Hamilton County Property Tax Exemptions
Last Updated: August 2026
Certain properties in Hamilton County may qualify for a full or partial property tax exemption based on how the property is owned, occupied and used.
Property tax exemptions are different from homeowner deductions such as the Homestead Deduction. Exemption applications are generally handled through the Hamilton County Assessor’s Office.
Quick Answer
Organizations seeking a Hamilton County property tax exemption generally use Form 136 – Application for Property Tax Exemption.
Common qualifying uses may include property used for:
- Charitable purposes
- Religious purposes
- Educational purposes
- Literary purposes
- Scientific purposes
- Other purposes specifically exempt under Indiana law
For most applicants, Form 136 must be filed with the Hamilton County Assessor by April 1 of the assessment year.
If you’re a homeowner looking for Homestead, senior or other individual tax benefits instead, see Property Tax Deductions.
Who May Qualify?
Property doesn’t become tax-exempt simply because it is owned by a nonprofit organization.
Indiana exemption rules generally consider both ownership and the property’s actual use.
Examples may include qualifying property owned, occupied and used for:
- Churches and religious organizations
- Charitable organizations
- Educational organizations
- Certain nonprofit organizations
- Other organizations or property specifically exempt under Indiana law
Eligibility can be complex, particularly when only part of a property is used for an exempt purpose.
How to Apply
Most organizations seeking an exemption file Form 136 with the Hamilton County Assessor.
Hamilton County specifically instructs churches and nonprofit organizations seeking an exemption to file Form 136 with the Assessor’s Office.
Hamilton County Assessor’s Office
33 N. 9th Street, Suite 214
Noblesville, IN 46060
Phone: 317-776-9617
Filing Deadline
Indiana generally requires Form 136 to be filed by:
April 1 of the assessment year
For example, an exemption for the 2026 assessment year (Pay 2027) generally required filing by April 1, 2026.
Missing the deadline can affect your ability to receive the exemption, so contact the Assessor promptly if you believe your property qualifies.
Exemptions vs. Deductions
These terms are easy to confuse.
Property tax exemptions generally remove qualifying property, or part of it, from taxation because of its ownership and use.
Property tax deductions and credits provide tax relief to qualifying taxpayers or properties.
If you’re looking for benefits such as Homestead or senior property tax relief, use:
What Happens After You Apply?
The exemption application is reviewed to determine whether the property meets Indiana’s requirements.
The county may consider:
- Who owns the property
- Who occupies it
- How the property is used
- Whether the use qualifies under Indiana law
- Whether all or only part of the property qualifies
Applicants should provide complete information explaining how the property is used.
Local Tips
- Don’t assume nonprofit status automatically makes property tax-exempt.
- File Form 136 by the applicable deadline.
- Clearly explain how the property is actually used.
- Contact the Assessor if ownership or use of an exempt property changes.
- Homeowners looking for Homestead or senior benefits should use the deductions and credits process instead.
- Keep copies of the application and supporting documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What form is used for a Hamilton County property tax exemption?
Most applicants use Form 136 – Application for Property Tax Exemption.
When is Form 136 due?
Indiana generally requires the application to be filed by April 1 of the assessment year.
Are churches automatically exempt?
Not necessarily in every situation. Hamilton County instructs churches and nonprofit organizations seeking an exemption to file Form 136 with the County Assessor.
Does being a nonprofit automatically exempt a property?
No. Eligibility generally depends on ownership, occupancy and how the property is used.
Is the Homestead Deduction a property tax exemption?
Not technically. Homestead is a property tax deduction available to qualifying homeowners.
Who can answer questions about Form 136?
Contact the Hamilton County Assessor’s Office at 317-776-9617.
Related Pages
→ Property Records
→ Property & Taxes
Official Resources
Hamilton County Form 136
Official application for a property tax exemption.
Form 136 – Application for Property Tax Exemption
Hamilton County Guide to Tax Forms
Hamilton County information about Form 136 and nonprofit property exemptions.
Hamilton County Guide to Tax Forms
Indiana DLGF Exemption Forms
Current state property tax exemption forms and information.
Summary
Hamilton County property tax exemptions primarily apply to qualifying property used for purposes such as religious, charitable or educational activities.
For most ordinary homeowners, the more relevant programs are Indiana’s property tax deductions and credits, including the Homestead Deduction.
If you’re applying for an exemption, check the current requirements carefully and file the appropriate paperwork with the Hamilton County Assessor by the applicable deadline.