Taxpayers have until the end of this year to file a verification form for a homestead deduction.

The pink forms have been mailed to homeowners with their tax billing information for the past three years. The form was developed in 2009, requiring taxpayers who receive a homestead deduction to verify that they are eligible to receive the benefit by providing extra information allowing the county to better track homestead filings.

If homeowners miss the Dec. 31 deadline, they are at risk of losing the deduction, which could mean a large increase in real estate taxes. For example, a homeowner with a house assessed at $100,000 with a verified homestead deduction would pay taxes based on $35,750. If it goes unverified, the homeowner would have to pay taxes based on the full assessed value of $100,000.

The form is available online at www.elkhartcountyindiana.com or www.indiana-homestead.com. For more information call the auditor’s office at 535-6710 or 535-6720.