Property taxpayers in Jackson County may see higher tax bills this year.

County Auditor Kathy Hohenstreiter said there are several possible reasons for increases, including higher assessments, higher tax rates or decreases in tax credits.

Prior to the 2017/pay 2018 cycle, the majority of tax credits were given to properties with 1 percent assessed value (homesteads). During the 2018/pay 2019 cycle, credits are evenly distributed across homesteads, which are owner-occupied residents; other residential property and farmland; and all other property, according to a news release from the auditor’s office.

The credit amount can be found on the comparison statement that is mailed with tax coupons, and on the top of the page, there will be a note that says, “Special message to property owner.”

On Line 4a, the credit will show the comparison from the previous year, and the amount will be considerably less than the 2017/pay 2018 for homeowners with homesteads. The credit amount for farmland, rental property, personal property, farm buildings and others will be a higher credit for 2017 pay 2018.

Anyone with questions should call the auditor’s office at 812-358-6161 or the assessor’s office at 812-358-6111. Both are in the Jackson County Courthouse, 111 S. Main St., Brownstown.