Individuals and married couples are limited to one homestead standard deduction. As the receipt of this deduction becomes more beneficial, there is more incentive than ever for homestead fraud. Homestead fraud causes higher tax bills for all; therefore, HEA 1344-2009 requires taxpayers who receive the homestead standard deduction to verify that they are eligible to receive the benefit and to provide additional identifying information necessary to allow county government to better monitor homestead filings. This information will be kept confidential and can only be accessed by authorized county officials. The Department of Local Government Finance will use this information to create tools that will help county officials eliminate homestead fraud.

1. Under HEA 1344-2009, all homeowners who receive the homestead standard deduction are required to submit this form in order to verify their eligibility and to continue to receive benefits.
2. Those receiving the benefit of the deduction must list the last 5 digits of both their Social Security number and driver's license or state identification number. If the individual has no Social Security number, he or she may list only the last 5 digits of their driver's license or state identification number. If the individual has no driver's license or identification number, the last five digits of any federally-recognized identification number, such as a United States Permanent Resident ("A") Number, may be used.
3. Names should be listed as they appear in the records of the Social Security Administration, or as the legal name used when signing documents
4. Under the law, married couples must submit the name and Social Security number (or other identifying number) and Driver's License or State Identification number of both spouses in order to continue to receive the homestead standard deduction. Married couples, regardless of whether they maintain a residence together, are only eligible for one homestead deduction in the State of Indiana.
5. If you do not have either a Social Security number, driver's license number or state identification number, or U.S. Permanent Resident ("A") number, please provide an explanation in Part 4, "Additional Information". If you do not have one of these documents, please contact your county auditor to ensure that you are able to keep your benefits if you are eligible.