Sec. 11. (a) In order to determine the quantity of land contained within a tract, an assessor shall follow the rules contained in this section.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c), the assessor shall recognize the quantity of land stated in a deed or patent if the owner or person in whose name the property is listed holds the land by virtue of:

(1) a deed from another party or from this state; or

(2) a patent from the United States.

(c) If land described in subsection (b) has been surveyed subsequent to the survey made by the United States and if the county assessor is satisfied that the tract contains a different quantity of land than is stated in the patent or deed, the assessor shall recognize the quantity of land stated in the subsequent survey.

(d) Except as provided in subsection (f), a county assessor shall demand in writing that the owner of a tract, or person in whose name the land is listed, have the tract surveyed and that the owner or person in whose name the land is listed return a sworn certificate from the professional surveyor stating the quantity of land contained in the tract if:

(1) the land was within the French or Clark's grant; and

(2) the party holds the land under original entry or survey.

(e) If the party fails to return the certificate under subsection (d) within thirty (30) days after the demand is mailed, the assessor shall have a professional surveyor survey the land. The expenses of a survey made under this subsection shall be paid for from the county treasury. However, the county auditor shall charge the survey expenses against the land, and the expenses shall be collected with the taxes payable in the succeeding year.

(f) A county assessor shall not demand a survey of land described in subsection (d) if:

(1) the owner or holder of the land has previously had it surveyed and presents to the assessor a survey certificate which states the quantity of land; or

(2) the assessor is satisfied from other competent evidence, given under oath or affirmation, that the quantity of land stated in the original survey is correct.

[Pre-1975 Property Tax Recodification Citation: 6-1-27-5.]

Formerly: Acts 1975, P.L.47, SEC.1; Acts 1975, P.L.50, SEC.1. As amended by Acts 1977, P.L.2, SEC.8; P.L.146-2008, SEC.91; P.L.57-2013, SEC.2.