Note: This version of section effective 1-1-2025. See also preceding version of this section, effective until 1-1-2025.

     Sec. 35.5. (a) Except as provided in section 36 or 44 of this chapter and subject to section 45 of this chapter, a person who desires to claim the deduction provided by section 33 or 34 of this chapter must file a certified statement in duplicate, on forms prescribed by the department of local government finance and proof of certification under subsection (b) with the auditor of the county in which the property for which the deduction is claimed is subject to assessment. To obtain the deduction for a desired calendar year in which property taxes are first due and payable, the person must complete, date, and file the certified statement with the county auditor on or before January 15 of the calendar year in which the property taxes are first due and payable. The statement may be filed in person or by mail. If mailed, the mailing must be postmarked on or before the last day for filing. On verification of the statement by the assessor of the township in which the property for which the deduction is claimed is subject to assessment, or the county assessor if there is no township assessor for the township, the county auditor shall allow the deduction.

     (b) The department of environmental management, upon application by a property owner, shall determine whether a system or device qualifies for a deduction provided by section 33 or 34 of this chapter. If the department determines that a system or device qualifies for a deduction, it shall certify the system or device and provide proof of the certification to the property owner. The department shall prescribe the form and manner of the certification process required by this subsection.

     (c) If the department of environmental management receives an application for certification, the department shall determine whether the system or device qualifies for a deduction. If the department fails to make a determination under this subsection before December 31 of the year in which the application is received, the system or device is considered certified.

     (d) A denial of a deduction claimed under section 33 or 34 of this chapter may be appealed as provided in IC 6-1.1-15. The appeal is limited to a review of a determination made by the township assessor county property tax assessment board of appeals, or department of local government finance.

     (e) Notwithstanding any other law, if there is a change in ownership of real property, or a mobile home that is not assessed as real property:

(1) that is equipped with a geothermal energy heating or cooling device; and

(2) whose previous owner received a property tax deduction under section 34 of this chapter for the geothermal energy heating or cooling device prior to the change in ownership;

the new owner shall be eligible for the property tax deduction following the change in ownership and, in subsequent taxable years, shall not be required to obtain a determination of qualification from the department of environmental management under subsection (b) and shall not be required to file a certified statement of qualification with the county auditor under subsection (a) to remain eligible for the property tax deduction.

As added by P.L.198-2001, SEC.36. Amended by P.L.214-2005, SEC.12; P.L.154-2006, SEC.22; P.L.2-2007, SEC.114; P.L.183-2007, SEC.9; P.L.144-2008, SEC.35; P.L.146-2008, SEC.114; P.L.1-2009, SEC.37; P.L.183-2014, SEC.14; P.L.214-2019, SEC.14; P.L.257-2019, SEC.27; P.L.236-2023, SEC.22; P.L.136-2024, SEC.13.