Disabled veterans in Owen County must re-file for property tax benefits

Changes to Indiana Code require veterans to submit a new application to take advantage of disabled veteran property tax relief deductions and credits. Even veterans who had received property tax benefits in the past are required to file State Form 51186 by contacting the Owen County Veteran Services Office. Qualified veterans may receive 100% property tax deductions and up to a $600 tax credit if they meet eligibility requirements.

Benefits are for veterans with a current VA Service Connected Disability rating of 10% or higher and who are the owners of their own property where the property tax would be assessed. Surviving spouses may also claim these benefits if their deceased spouse satisfied the same eligibility requirements at the time of their passing. Surviving spouses who did not own property at the time of their qualified veteran spouse’s passing may still qualify if the surviving spouse has since become the owner of a property.

What to do if you qualify or think you may qualify?

In order to take advantage of the property tax credits, veterans should contact the Owen County Veteran Services Office in order to get State Form 51186 completed and submitted to the Owen County Auditor’s office. Qualifying individuals should submit their documentation before December 30, 2026 in order for the benefits to apply on their 2027 tax bill. Get more information at https://www.owencounty.in.gov/departments/veteran-services/ or by calling 812-829-5158.