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In Indiana, your Form 11: Notice of Assessment of Land and Improvements is a critical document. It tells you the assessed value of your property, which is the basis for your property tax bill. Understanding this form is the first step in determining if your assessment is fair and if an appeal might be warranted.

Let's break down the key sections of a typical Indiana Form 11 and what you should be looking for.

Key Information at the Top

Usually, the top of Form 11 will contain:

Parcel Number/Property ID: Your unique property identifier. Ensure this is correct.
Property Address: Verify that the address listed is accurate.
Owner Name(s): Confirm the owner information is correct.
Assessment Date: This is typically January 1st of the assessment year. The value reflects your property's market value-in-use as of this date.
Notice Date: The date the notice was mailed. This is important for appeal deadlines.

Breakdown of Assessed Values

Form 11 will show the assessed value broken down, usually into:

Land Value: The assessed value of your land.
Improvements Value: The assessed value of structures on the land (your house, garage, etc.).
Total Assessed Value: The sum of land and improvements. This is the primary figure used to calculate your taxes.

What to check:

Previous Year's Values: Compare the current assessed values to the previous year's Form 11 (if you have it). A significant, unexplained increase could be a red flag.
Market Trends: Does the total assessed value seem to align with what similar properties in your neighborhood have recently sold for around the January 1st assessment date?

Property Characteristics / Details

Many Form 11s, or accompanying documents like your Property Record Card (PRC), will list details about your property that the assessor used to determine its value. This is a crucial section to review for errors.

Common details include:

Living Area Square Footage: Is this accurate? Errors here are common.
Lot Size: Is the land area correct?
Number of Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Verify these counts.
Basement Type and Finish: (e.g., full, partial, finished, unfinished).
Garage Size/Type: (e.g., attached, detached, number of cars).
Year Built & Effective Year Built: The actual year built and an adjusted year if significant renovations have occurred.
Construction Type/Grade: (e.g., frame, brick, quality of construction).
Condition: How the assessor rates the overall condition of your property.
Other Features: Decks, patios, pools, fireplaces, etc.

Why this is critical: Errors in these details can directly lead to an incorrect assessment. For example, if the assessor thinks you have an extra bathroom or more square footage than you do, your assessed value will likely be higher.

Appeal Information and Deadlines

Your Form 11 is your official notification of your right to appeal. It should include:

Appeal Deadline: This is the most important date on the form if you disagree with the assessment. In Indiana, the general deadline is June 15th of the assessment year, OR 45 days from the mailing date on the Form 11, whichever is later. Always verify this specific date.
Instructions on How to Appeal: Information on where and how to file an appeal (typically by filing a Form 130 with your County Assessor).

What to Do if You Find Errors or Disagree

Gather Your Evidence: If you find factual errors on your Form 11 or Property Record Card, gather proof (e.g., your own measurements, blueprints, photos).
Research Comparable Sales: See what similar homes in your area sold for around the January 1st assessment date. Smart Appeal AI can help with this.
Contact Your County Assessor's Office: You can often discuss your concerns informally. They may be able to correct simple errors without a formal appeal.
File a Formal Appeal (Form 130): If you can't resolve the issue informally or believe the value is still too high, file your appeal by the deadline.

Your Form 11 is Your Starting Point

Carefully reviewing your Indiana Form 11 is the first step towards ensuring you're not overpaying on property taxes. Don't just file it away – scrutinize it!

Need help understanding your assessment or finding data for an appeal? Visit Smart Appeal AI.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Specific Form 11 layouts can vary slightly by county. Always refer to your specific county assessor's office for official information and procedures.