By Rusty Nixon Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — In the best of times, confusion over taxes can drive anyone crazy. In an effort to take down some of that anxiety, the Marshall County Assessor’s Office is lending a helping hand.
Marshall County Assessor Debra Dunning and her office are reaching out to tax payers — especially those who must file personal property tax forms (Forms 102 and 103) by the May 15 deadline. The passage of House Bill 1001 last year has resulted in several changes for taxpayers on personal property.

“The township assessor’s office was dissolved and so that responsibility falls to the county assessor’s office,” said Dunning.
The state hopes the change will result in consistency in assessment but the personal touch is lacking. Assessors were there in each township to help taxpayers file their forms. Dunning’s office has called on some of them to open satellite offices with representatives available to help farmers and other’s in filing their tax forms.
Help is available at:
Argos — April 27, May 4 and 11 from 4:30 pm. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Argos Community Center (574-952-0345).
Bourbon/Tippecanoe —  April 23 and May 5, 7, 12, and 14 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Bourbon Trustee Office, 302 N. Harris Street in Bourbon. (574-342-3742).
German TWP. —  April 28 and 29 and May 5, 7, 12, 13 and 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays April 25 and May 2 and 9 from 8 a.m. to noon at the old German Township Assessor’s office.
North TWP. — May 5 and 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and May 11 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the LaPaz Fire Station.
Union TWP. —  April 28 and 30 and May 5, 7 12, 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Union Township Trustee’s office 16420 S.R. 17 in Culver (574-842-4260).
MARSHALL CO. BUILDING — You may also file your forms at the Marshall County Building, 112 W. Jefferson St., Room 300 in Plymouth Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays, May 2 and 9 from 9 a.m. to noon. (574-935-8522). No appointments are necessary.
Another reminder from Dunning is that in previous years, recreational vehicles, snowmobiles and travel trailers were reported through township assessor Form 101. For 2009, this form has been abolished and there will be no assessments for these vehicles this year.
“From now on, the license branch will charge an excise tax for these vehicles when they are plated in 2010,” said Dunning. “Taxpayers will receive one last bill this year to pay for the assessment from 2008.”
Deadline
The deadline is also important for taxpayers.
“We really want to do all we can to help taxpayers work through the forms,” she said. “We don’t want to see anybody penalized for filing late.”
All personal property forms must be filed or postmarked by the 15th of May to avoid a $25 late penalty. Marshall County does not grant extensions.
Rental properties’ application deadline for consideration for an income-based assessed value for residential rental property is May 1. Forms are available in the sssessor’s office and must be accompanied by Schedule E from your 2008 income taxes.