Homestead Exemption in Allen County, Indiana

Last Updated: August 2026

If you own and live in your Allen County home as your primary residence, you may qualify for Indiana’s Homestead Standard Deduction and related property tax benefits. Applications are handled by the Allen County Auditor’s Office.

Quick Answer

Allen County homeowners can apply for the Homestead Deduction online through the County Auditor.

Apply for the Allen County Homestead Deduction

Allen County Auditor: 260-449-7241

Who Qualifies?

You may qualify if you:

  • Own your home, or are buying it under a qualifying recorded contract
  • Use the property as your principal place of residence
  • Meet Indiana’s ownership and residency requirements

The homestead can generally include the home and up to one acre of surrounding land.

Indiana defines a principal place of residence as your true, fixed and permanent home—the place you intend to return to after an absence.

View Allen County Homestead Requirements

How Much Is the Homestead Deduction?

Indiana’s Homestead Standard Deduction reduces the assessed value used to calculate your property taxes.

For assessment dates after December 31, 2024, the standard deduction is generally:

The lesser of 60% of the homestead’s assessed value or $48,000.

Eligible homeowners also receive a Supplemental Homestead Deduction, which further reduces taxable assessed value.

The exact tax savings depend on your property’s assessment, tax rate and other applicable credits and deductions.

View Indiana Property Tax Benefits

2026 Supplemental Homestead Benefits

Indiana’s property-tax laws have changed, including benefits affecting homestead properties.

For taxes payable in 2026, the Supplemental Homestead Deduction equals 40% of the assessed value remaining after the standard Homestead Deduction.

The percentage is scheduled to increase in future years under current Indiana law.

Eligible homesteads may also receive a Supplemental Homestead Credit against the property tax bill.

You don’t file a separate application for these supplemental benefits when you’re already eligible for the Homestead Standard Deduction.

How to Apply Online

Allen County encourages homeowners to submit the application online.

You’ll need:

  • A personal email address
  • Last five digits of your Social Security number
  • Your spouse’s information, if applicable
  • Property information
  • Additional documentation if the property is held in a trust

If you don’t have a Social Security number, the county provides instructions for using driver’s license or state ID information instead.

Apply Online for the Homestead Deduction

After submitting, watch for your confirmation email. Allen County advises contacting the Auditor if you don’t receive confirmation within two business days.

Filing Deadline

Applications must generally be completed and dated by January 15 of the calendar year in which the property taxes are first due and payable.

For example, an application completed by January 15, 2026 could apply to the 2025 Pay 2026 tax bill, assuming all eligibility requirements are met.

Don’t wait until your tax bill arrives to check whether your Homestead Deduction is in place.

Allen County Auditor’s Office

You can also get assistance or submit an application through the Auditor’s Office.

Allen County Auditor
Rousseau Centre
1 E. Main Street, Suite 102
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-449-7241
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Visit the Allen County Auditor

Do I Have to Reapply Every Year?

Generally, no.

Once the Homestead Deduction is properly established, you normally don’t need to file a new application every year.

You may need to take action if:

  • You sell the property
  • Ownership changes
  • The title changes
  • You move
  • The home is no longer your principal residence
  • Your eligibility otherwise changes

Indiana now requires homeowners who become ineligible to notify the county auditor within 60 days.

Moving to Another Home

Your Homestead Deduction doesn’t simply follow you automatically to a new property.

If you move:

  1. Make sure the old property is no longer claiming a Homestead Deduction for you.
  2. File for the Homestead Deduction on your new primary residence.

Allen County provides a Change of Use form for properties that no longer qualify.

Allen County Homestead Change of Use Information

Mobile Homes

A qualifying mobile or manufactured home may also receive the Homestead Deduction.

Allen County requires a copy of the owner’s title when processing a Homestead application for a mobile home.

The title can be submitted to the Auditor’s Office along with the other required information.

Rental & Business Use

The Homestead Deduction is intended for your principal residence.

Portions of a property used to generate income may not qualify as part of the homestead. This can include certain rental units or areas used exclusively for business purposes.

Contact the Auditor if part of your property is rented or used commercially and you’re unsure how it affects your eligibility.

Allen County Homestead Audit

The Allen County Auditor is currently auditing properties receiving the Homestead Deduction.

Some homeowners may receive a questionnaire asking them to confirm their eligibility.

Don’t ignore the questionnaire if you receive one.

For questions specifically about the Homestead Audit:

Phone: 260-449-7901

Allen County Homestead Audit Information

Before You Apply

Before submitting your application:

  • Make sure the property is your primary residence.
  • Have your property information ready.
  • Gather required identification information.
  • Include spouse information when required.
  • Submit any required trust documents.
  • Include the title for a qualifying mobile home.
  • Save your submission confirmation.
  • Check your property record later to make sure the benefit was applied.

Local Tip

Don’t assume the Homestead Deduction is already on your property just because you live there. This is especially important after buying a home, changing a deed or transferring property into a trust.

Check your property tax information and make sure Homestead is actually listed. If it isn’t, contact the Allen County Auditor at 260-449-7241.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Homestead Exemption the same as the Homestead Deduction?

“Homestead exemption” is a common search term, but Indiana officially calls the primary benefit the Homestead Standard Deduction.

Can I apply online?

Yes. Allen County provides an online Homestead Deduction application.

Do I have to apply every year?

Generally, no. Once properly established, the Homestead Deduction normally continues unless ownership, residency or another eligibility factor changes.

Can I have a Homestead Deduction on two homes?

Generally, no. The benefit is intended for your principal place of residence.

Who do I call about my Homestead Deduction?

Contact the Allen County Auditor at 260-449-7241.

Related Pages

Official Resources

Allen County Auditor
Rousseau Centre
1 E. Main Street, Suite 102
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-449-7241

Summary

Allen County homeowners who use their property as their primary residence may qualify for Indiana’s Homestead Standard Deduction and related homestead benefits. The standard deduction can reduce taxable assessed value by up to $48,000, with additional supplemental homestead benefits available. Applications can be filed online through the Allen County Auditor, and homeowners generally do not need to reapply every year.