DARKE COUNTY – Property owners of a home or business that has been damaged by recent flooding or storms may be eligible to receive a reduction on your annual real estate tax. Darke County Auditor Carol Ginn confirmed that state law authorizes County Auditors to reduce real estate values for properties that have been damaged or destroyed. A substantial reduction in property value may result in lower real estate taxes for the property until it has been essentially restored to its prior condition or value.

Property value reductions can be applied to real property — including manufactured homes. Personal property such as furniture and other personal belongings that have been destroyed are not included.

“We would like to hear from citizens who have unfortunately suffered structural damage to their property from recent storms,” said Auditor Carol Ginn, “so that we may update our information and allow them to take advantage of tax relief.”

The application deadline for damage occurring since Jan. 1, 2019 is Dec. 31,2019 for real estate and Jan. 31, 2020 for manufactured homes taxed apart from land.

Applications for a property value reduction and additional information are available on the County Auditor’s website at www.darkecountyrealestate.org.

Property owners can also receive additional information by calling the Darke County Auditor’s Office at 937-547-7316 or 937-547-7317.