INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Tax Court Judge Thomas G. Fisher announced Thursday he is stepping down from the bench effective Jan. 1.
Fisher, the state’s first tax court judge, is best known for the 1996 ruling in which he declared Indiana’s system of assessing property for tax purposes unconstitutional.
As a result, Indiana adopted fair-market value standards, which have increased property taxes substantially for many older homes throughout the state.
Fisher, 70, was appointed judge of the Indiana Tax Court in 1986 by then-Gov. Robert Orr. He previously was Jasper County prosecutor and also maintained a private law practice in Remington for 21 years.
“Those who worked to create the Indiana Tax Court in 1986 hoped that our state would benefit from thoughtful and predictable application of the tax laws. The energy and superb craftsmanship of Judge Thomas Fisher have made this come true,” Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard said.
“Indiana is a better place for taxpayers, homeowners and business investors because of the splendid public service he has rendered.”
The tax court generally hears cases involving disputes about Indiana’s tax codes, from property tax appeals to income tax rulings.
During his career on the bench, Fisher decided about 800 cases. For each case there has been at least one court hearing and sometimes more.
The seven-member Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission will search for Fisher’s successor. Candidates will be interviewed Sept. 27 for the first time, with a second round of interviews Oct. 27.
The commission will send the names of three candidates to Gov. Mitch Daniels, who will select Indiana’s next tax court judge.
Daniels is currently contemplating whom to select from among three finalists to replace retiring Indiana Supreme Court Justice Theodore Boehm.
