Estate Planning for Brown County, Indiana Property Owners
For most Brown County homeowners, the house is what drags an estate into probate. A transfer-on-death deed or a living trust keeps it out—here is how to set up either one and record it locally.
For a Brown County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the Circuit Court. The two tools that keep a Brown County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the County Recorder, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.
Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Brown County
A transfer on death deed lets an owner name a beneficiary who receives Brown County property automatically at death, without probate. It is recorded with the County Recorderduring the owner’s lifetime and can be revoked any time.
Where to Record Property Documents
Deeds and other real property documents for Brown County are recorded with the County Recorder at 201 Locust Lane, 1st Floor, Nashville, IN 47448. Phone: 812-988-5462. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
Recording costs $25 base recording fee; TOD deeds are generally transfer-tax exempt. Page count, cover sheets, and any local transfer-tax add-ons under Indiana law can change the final amount, so confirm the total with the County Recorder before submitting.
Brown County accepts e-recording through Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Brown County
Address
201 Locust Lane, 1st FloorNashville, IN 47448Mailing: P.O. Box 86, Nashville, IN 47448
Phone
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
E-recording
Available via SimplifileE-recording info →
Recording fees
| Base recording fee | $25 |
Flat fee of $25.00 per instrument. No per-page fee. Some counties may charge additional technology or automation fees authorized by local ordinance. Contact the specific county recorder for the current total fee.
IC 36-2-7-10
Transfer tax
None. Indiana does not impose a state real estate transfer tax.. Transfer-on-death deeds are generally exempt (Indiana has no transfer tax. TOD deeds are recorded under IC 32-17-14 with only the standard recording fee.). Indiana is one of several states with no real estate transfer tax. No documentary stamps or conveyance tax applies to any deed recording.
Verified June 3, 2026 · Source
A Living Trust Covers More Than One Deed
A transfer-on-death deed moves a single property. A revocable living trust holds the home, bank and investment accounts, and other assets together, so the whole estate skips the Circuit Court — not just the house. For a Brown County family with more than one major asset, the trust is usually the cleaner plan.
Create a Revocable Trust in 15 minutes
Legal Sources
- IC 36-2-7-10
Data sourced from Indiana statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deeds and other real property documents for Brown County are recorded with the County Recorder at 201 Locust Lane, 1st Floor, Nashville, IN 47448. Call 812-988-5462 to confirm current recording procedures.
Recording a deed in Brown County costs $25 base recording fee; TOD deeds are generally transfer-tax exempt. Page count, required cover sheets, and any local transfer tax can change the final total.
Brown County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile. Paper recording by mail or in person is also accepted.
The County Recorder is open Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Reach the office at 812-988-5462. Confirm whether walk-in or mail-in recording is preferred before you go.
Yes. Deeds recorded in Indiana must be signed in front of a notary before the County Recorder will accept them. A transfer-on-death deed follows the same execution rules — see the Brown County signing requirements.
A transfer-on-death (TOD) deed names a beneficiary who receives the property automatically when the owner dies, without probate. The deed is recorded with the County Recorderduring the owner’s lifetime. Start one with the Indiana TOD deed form.
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