Gov. Braun protects taxpayers, calls for additional property tax relief

Governor Mike Braun today ceremonially signed HEA 1210, a new law to protect Hoosier taxpayers, strengthen transparency, and expand property tax relief for Hoosier veterans.

Governor Braun’s top priority is affordability, and this measure builds on his historic property tax cut to save Hoosiers money while helping local governments plan ahead and maintain essential services.

“Protecting last year’s property tax relief for Hoosiers is critical and with HEA 1210, we have taken steps to keep the foundation strong. And now it’s time to build on that foundation to see what else can be done to make life more affordable for Hoosier families. Kitchen table conversations about the household budget are getting harder. Hoosiers need more relief.” — Governor Mike Braun

For Hoosier veterans, HEA 1210 provides a major expansion of property tax relief. Under the new law, totally disabled veterans are eligible for a 100% deduction of the assessed value of their homestead, meaning they will not owe property taxes on their primary residence. The benefit also applies to eligible surviving spouses who do not remarry.

The law also creates new property tax credits for eligible veterans, including a $350 local property tax credit for wartime veterans with at least a 10% service-connected disability and a $250 local property tax credit for veterans age 62 or older with at least a 10% disability. Eligible surviving spouses may also qualify. These credits are stackable for a total possible savings of $600 for veterans.

In total, HEA 1210 is estimated to return $46.2 million annually to disabled veterans through expanded deductions and new property tax credits.

HEA 1210 also requires property tax statements to include educational information about available deductions and credits, including veteran deductions, veteran credits, and senior credits, so Hoosiers have clearer information about the relief they may be eligible to receive.