Not all pink slips bear bad news.  The pink "Homestead Verification Form" that will be enclosed with your property tax bill is very important and could save you thousands!

A bill in the legislature has required that these forms be mailed out with the property tax bills in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and they must be completed and returned by every homeowner who wishes to claim a homestead deduction on their property.  Property owners have until January 1, 2013 to return the card.
Why?  These cards and the legislation requiring them are aimed at cracking down and preventing homestead fraud.

This form has not been widely publicized and can easily be overlooked as bureaucratic paperwork, so please pay extra attention when opening your property tax bills.

A Few Commonly Asked Questions

I didn't find the form in my property tax bill?
Though some counties may choose to, they are only required to include the form to taxpayers already claiming the homestead deduction.

If I don't fill it out by January 1, 2013, will I automatically lose my deduction?
If you don't complete the form by the deadline, you will receive a final notification letter from the county and your deduction could be removed on your 2012 - pay - 2013 property tax bill.

Here is the link to the Form if you need one.

http://www.in.gov/dlgf/files/TS-1_2010_Homestead_Certification_Non-Filled.pdf