where the property has tax situs.* The return must have an NAICS code which appears on the federal return. Individuals using Social Security numbers as Federal Identification numbers are only required to use the last four digits. Failure to file a return on or before the due date without a declared value or signature, not in the correct taxing unit, or without an NAICS code, will result in a penalty of $25.00 per Indiana code 6-1.1-37-7.

* See links below to access websites for required information.

Personal Property Online Portal – Indiana (PPOP-IN)

The Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) has a new online service portal to file business personal property filings, and can be found here.
To Look up your taxing district go to https://budgetnotices.in.gov/
NAICS codes look up go to https://www.census.gov/naics/
Please contact our office at (574) 235-9523 or personalproperty@sjcindiana.gov if you have any further questions.

Forms

Tax Exemptions

The owner of the property who wishes to obtain an exemption must file State Form 9284 / Form 136 with the County Assessor. The owner must provide all information requested on the application and accompanying information sheet. There is no filing fee.

This application/form must be filed on or before April 1 of the assessment year and must be re-filed every even year unless the exempt property is owned, occupied, and used for educational, literary, scientific, religious, or charitable purposes and continues to meet the requirements of IC 6-1.1-10-16 or IC 6-1.1-10-21, or is owned by a fraternity or sorority and continues to meet the requirements of IC 6-1.1-10-24. An application should be filed in any year in which an appeal to the Indiana Board of Tax Review or to a court for an exemption determination on the property is pending from any preceding year.

Tax Exemptions

The owner of the property who wishes to obtain an exemption must file State Form 9284 / Form 136 with the County Assessor. The owner must provide all information requested on the application and accompanying information sheet. There is no filing fee.

This application/form must be filed on or before April 1 of the assessment year and must be re-filed every even year unless the exempt property is owned, occupied, and used for educational, literary, scientific, religious, or charitable purposes and continues to meet the requirements of IC 6-1.1-10-16 or IC 6-1.1-10-21, or is owned by a fraternity or sorority and continues to meet the requirements of IC 6-1.1-10-24. An application should be filed in any year in which an appeal to the Indiana Board of Tax Review or to a court for an exemption determination on the property is pending from any preceding year.

General Questions


Where do I find my parcel number?

  • On your Form 11
  • On your property record card
  • On your tax bill
  • From the search bar on this website by entering your address

Where can I look up property record cards?

Record cards can be searched, located, and printed online through a parcel search by clicking here.


Who do I contact if I live in Penn Township?

Residents of Penn Township should contact the Penn Township Assessor. Contact information is available by clicking here.


Assessment Process


Where can I go for more information about the Assessment Process?

The Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) offers extensive information regarding current legislation and tax policy. DLGF Overview


Why does my assessment show a value for improvement when I haven't made any improvements to my property?

The term “Improvement” refers to your house, structure, or other improvements to the raw land. These are not necessarily improvements that have been added during the current year.


What is a Form 11? Will I get one?

For more information on the Notice of Assessment of Land and Improvements (Form 11), visit the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) .


If property values are decreasing, why are my assessed values rising?

Assessed values are established as of January 1 of the tax year. To determine a property’s value on that date, sales data from the prior year is analyzed.


What is a Ratio Study and how does it affect my assessed value?

Ratio studies are conducted to ensure uniformity and equity in a mass appraisal system. For more information, visit DLGF.


I bought my property on a tax sale. Why is my assessment higher than what I paid?

Real property in Indiana is assessed at Market Value in Use. Distress sales such as tax, foreclosure, or short sales are typically not representative of market value.


What is meant by Property Tax Caps?

Please see the first paragraph on the following webpage: Tax Bill 101 .

``

Appeals


How do I file an appeal if I disagree with my assessed value?

  • A blank Form 130 can be accessed here: Blank Form 130
  • Search your parcel using the search bar. Click on your address for property details. Under the Forms tab, you can access a Form 130 populated with your parcel information.
  • Your appeal form may be mailed, brought to the Assessor’s Office, or submitted through this website.

What is the timeframe for filing an appeal on my property tax assessment?

If the Form 11 Notice of Assessment is mailed before May 1, the filing deadline is June 15 of that year.

If the Form 11 is mailed after April 30, the filing deadline is June 15 of the year that tax statements are mailed.

Indiana Code reference: IC 6‑1.1‑15‑1.1


How can I check the status of my appeal?

Contact your County or Township Assessor for the status of active appeals.


Taxes


Why did my taxes go up?

Assessed values reflect market conditions and are trended annually. Actual taxes may vary based on approved tax rates, referendums, or individual property circumstances.


Why are my taxes higher than my neighbor’s?

  • Several factors affect taxes once a property is assessed, including deductions, tax caps, and applicable fees.
  • Properties that appear similar may have different interior or exterior characteristics that affect assessed value.
  • For more information, visit the DLGF – Citizen’s Guide to Property Tax .

I paid more for my property than the assessed value. Will my taxes go up?

Assessed values fluctuate with the market. An arm’s‑length sale is a significant factor in determining market trends and may affect future assessed values.


Sales


How do I find sales information?

Sales information can be obtained here, or at the Department of Local Government Finance website by clicking here .


How do I find out who owns a property or how much it sold for?

  • Use the search bar to search by address or parcel number.
  • Use the map search: Map.

Reassessment


What is a reassessment?

  • A physical inspection of the property is performed to ensure records are correct.
  • Properties in Indiana are reassessed on a four‑year cycle, with one‑fourth of the county reassessed each year. For more information, visit DLGF.

What is the purpose of the door hanger left at my home?

During reassessment, field agents inspect the exterior of properties and may interview owners for interior information. If no one is available, a door hanger is left to document the visit.


Is the Assessor allowed to trespass on my private property?

Assessors may inspect properties during statewide reassessments to verify structural characteristics and ensure accurate valuations.


Miscellaneous


Where do I record documents?

For general recording questions, please click here.


Where do I obtain information on Sales Tax Liens?

State tax lien questions should be directed to the County Clerk’s Office.

Federal tax lien questions should be directed to the County Recorder’s Office .


Where do I go to file for probate or estate matters?

Probate and estate filings should be directed to the Probate Court Clerk .


Who do I contact with questions about zoning?

If you live within a city or town, contact the municipality. If you live outside municipal boundaries, contact the Area Plan Commission .

General Questions


Where do I find my parcel number?

  • On your Form 11
  • On your property record card
  • On your tax bill
  • From the search bar on this website by entering your address

Where can I look up property record cards?

Record cards can be searched, located, and printed online through a parcel search by clicking here.


Who do I contact if I live in Penn Township?

Residents of Penn Township should contact the Penn Township Assessor. Contact information is available by clicking here.

Assessment Process


Where can I go for more information about the Assessment Process?

The Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) offers extensive information regarding current legislation and tax policy. DLGF Overview


Why does my assessment show a value for improvement when I haven't made any improvements to my property?

The term “Improvement” refers to your house, structure, or other improvements to the raw land. These are not necessarily improvements that have been added during the current year.


What is a Form 11? Will I get one?

For more information on the Notice of Assessment of Land and Improvements (Form 11), visit the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) .


If property values are decreasing, why are my assessed values rising?

Assessed values are established as of January 1 of the tax year. To determine a property’s value on that date, sales data from the prior year is analyzed.


What is a Ratio Study and how does it affect my assessed value?

Ratio studies are conducted to ensure uniformity and equity in a mass appraisal system. For more information, visit DLGF.


I bought my property on a tax sale. Why is my assessment higher than what I paid?

Real property in Indiana is assessed at Market Value in Use. Distress sales such as tax, foreclosure, or short sales are typically not representative of market value.


What is meant by Property Tax Caps?

Please see the first paragraph on the following webpage: Tax Bill 101 .

``

Appeals


How do I file an appeal if I disagree with my assessed value?

  • A blank Form 130 can be accessed here: Blank Form 130
  • Search your parcel using the search bar. Click on your address for property details. Under the Forms tab, you can access a Form 130 populated with your parcel information.
  • Your appeal form may be mailed, brought to the Assessor’s Office, or submitted through this website.

What is the timeframe for filing an appeal on my property tax assessment?

If the Form 11 Notice of Assessment is mailed before May 1, the filing deadline is June 15 of that year.

If the Form 11 is mailed after April 30, the filing deadline is June 15 of the year that tax statements are mailed.

Indiana Code reference: IC 6‑1.1‑15‑1.1


How can I check the status of my appeal?

Contact your County or Township Assessor for the status of active appeals.

Taxes


Why did my taxes go up?

Assessed values reflect market conditions and are trended annually. Actual taxes may vary based on approved tax rates, referendums, or individual property circumstances.


Why are my taxes higher than my neighbor’s?

  • Several factors affect taxes once a property is assessed, including deductions, tax caps, and applicable fees.
  • Properties that appear similar may have different interior or exterior characteristics that affect assessed value.
  • For more information, visit the DLGF – Citizen’s Guide to Property Tax .

I paid more for my property than the assessed value. Will my taxes go up?

Assessed values fluctuate with the market. An arm’s‑length sale is a significant factor in determining market trends and may affect future assessed values.

Sales


How do I find sales information?

Sales information can be obtained here, or at the Department of Local Government Finance website by clicking here .


How do I find out who owns a property or how much it sold for?

  • Use the search bar to search by address or parcel number.
  • Use the map search: Map.

Reassessment


What is a reassessment?

  • A physical inspection of the property is performed to ensure records are correct.
  • Properties in Indiana are reassessed on a four‑year cycle, with one‑fourth of the county reassessed each year. For more information, visit DLGF.

What is the purpose of the door hanger left at my home?

During reassessment, field agents inspect the exterior of properties and may interview owners for interior information. If no one is available, a door hanger is left to document the visit.


Is the Assessor allowed to trespass on my private property?

Assessors may inspect properties during statewide reassessments to verify structural characteristics and ensure accurate valuations.

Miscellaneous


Where do I record documents?

For general recording questions, please click here.


Where do I obtain information on Sales Tax Liens?

State tax lien questions should be directed to the County Clerk’s Office.

Federal tax lien questions should be directed to the County Recorder’s Office .


Where do I go to file for probate or estate matters?

Probate and estate filings should be directed to the Probate Court Clerk .


Who do I contact with questions about zoning?

If you live within a city or town, contact the municipality. If you live outside municipal boundaries, contact the Area Plan Commission .