Jury Duty Pay Indiana 2026
Complete Compensation Guide

If you've received a jury summons in Indiana, you're probably wondering: how much will I actually get paid? This guide covers everything Indiana jurors need to know about jury duty compensation in 2026 — from the state court's daily fee schedule to mileage reimbursement and employer obligations.

Indiana Jury Duty Pay Schedule

Indiana's jury duty pay is set by state statute and applies to all state-level courts. Federal courts operating in Indiana follow the federal pay schedule ($50/day for days 1–10, $60/day thereafter), which is separate.

Service Type	Daily Pay	Notes
Indiana State Court	$15/day	Standard state rate
Federal Court (in Indiana)	$50–$60/day	Separate from state court
Grand Jury (Indiana)	$15/day	Same rate, longer duration
Mileage Reimbursement	$0.20/mi	Travel to courthouse

Important note: Indiana pays $15/day consistently across all court levels.

Mileage Reimbursement in Indiana

The court reimburses jurors at $0.20/mi for travel to the courthouse. You must track your mileage each day and submit a mileage log to the jury clerk at the end of your service. Keep all parking receipts as many courts reimburse parking separately.

Example Calculation

If you live 20 miles from the courthouse and serve for 4 days:

• Court pay: 4 × $15 = calculated by your state rate
• Mileage: 20 miles × $0.20/mi × 4 days
• Use our Pay Calculator for exact totals

Does Your Employer Have to Pay You in Indiana?

The answer in Indiana: ❌ Not Required by state law (employer's discretion).

While not legally required, many large employers in Indiana voluntarily provide full or partial pay during jury duty. Always check your employee handbook or HR policy before assuming you won't be compensated.

Your Legal Rights as a Indiana Juror

Indiana, like all US states, has anti-retaliation laws protecting jurors from employment consequences:

• Your employer cannot fire you for serving on a jury
• Your employer cannot threaten, demote, or penalize you
• You are entitled to return to your same position after service ends
• Benefits (health insurance, retirement) continue during your service period
• If retaliated against, you can seek legal remedies including reinstatement and back pay

Can You Get Excused from Jury Duty in Indiana?

Indiana courts allow jurors to request postponement or hardship exemptions. Generally accepted reasons include:

• Extreme financial hardship (especially self-employed individuals with documented income loss)
• Primary caregiver with no alternative childcare arrangements
• Medical conditions verified by a physician's letter
• Pre-scheduled travel that cannot be reasonably postponed
• Prior jury service within a disqualifying period

Contact your local Indiana court or check your jury summons for the specific postponement process.

Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in Indiana?

Yes. Jury duty pay received from Indiana courts is taxable ordinary income and must be reported on your federal tax return (Form 1040). If your state has an income tax, it is likely taxable at the state level as well.

Exception: if your employer requires you to remit your court stipend to them because they are paying your full salary, you can deduct the amount you return from your federal taxable income.

Jury Duty Pay in Major Indiana Cities & Counties

While the state court rate of $15/day applies across Indiana, the specific courthouse you report to depends on your county of residence. Here are the most active jury courts in Indiana:

Regardless of which county or city you serve in, the base state compensation is $15/day. Some counties may have slightly different parking reimbursement policies — always verify with your summons.

How Jurors are Selected in Indiana

Like most states, Indiana uses a randomized selection process to pull juror pools. The court primarily draws names from:

• Registered voters in Indiana
• Licensed drivers and state ID holders from the DMV

If your name belongs to either of these databases, you are eligible to be randomly summoned. Indiana law ensures that the juror pool represents a fair cross-section of the community.

Indiana Courthouse Dress Code & Rules

When reporting for jury duty in Indiana, you must adhere to the court's dress code. Courts enforce a business casual policy.

• Do not wear: Shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, hats, or clothing with offensive messaging.
• Security: All Indiana courthouses have security screening. Do not bring pocket knives, mace, or weapons of any kind.
• Electronics: Most courts allow cell phones in the jury assembly room, but they must be completely turned off when entering a courtroom.

What Happens if You Skip Jury Duty in Indiana?

Jury duty is a legal obligation. Ignoring a jury summons in Indiana can result in serious legal consequences, including:

• Being held in Contempt of Court
• Fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 depending on the specific judge and county
• A new summons to appear in court and explain your absence

If you genuinely cannot attend, always follow the proper postponement or excuse procedures outlined on your summons rather than simply failing to appear.

Indiana County Variations & Courthouses

In mid-2023, Indiana implemented one of the most significant pay raises for jurors in the state's history. While the minimums are set by the State (HEA 1160), the logistics of reporting—such as parking and transit—are managed by individual Circuit and Superior Courts. Marion County and Allen County handle the largest volumes of jurors.

Primary Reporting Locations

Indiana jurors typically report to the following major judicial hubs:

• Indianapolis: Marion County Community Justice Center (675 Justice Way).
• Fort Wayne: Allen County Courthouse (715 S. Calhoun St).
• Evansville: Vanderburgh County Courts (1 NW 4th St).
• South Bend: St. Joseph County Courthouse (101 S. Main St).
• Gary/Crown Point: Lake County Government Center (2293 N. Main St).

Notable County Differences

The experience of jury service in Indiana has evolved with the opening of new facilities:

• Marion County (Indianapolis): Most jurors now report to the new **Community Justice Center (CJC)**. Unlike the old downtown courthouse, the CJC offers a dedicated, free parking lot for jurors. If you prefer public transit, IndyGo Route 12 provides direct service. The facility also features a modern juror assembly room with enhanced Wi-Fi and power outlets.
• Allen County (Fort Wayne): Allen County maintains one of the most historic courthouses in the state. Jurors are provided with parking validation for the "Courthouse Garage" located on Calhoun Street. They also utilize a "standby" call-in system to ensure you don't travel to the courthouse unless a trial is definitely proceeding.
• The 2026 Pay Structure: As of 2026, Indiana pays **$30.00 per day** just for appearing for selection. If selected for a trial, the pay jumps to **$80.00 per day** for the first five days, and **$90.00 per day** starting on the sixth day.

Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Indianapolis, IN

To help you understand Indiana's updated tiered pay system, let’s look at a typical 5-day trial service for a juror reporting to the Marion County Community Justice Center.

Frequently Asked Questions — Indiana Jury Duty

How much do you get paid for jury duty in Indiana?

Indiana state courts pay jurors $15/day. Federal courts in Indiana pay $50/day (days 1–10) and $60/day after 10 days. Mileage reimbursement is $0.20/mi.

What if I'm self-employed and called for jury duty in Indiana?

Self-employed individuals in Indiana receive only the standard court stipend of $15/day — there is no employer to supplement it. If your business income will be significantly impacted, you may apply for a financial hardship exemption. Document your income loss carefully for the court.

Does Indiana require grand jury pay?

Grand jurors in Indiana generally receive the same $15/day rate as regular trial jurors. However, since grand jury service can last many months, it creates more significant financial impact. Indiana courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.

Where do I report for jury duty in Indiana?

Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. Indiana's major jury courts are located in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.