Inheritance Tax

When a person dies, the personal representative of the estate must file the inheritance tax return. 

If there is no personal representative, one of the following must file:

• an heir
• trustee
• joint owner
• or other transferee.

Heirs would need to seek advice if there is no fair market value of the decedent’s  estate.

The required form and instructions are available at the  IN.gov Inheritance Tax page.

This form must be filed within 9 months after date of death.  The court can grant an extension under some circumstances.   Without an extension, a penalty may be assessed by the court for failure to file on time.

Inheritance Taxes and the County Assessor

The County Assessor:

• Acts as the Inheritance Tax Appraiser and represents the Inheritance Tax Division.
• Provides signatures on Consent to Transfer Forms.
• Audits and Approves Inheritance Tax Returns for Randolph County decedents.

Where to file the Inheritance Tax form

The inheritance Tax return must be filed with the probate court of the Indiana county in which the decedent was a resident at time of death or in the probate court in which decedent’s estate is being administered.

Payment

The inheritance tax is to be paid to the county treasurer of the decedent’s county of residence.  There is a five percent discount for payments within nine months of decedent’s death.  Payments more than one year after the date of death bear interest at ten percent per annum from the date of death until the date of payment.

Distribution

The tax is divided between the state and county in accordance with state law.  The Auditors Office deposits the funds collected and writes checks to the state and county accounts as appropriate.