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I received a personal property tax bill for property I no longer own. Do I have to pay the bill?
If you were the owner of the property on January 1 of the prior year and filed the personal property return or if the assessor made an assessment in your name because you failed to file the personal property assessment, you are responsible for the taxes. Your tax bill may be for prior year taxes that were not paid. Failure to pay the taxes that are due will result in a demand notice being issued. If taxes are not paid following the demand notice being issued, the taxes will be certified to the Clerk of the Courts and will be turned over to a collection agency.
Do non profit or governmental tax exempt properties have to pay a drainage bill?
The answer is Yes. Often owners of tax exempt real estate ignore bills which are received as a result of drainage assessments. Drainage assessments must be paid by all landowners, even if the owner is exempt from real property taxes. While the drainage assessments are listed on the same form as tax bills, they are not "taxes" as the term is normally understood. Drainage assessments in the State of Indiana are imposed by the County Drainage Board Pursuant to Indiana Code 36-9-27-86. Those assessments are user charges for the maintenance, and/or reconstruction of regulated drains which directly or indirectly serve a parcel of real estate. Those drains could be either subsurface pipes or open ditches. The assessments were imposed after notice of a public hearing was served on the owners of real estate within the drainage shed served by the regulated drain, as required by statute. The factors used in determining the benefits to each parcel of land are set out in Indiana Code 36-9-27-112. Drainage assessments are substantially similar to any other public utility user fee such as electric bills, water bills, sewage bills, and gas bills. They are user fees to pay the costs of construction and maintenance of ditches and tiles to provide for drainage and/or detention of stormwater. The only difference between drainage fees and other user fees are the means of collection. Under Indiana Code 36-9-27-86, drainage fees are collected semi-annually in the same manner as taxes. Therefore, unpaid drainage assessments become a first lien against the property, superior to all other liens including mortgages. Unpaid assessments accrue a 5% penalty after the due date if there are no other delinquencies and an additional 5% 30 days after the due date. If there are delinquent property taxes on the parcel on the due date, the penalty is 10% immediately following the due date. Drainage assessments can be collected by selling the real estate at the county tax sale. Therefore, all entities that receive bills for drainage assessment must pay those bills. If you have questions concerning a drainage amount on your tax bill, please contact the Kosciusko County Surveyor's Office at 1-574-372-2366.
Why does my tax bill say there is a sewer lien?
Failure to pay sewer charges to municipal governments are required to be certified to the County Auditor for placement on the property tax bill. The amounts that are included on the tax bill must be paid to county government instead of to the local municipality. If you have questions reference sewer liens, please contact the Auditor's Office at 574-372-2323.
How do I claim a refund if I overpaid my taxes?
Surplus can be claimed up to three years after the overpayment by providing copies of tax receipts, cancelled checks, bank statements or escrow detail from your mortgage company. Copies can be mailed to: Kosciusko County Treasurer's Office at 100 W Center Street RM 215, Warsaw, IN 46580. When the proper receipts are received, a claim form will be completed and sent to the Kosciusko County Auditor for payment processing. The process takes approximately six weeks. Please feel free to call the Kosciusko County Treasurer's Office with questions concerning the repayment of surplus at 574-372-2370.
Can I use a personal check to pay for a Tax Sale Property?
No. Once a parcel is certified for tax sale, the only method of acceptable payment is cash or certified funds. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the Kosciusko County Treasurer's Office at 574-372-2370.
How are payments accepted for tax sale?
Kosciusko County Tax Sale payments must be made by cash or certified funds. Payments can be made in the Kosciusko County Treasurer's Office located at 100 W Center St., Rm 215, Warsaw, IN 46580. If you have other questions, please feel free to contact the Kosciusko County Treasurer at 574-372-2370.
Where can I find a list of the properties to be included in the tax sale?
There is a tax sale division on the Treasurer's website and select "Tax Sale" which will give you a list of properties including their legal description. With the parcel ID # you can go to the county GIS system that has a link on the home page to view a map, property record card and tax information reference the property. Please feel free to contact the Treasurer's Office at 574-372-2370 if you have further questions.
What do I need to do if personal property taxes have been certified to the Clerk of Courts?
Kosciusko County contracts with AFCS to collect personal property taxes that have been certified to the Clerk of the Court. All payments must be made directly to AFCS. You can contact them at 1-888-317-2327. If you have further questions concerning the process, please feel free to contact the Kosciusko County Treasurer's Office at 574-372-2370.
I received a courtesy letter from the Treasurer. What do I have to do now?
As a courtesy, taxpayers are given advanced warning that their property is in danger of being certified for tax sale. If you have questions concerning the tax status of your property, please contact the Treasurer's Office at 574-372-2370.
I received a demand notice from the Treasurer. What do I need to do now?
Demand notices are sent to taxpayers who have personal property taxes delinquent to the stage where they must be certified to the Clerk of the Courts. Tax payments must be made to the Treasurer to keep the taxes from being certified. Please contact the Treasurer's Office at 574-372-2370.
What do I have to do to get a mobile home transfer permit or moving permit?
As of January 1st, each year, in accordance with laws regarding mobile homes, all taxes, penalties, interest, judgments and processing fees must be paid in full for the current year before a property tax clearance can be provided by the County Treasurer. TITLE TRANSFER: The applicant must have a mobile home tax clearance form completed by the County Treasurer's Office when applying for a title transfer at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The applicant must bring a copy of the title when applying for a permit at the County Treasurer's Office. Information required for a title transfer include the name and address of owner, make, year, dimension and serial number, name and address of purchaser as well as where the mobile home will be placed. MOVING PERMIT The applicant must have a mobile home tax clearance form from the County Treasurer's Office when moving a mobile home. The applicant will need to bring the title to the County Treasurer's Office to obtain a permit. The County Treasurer must have the name and address of the owner, Year, Make and Dimensions of mobile home, Serial Number, present location of mobile home and new location of mobile home. If you have questions concerning mobile home permits, please feel free to contact the Kosciusko County Treasurer's Office at 574-372-2370.
Why do I receive a drainage assessment?
If your property is located within the topographical watershed area of a county regulated drain that has annual maintenance assessments, you will receive an annual assessment. This can occur even though the actual drainage feature (drain) may not be on your property.
Who do I call if I have a drainage problem?
The Surveyor's office will be glad to receive your call. If the problem is related to a county regulated drain, the Surveyor's office and Drainage Board will be involved in a solution. If the problem is other than a county regulated drain the Surveyor's office will assist you in contacting the proper agency or department.
What is a county regulated drain?
A county regulated drain is a drain under the authority of the County Drainage Board. The statutes that govern this authority are contained in I.C. (Indiana Code) 36-9-27. There are several types of actions or petitions that lead to a drain becoming "County Regulated". Types of drains include natural streams, man made, channels and ditches, clay tile, concrete pipe, steel culvert, polyetherene pipe. Pipe and tile drains are subsurface and are located in all areas of the county including rural areas, towns, subdivisions and near lakes.
How do I know if a drain or stream on my property is county regulated?
There is a county regulated drain information layer on the Counties web site www.kcgov.com. Please be aware that drain locations are still "general" and are being edited for accuracy on a daily basis. It is recommended that you contact the Surveyor's office for the best available information.
What restrictions are associated with County regulated drain easements?
Regulated drain easements are subject to I.C. (Indiana Code) 36-9-27-33 as follows: Right of entry over private land; extension of spoil banks beyond right-of-way Sec. 33. (a) The county surveyor, the board, or an authorized representative of the surveyor or the board acting under this chapter has the right of entry over and upon land lying within seventy-five (75) feet of any regulated drain. The seventy-five (75) foot limit shall be measured at right angles to: (1) the center line of any tiled drain; and (2) the top edge of each bank of an open drain; as determined by the surveyor. (b) Spoil bank spreading resulting from the construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of an open drain may extend beyond the seventy-five (75) foot right-of-way if: (1) the county surveyor finds that the extension is necessary; and (2) the extension has been provided for in the engineer's report on the construction, reconstruction, or maintenance. (c) All persons exercising the right given by this section shall, to the extent possible, use due care to avoid damage to crops, fences, buildings, and other structures outside of the right-of-way, and to crops and approved structures inside the right-of-way. The county surveyor shall give oral or written notice of the entry on the land to the property owner of record, and in the case of a municipality, to the executive of that municipality. The notice must state the purpose for the entry. (d) The owners of land over which the right-of-way runs may use the land in any manner consistent with this chapter and the proper operation of the drain. Permanent structures may not be placed on any right-of-way without the written consent of the board. Temporary structures may be placed upon or over the right-of-way without the written consent of the board, but shall be removed immediately by the owner when so ordered by the board or by the county surveyor. Crops grown on a right-of-way are at the risk of the owner, and, if necessary in the reconstruction or maintenance of the drain, may be damaged without liability on the part of the surveyor, the board, or their representatives. Trees, shrubs, and woody vegetation may not be planted in the right-of-way without the written consent of the board, and trees and shrubs may be removed by the surveyor if necessary to the proper operation or maintenance of the drain. (e) This subsection applies to new regulated drains established after September 1, 1984, and to urban drains. The board may reduce the seventy-five (75) foot requirement of subsections (a) and (b) to any distance of not less than twenty-five (25) feet from the top of each bank of an open ditch and fifteen (15) feet from the center line of any tiled drain as measured at right angles. (f) The surveyor, the board, or an authorized representative of the surveyor or the board acting under this chapter does not commit criminal trespass under IC 35-43-2-2. As added by Acts 1981, P.L.309, SEC.101. Amended by P.L.206-1984, SEC.3; P.L.76-1989, SEC.6.
What is a section corner?
A section corner is a survey corner originally established by Government Surveyors as part of the Public Land Survey System. This was the process of "sectionalizing" land into townships and 1 mile sections. Monuments are placed at these corners, many of which are located in roadways. Monuments range from small nails to railroad spikes and iron pipes. In remote areas corners may be marked by railroad rail posts, concrete posts, or wood posts. Original monuments (1834-1839) were cedar posts, wood posts or stones.
Are there wetlands on my property?
The County Surveyor's office has copies of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Wetland Inventory Maps. The maps are superimposed on U.S. Quadrangle maps. These are a good starting point for wetland indemnification. The maps are subject to variances. Ultimate wetland indemnification may involve an actual wetland delineation survey in the field. Please also refer to the IDEM and Army Corps of Engineers links for further information. Also you may see a wetland layer over an aerial map at the http://beacon.schneidercorp.com website in the environmental layer.
Do I need a permit to dig a pond?
Yes, per Section 3.28 of the Kosciusko County Zoning Ordinance, you would need to contact the Area Plan Commission. If the pond impacts a County regulated drain or regulated drain easement you must also contact the County Surveyor's office. If wetlands are impacted, you MAY need to contact the Army Corps of Engineers, IDEM, or IDNR.
Where can I get a Kosciusko County Plat Book?
Plat Books are for sale at the Soil and Water Office located at 217 E Bell Dr. Warsaw, IN 46580. It's always a good idea to call to make sure they have books available. You can reach them at 574-267-7445 ext 122.
What is the difference between WATCH and WARNING?
A WATCH is issued when conditions are right for a tornado to develop. Remind your family members where the safest places in your home are located. Keep alert to changing weather conditions and listen to radio or television for developments. A WARNING is issued when a tornado has been sighted or is indicated by radar. Go immediately to a safe place and wait until authorities give the "all clear".
Where can I find shelter during a tornado?
In a house, go to the middle of the basement. Stay away from doors and windows. Get under something like a heavy table, if you can, cover yourself with a blanket or sleeping bag. If there is no basement, go to an interior room on the ground floor. Stay away from windows. You do not have to open them to equalize air pressure. All you are doing is putting yourself in danger of getting cut from flying glass. Get out of mobile homes. Try to take shelter in a permanent structure. If none is available, you are safer in the open than in a mobile home. Tie-downs will not help. Get out of your car. Never try to out-run a tornado. If you are caught in the open, lie down in a ditch, away from trees. In a high-rise building, use the stairs to go to the designated shelter area or an interior room on the lowest floor possible. In a school, nursing home, hospital, factory or shopping center, go to a pre-designated shelter area. Interior hallways on the lowest floors are usually the safest. Stay away from windows and open areas with freestanding roofs. Before the weather gets bad, take time to identify potential shelters and be sure to keep a battery-powered radio handy to hear the latest emergency information. Nothing can stop a tornado, but being prepared can help you and your family survive.
What is CERT?
CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team. It is a training program that prepares people to help themselves, their families and their community. Through CERT, citizens can learn about disaster preparedness and receive training in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. With this training, volunteers can provide critical support by giving immediate assistance to victims before emergency first responders arrive on scene. CERT volunteers also support the community year-round by participating in community preparedness outreach activities. For more information about CERT contact Edward Rock of the Kosciusko County Emergency Management Agency at 574-371-2602.
When do I need a right-of-way permit?
There are two types of permits - a Right-of-Way Permit and a Discharge Permit. A Right-of-Way permit is required anytime work is to be performed in a county right-of-way. Examples of "working" in the right-of-way is - but not limited to - installing new drive way and / or any type of excavation. A Discharge Permit is needed whenever water is to be discharged into the county right-of-way. Depending on the circumstances, a single project involving both types of activities can be combined into one permit application with one fee.
Can I install a drain line to the County Right-of-way?
A permit is required to install any drain line or tile to the County Right-of-way. In general, any form of permanent flow into the right-of-way will not be permitted. Examples of such is - but not limited to - sump pump discharges, washing machine discharges or geothermal discharges.
What are the fees for each type of permit from the Highway Department?
Each permit has an application fee of $40.00 made payable to the Kosciusko County Treasurer.
What type of information is needed for a permit application from the Highway Department?
The following items are needed before a permit application can be processed: 1. Completed application. 2. Location map. 3. Payment of the $40.00 fee.
How long does it take to obtain a permit from the Highway Department?
Generally speaking, a permit application can be processed in approximately one week after the KCHD receives a completed application. Some situation may require additional time.
How long is a permit good for from the Highway Department?
A permit is good for one year.
How far does my driveway need to be from my property line?
At this point Kosciusko County does not have a policy on the distance between the driveway and property line. It is recommended that there is some distance as to be a good neighbor and also to not accidentally cross the side property line.
How does the Highway Department decide when to repave roads?
The county is divided into eight maintenance districts that are approximately the same mileage. Each district is given approximately the same budget to make road repairs. Each year the district's roads are evaluated and prioritized by road condition.
I am in jail for an extended period, what happens to my support?
Indiana law allows for the modification of child support if you are incarcerated under certain conditions. The Court must find, as it must in all modifications, that there is either a substantial and continuing change in circumstances, or that the order is at least one year old and the amount o f support is at least 20% different from the current order.
How are uninsured medical expenses covered by my order?
Uninsured medical expenses should be factored into your child support order. Each order should have a dollar amount for the custodial parent to pay per year, and then a percentage for each parent after that. If there is an Order from the Court indicating the amount of medical bills that the payor is to pay, and how they will pay them, this office can enforce that order.
I am having troubles with Parenting Time/Visitation. Why won't your office help?
The State of Indiana has created the PARENTING TIME HELPLINE. Staffed by attorneys, they can answer questions about parenting time. 1 (844) 836-0003 Accessible by email at [email protected]. Available Monday - Friday, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm ET. Closed on State Holidays. Assistance is available in 170 different languages for live support calls.
How can I pay my property tax online?
Kosciusko County property tax can be paid online by going to https://govpayments.com/in_kosciusko . There is a 2.50% convenience fee for using a credit or debit card or $.95 for eChecks.
How do I get on the Council Agenda?
If you would like to be added to the agenda, please contact the County Auditor, Rhonda Helser at 574-372-2328.
How do I access the Council Minutes?
The Council minutes are listed under Agendas and Minutes on the Council page. The minutes are posted to the website only after they have been approved by the Council.
When and where are the Council meetings?
The Council meets the second Thursday of every month at 6:00 pm in the Old Courtroom on the third floor of the Courthouse.
What needs a permit if my property is within a floodplain?
Essentially any "development" in a floodplain from remodeling/repairing a home to filling a property requires a flood development permit. A general listing of what requires a permit can be found on the Area Plan Commission Flood Info Page. We encourage anyone doing work in a flood plain to contact our office prior to the work.
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