1. (a) Before October 1, 2025, the department of local government finance shall prescribe and make available to the public a tax deferral loan application and agreement that must be used for purposes of this chapter.
2. (b) A qualified individual wishing to obtain a deferral of homestead property tax liability for a calendar year must file with the county auditor a completed loan application on or before January 15 of the calendar year in which the property taxes are first due and payable and enter into a tax deferral agreement with the county auditor before March 1 of that year. Any recording fees required by a county recorder to file the application shall be paid by the taxpayer.

3. (c) An application for a deferral must be filed with the county auditor in the county where the homestead is located. Upon the filing of an application, the county auditor shall immediately:

   1. (1) notify the county treasurer and transmit the information that the county treasurer needs to match the application with the county treasurer's records related to the homestead; and

   2. (2) review the application to determine:

      1. (A) whether the applicant qualifies for a deferral; and
      2. (B) the amount that may be deferred.
4. (d) After an initial application, an applicant remains eligible for a deferral in subsequent years so long as the applicant continues to meet the eligibility requirements for deferral under this chapter.

As added by P.L.68-2025, SEC.85.