Real Estate Transfer - Auditor's Office

Real Estate Transfer

The County Auditor shall keep a transfer book, arranged by townships, cities, and towns (taxing districts). In the transfer book the auditor shall enter a description, for the purpose of taxation, of land that is conveyed by deed or partition, the date of the conveyance, the names of the parties, and the post office address of the grantee. In addition, the auditor shall endorse on the deed or instrument of conveyance the words "duly entered for taxation subject to final acceptance for transfer," "not taxable," "has already been listed for taxation," "or duly entered for taxation." (IC 6-1.1-5-4)

Transfer Fee (Plat Book Fee) Effective July 1, 2019

Pursuant to County Code 3.05.010 and IC 36-2-9-18 (HEA 1427) the Vanderburgh County Auditor shall collect a fee of Ten Dollars ($10.00) for each legal description of each parcel contained in the DEED for which the County Auditor makes a real property endorsement. This does not apply to government entities when they receive the property.

Frequently Asked Questions - Transfer Fee (Plat Book Fee)

Q: What is the cost for a deed when I bring it to the Auditor's Office for processing before it can be recorded?

A: Pursuant to County Code 3.05.010 and IC 36-2-9-18(d) the Vanderburgh County Auditor shall collect a fee of Ten Dollars ($10.00) for each legal description of each parcel contained in the DEED for which the County Auditor makes a real property endorsement.

Q: When does it go into effect?

A: The Transfer Fee (Plat Book Fee) is effective July 1, 2019.

Q: What entities are exempt?

A: The fee does not apply to government entities.

Q: What are the Ordinances that established this fee?

A: Pursuant to County Code 3.05.010 and IC 36-2-9-18(d) the Vanderburgh County Auditor shall collect a fee of Ten Dollars ($10.00). (Click on the code to view.)

Before filing a conveyance document with the County Auditor, the Sales Disclosure form must be submitted to the County Assessor for approval and stamped. After being stamped by the County Assessor, submit the Sales Disclosure form to the County Auditor. On the new form, taxpayers are eligible to file a homestead exemption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What information must I have on a deed when I bring it to the Auditor's Office for processing before it can be recorded?

A: All deeds must have the following: 

1) Notarized signature of seller (grantor) 
2) Legal description of property 
3) Name of person who prepared document 
4) Mailing address for tax bill 
5) Sales Disclosure Form or should be stamped "No Sales Disclosure Form Required" by the Assessor.

For further information regarding the transfer of real estate or deeds, please call the Transfer Department at 812/435-5421.

The Sales Disclosure form (46021) is available on-line at the DLGF website. For more information on Sales Disclosure Forms or if you have questions, contact the Vanderburgh County Assessor's Office at 812-435-5272.

Affidavit

Effective November 1, 2011, the Auditor's office no longer "PREPARES" auditor affidavits, nor have the affidavit form. Contact your title company or an attorney to prepare an affidavit.

Real Estate Forms

• Property Tax Bill Change of Address
• Deductions (State of Indiana - DLGF)
• Sales Disclosure Form (State of Indiana)