How To Search for Fort Wayne Property Records

Fort Wayne is gaining attention for its affordability, strong community vibe, and growing real estate market. However, before investing in any property, be sure to do your homework by checking property records. They can provide you with details on land ownership, property boundaries, tax assessments, building permits, legal filings, liens, zoning restrictions, foreclosures, and other crucial information that you need to make a smart, informed decision. Property records in Fort Wayne are public records, meaning they can generally be viewed and copied by anyone. The key to finding what you need is knowing where to look. We have provided a detailed list of resources that you can use to search for and locate different kinds of Fort Wayne property records below.

Allen County Recorder's Office

The Allen County Recorder's Office is a great source for various property records, like deeds, liens, mortgages, bills of sale, and more. The recorder's office offers a records search platform that you can use to access property records online, with both free and paid access options. Free searches can be done using basic parameters like name, filing date, document number, and document type, while the paid tiers offer additional options for more refined results. You can also visit the recorder's office at Room 100, 1 East Main Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802 to get physical copies of records. Note that you may be charged a copy fee. You can call (260) 449-7165 for more information.

Allen County Assessor's Office

The Allen County Assessor is responsible for determining accurate and uniform market values for all properties across Fort Wayne, which makes the assessor's office an invaluable source for property ownership and valuation data. The assessor's office has several property information search tools on its website that you can use to get a wide range of information, including sales histories, tax details, aerial imagery, property record cards, zoning information, and more. You can search using these tools by name, address, and parcel number (additional options may be available, depending on the specific tool used). You may also visit the assessor's office at Suite 415, 1 East Main Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802 to view and copy records in person. You can call (260) 449-7123 if you would like to speak to someone before heading there.

Allen County Auditor's Office

The Allen County Auditor's Office manages property ownership transfers, maintains official maps and boundaries, and calculates property tax bills for the county. You can search for, view, and print copies of property tax records maintained by this office online using the county's Low Tax Info website. You may also contact the auditor's office at Suite 102, 1 East Main Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802 for in-person services.

Allen County Treasurer's Office

The Allen County Treasurer is responsible for billing, collecting, and processing all property tax payments for Fort Wayne (and the rest of the county). The treasurer's office provides a Public Access Tax Information platform that you can use to view property tax bills and property record cards, make tax payments, and access other property tax-related information online. If you prefer to visit the treasurer's office in person, you can do so at Suite 104, 1 East Main Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802.

Allen County Courts

You can get property records involving legal disputes or judicial actions, like foreclosures, liens, code enforcements, and civil judgments, through the Allen County Courts. You can either access these records online using the courts' Case Search portal or visit the county's Clerk of the Circuit and Superior Courts at Room 201, 715 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802 to get copies in person. Note that copy fees may apply.

Indiana Department of Local Government Finance

The Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) oversees the state's property tax system and works with local officials to ensure fair assessments and transparent tax rate calculations. This department maintains an Assessed Value Search platform that you can use to get details like a property's location, class, assessment, and appraisal dates, current assessed value, and more.

Property taxes in Fort Wayne fund a variety of local government operations and services, including police and fire departments, welfare programs, and the construction and maintenance of local infrastructure like streets, roads, and highways. The Fort Wayne property tax process is a collaborative effort between several officials and begins with the Allen County Assessor, who is responsible for determining the market value of properties in the city. The assessments are then submitted to the DLGF for review and approval, after which the Allen County Auditor calculates the tax bills using the approved values. Once this has been done, the Allen County Treasurer sends out bills and collects the calculated taxes from property owners.

Your property's assessed value is reviewed and "adjusted" every year based on market trends. A more thorough, physical reassessment is also conducted every four years. Tax bills are typically mailed by April 10th each year and have two installments. The first half payment is generally due by May 10th, and the second half payment is due by November 10th. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is extended to the next business day. You can make partial payments, but if the full amount isn't paid by the due date, a penalty is incurred: late payments made within 30 days of the due date incur a 5% penalty, while payments made after 30 days incur a 10% penalty. If you fail to make payments for three or more installments, your property becomes eligible for a tax sale (a public auction where properties with delinquent property taxes are sold to recover unpaid amounts). You can pay your property taxes in person at the Treasurer's Office at Suite 104, 1 East Main Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Payments can also be made via mail, drop box, online, or by calling (844) 576-2177 and following the prompts.

Assessments

The Allen County Assessor's office handles property assessments in Fort Wayne for tax purposes. Properties are valued using "mass appraisal techniques," which involve comparing your property to similar properties in your area. Factors like the property's age, quality, and condition are also considered to estimate its value fairly and consistently. The assessor's office reviews and adjusts property values annually based on recent market sales data to reflect the current real estate market; a full reassessment (including physical inspections) is also done once every four years for all properties in the city. Your taxes are calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the pre-determined local tax rates.

If you disagree with your property's assessed value, you can appeal by filing a Form 130 - Taxpayer's Notice to Initiate an Appeal with the County Assessor's office. Appeal deadlines are determined by when you receive the official assessment notice (Form 11). If the notice is mailed to you before May 1st, you must file your appeal by June 15th of the same year. However, if the notice is mailed after April 30th, then you have until June 15th of the following year to file your appeal. The completed appeal form can be hand-delivered to the assessor's office at Suite 415, 1 East Main Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802, sent via mail, or emailed to taxappeal@allencounty.us.

Appraisals

Fort Wayne assessments work similarly to appraisals. They both determine the fair value of property by comparing similar properties with others in the local area that have sold recently. In cases of odd structures or new construction, the county may call upon an appraiser to help determine the value. Estate planners, courts, and lenders also use appraisals to value real property.

Tax Rates

Fort Wayne, Indiana, has an effective property tax rate of 1.08%, which is slightly higher than both the national median property tax rate of 1.02% and the state median of 0.99%. The average property tax bill in the city is $1,808, $592 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

Here's a look at how Fort Wayne's property tax rates compare to other counties in Indiana:

• Boone County 1.01%
• Elkhart County 1.02%
• Hamilton County 1.05%
• Hendricks County 0.98%
• Lake County 1.07%
• Marion County 1.19%
• Monroe County 0.90%
• Porter County 0.91%
• St. Joseph County 1.09%
• Tippecanoe County 0.90%
• Vanderburgh County 1.01%

Exemptions

Even though Fort Wayne's taxes are not considered high when compared to many other states, some residents may still find it challenging to keep up with payments. Thankfully, Allen County offers several tax benefit programs that can provide significant relief for certain homeowners. Some available programs include:

• Homestead Deduction
• Disabled Veteran Deduction
• Over 65 (Senior Citizen) Deduction/Credit

You can apply for these exemptions through the Allen County Auditor's Office. The specific deductions available and their requirements can vary, so it is best to check the Auditor's website for the most up-to-date information.

New construction and most renovation projects in Fort Wayne require permits. However, exemptions are usually made for minor or cosmetic work that does not affect the building's structure or systems, like painting and wallpapering, and replacing fixtures and countertops. The Allen County Building Department issues permits, and you can apply for one online through the department's Citizen Access portal. You can also make payments and track your application through this portal. You may also apply for permits in person at the building department's office located at Suite 180, 200 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802. It is important to note that certain types of permits are only issued to licensed contractors.

The types of available permits in Fort Wayne include:

• Building Permits: These are required for new construction, additions, and significant structural alterations to a building.
• Electrical Permits: These are required to install or modify electrical systems.
• Plumbing Permits: These are required to install or modify water supply, drainage, or sewer lines, and other related plumbing systems.
• Non-Sanitary Plumbing Permits: These cover work on plumbing systems that are not connected to sanitary sewer systems.
• Heating Permits: These are required to install or modify heating systems.
• Wrecking Permits: These are required to tear down structures.

When applying for any of these permits, you must submit the proper documentation (building plans, blueprints, contractor licenses, materials lists, etc.). You must also pay the appropriate fee.

Building inspections are part of the permit process, and they ensure that the work complies with local building and safety codes. You can schedule an inspection through the online portal or in person at the office during regular business hours.

Fort Wayne's appeal goes beyond its natural beauty and high quality of life (the city is a four-time recipient of the All-American City award). Fort Wayne also offers a vibrant downtown, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a strong sense of community, all while serving as a key hub for manufacturing, healthcare, and education in the Midwest. The city has a population of over 273,200 residents, with 121,437 housing units and an occupancy rate of about 95%. There is a mix of urban and suburban living with a diverse range of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and condos. Some of the common housing styles include Ranch, Cape Cod, American Foursquare, Victorian, Tudor Revival, and Craftsman homes.

The average price of a house in Fort Wayne, IN, is $242,205, representing a 2.4% increase over the past year. Note that actual house prices may vary considerably depending on the neighborhood in the city. Here are examples of some house prices in different Fort Wayne neighborhoods:

• Bloomingdale $138,718
• Five Points $145,027
• Hamilton $141,485
• North Highlands $177,801
• Tower Heights $210,762
• West Central $213,948

Overall, the Fort Wayne, Indiana, real estate market is a strong and highly attractive option for buyers. Home values have consistently risen year-over-year, while prices have remained relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the region. Homes are typically under contract quickly, usually within 10 days of being listed, and about 31.3% of listed properties sell at or above the listing price.