Rep. Ross Deal sends letter to governor urging him to extend property tax appeal deadline
INDIANAPOLIS – Earlier this week, State Rep. Ross Deal (D-Mishawaka) sent a letter to Governor Holcomb, asking him to extend the deadline to file a property tax appeal.
In the letter, he made the point that the current deadline of June 15 presents a problem for many Hoosiers without the technology to file appeals remotely. It does not give enough time for offices to reopen safely for taxpayers to file in person.
“This is just one of the many ways Hoosiers without access to technology have been overlooked,” said Deal. “Until we have a solution in place to provide all our neighbors with the same level of technology, we need to make adjustments and accommodations where we can.”
The text of the letter is pasted below:
May 12, 2020
The Honorable Eric Holcomb
Governor of Indiana
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Dear Governor Holcomb,
I am writing today in regard to an issue that was brought to my attention by a constituent. Your Executive Order 20-005 issued on March 19, 2020 allowed property owners to pay late without penalty until July 10. Property tax assessments were recently sent out and there are owners who wish to file an appeal. What I am concerned about are those who do not have access to technology such as printers or computers. These happen to usually be older taxpayers and often file in person to handle these matters. For good reason, local offices have not been open to the public or simply closed, making it even more difficult to file an appeal.
What I would ask is that an extension of filing of appeals be put into place. It is my hope that county offices are reopening with the most stringent of guidelines. With an extension, people may be able to make appointments with local offices to file these appeals. I am afraid that June 15 does not give enough time for offices to reopen safely and give enough time for taxpayers to file in person.
Your attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated. During this tumultuous time, we have discovered not everyone has access to the same level of technology and it is important that people are not left behind or at a disadvantage because of circumstances beyond their control.
I look forward to hearing from you on this issue and hope you and your family and staff stay safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Ross Deal
State Representative
Indiana House District 7