You’re sitting at your kitchen table in Franklin or Greenwood, staring at that blue and white piece of paper. Most people just look at the bottom line, sigh, and write a check. Honestly, I’ve done the same thing. But johnson county indiana property tax isn't just a static bill you have to pay. It’s a shifting landscape, especially right now in 2026, thanks to some massive changes that just kicked in from the state legislature.
If you think your bill is high just because your house "looks expensive," you’re only seeing half the picture. The real story involves "circuit breakers," supplemental deductions that are ballooning in size, and a massive shift in how the state handles senior and veteran relief.
Why Your 2026 Bill Looks Different (Seriously)
Basically, Indiana decided to shake things up. Starting Jan 1, 2026, the state rolled out Senate Enrolled Act 1. This is a big deal. For years, we relied on a standard homestead deduction of $48,000. That’s being phased out. Sounds scary? Well, they’re trying to balance it by jacking up the supplemental homestead deduction.
In the past, that supplemental deduction was around 37.5%. Now? It's climbing toward 66.7% over the next few years. In plain English: by the time this is fully phased in, you might only be taxed on roughly one-third of your home's actual market value.
But here’s the kicker most people miss. There’s a brand-new 10% homestead tax credit for 2026. It's capped at $300, but it’s a direct dollar-for-dollar reduction of your bill. You don't even have to re-apply if you already have your homestead deduction on file. It just shows up.
The Deadlines You Can’t Ignore
In Johnson County, we don’t do "one and done." You pay in two chunks.
- May 11, 2026: Your first installment is due (it's usually May 10, but that's a Sunday this year).
- November 10, 2026: The second installment hits.
If you’re a minute late? Boom. A 5% penalty if you pay within 30 days. If you wait longer or owe back taxes, it jumps to 10%. Don't give the county extra money just because you forgot to check the calendar.
The "Circuit Breaker" Secret
Indiana has these things called property tax caps, often called "circuit breakers." For a standard home you live in (your homestead), your taxes are capped at 1% of your gross assessed value.
Wait, then why do some bills feel like they’re higher?
Usually, it’s because of voter-approved referendums—like for local schools. Those sit outside the cap. If the folks in Center Grove or Clark-Pleasant voted for a new school building, that cost gets tacked on regardless of the 1% limit.
Seniors and Veterans: The 2026 Overhaul
If you’re over 65, things just got way better—and a bit more complicated. The old "over-65 deduction" that reduced your home's value has been converted into a $150 credit. Credits are better than deductions because they take money directly off the bill rather than just lowering the taxable value.
The income limits also got a bump. For 2026, the adjusted gross income limit is $60,000 for single filers and $70,000 for joint filers.
Veterans aren't left out either. Under HEA 1427, if you’ve got a service-connected disability rating, you might be eligible for deductions ranging from 50% all the way to 100% of your home’s value. It depends on your specific rating from the VA.
How to Actually Pay (And Save on Fees)
Look, nobody likes "convenience fees."
If you pay online with a credit card, you’re going to get hit with roughly a 2.5% fee. On a $3,000 tax bill, that’s $75 just for the privilege of using your card. Kinda ridiculous, right?
Instead, use an eCheck. In Johnson County, eChecks usually have no service fee if you do it through the official portal. Or, just do it the old-fashioned way: drop a check in the box at the West Annex Building in Franklin. It’s located at 86 W. Court Street.
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Fighting the Assessor: When to Appeal
Think your assessment is a total work of fiction? You have rights.
You’ll get your Form 11 (Notice of Assessment) in the spring. That is your window. You have until June 15 (or 45 days after the notice is mailed) to file an appeal.
There are two types of appeals:
- Objective: The county says you have a finished basement, but you actually have a crawlspace with a family of raccoons. This is about facts.
- Subjective: You think your house is worth $350k, but the county says $425k based on "market trends." This is an argument about value.
To win a subjective appeal, you need ammo. Go to a site like Zillow or Redfin, find three houses exactly like yours that sold for less in the last year, and bring those printouts to the assessor's office. They’re actually pretty reasonable if you show up with data instead of just being angry.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your deductions: Head to the Johnson County Auditor’s website. Ensure your "Homestead" and "Supplemental" deductions are active. If you moved or refinanced in 2025, they might have dropped off.
- Verify the 10% Credit: Look at your 2026 bill (when it arrives in April) to make sure that new $300-max credit was applied.
- Audit your "Over-65" status: If you turned 65 last year, you must apply by the deadline to get that $150 credit on this year's bill.
- Appeal early: Don't wait until the May payment is due to complain about the value. By then, the window for 2026 appeals has usually slammed shut.
By staying on top of these shifting rules, you aren't just paying a bill—you're managing one of your biggest annual expenses. Keep those receipts and watch the deadlines.