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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Adair County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Adair County, IA. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.67589% proposed for FY 2024-2025, varies by taxing district and location within county
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Adair County, Iowa operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. Property taxes in Adair County are administered by the county assessor and collected semi-annually, with the revenue supporting various local government functions and special districts throughout the county.

The proposed property tax rate for Adair County for fiscal year 2024-2025 is 0.67589%, though this rate is subject to change following public hearings and final board approval. It's important to note that actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Adair County due to overlapping special taxing districts such as school districts, city levies, and other local improvement districts. Property owners should expect their total effective tax rate to differ based on their specific location and the combination of taxing authorities that serve their area.

Property assessments in Iowa are conducted on a rolling basis, with different types of properties assessed in different years. The county assessor determines market value as of January 1st each year, and various state-mandated rollback percentages are applied to convert market value to taxable assessed value for different property classifications.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Levy0.67589%Proposed rate for FY 2024-2025 (subject to final approval)
School District LevyVariesDepends on specific school district boundaries
City LevyVariesApplies only to properties within city limits
Special AssessmentsVariesRoad districts, drainage districts, other improvements
Emergency ServicesVariesFire protection, ambulance services by district

Important Notes:

  • The 0.67589% rate shown is the proposed county-only levy for fiscal year July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025
  • Total effective rates typically range from 1.5% to 3.0% when all taxing districts are combined
  • Rates vary significantly by location due to different combinations of school districts, cities, and special taxing districts
  • Final rates are determined after public hearings and may differ from proposed amounts
Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Adair County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Adair County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction, major improvements, changes in property classification, or corrections to the original assessment.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, and prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a property owner completes a $50,000 home addition in October, and the addition increases the assessed value by $40,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $40,000 increase for the remaining months of the tax year.

Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular property tax bills and typically have their own due dates. Property owners are responsible for paying these additional assessments even if they are not escrowed with their mortgage payment, as lenders may not be aware of the supplemental assessment until the following tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (after rollback): $270,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$4,850
  • Net Taxable Value: $265,150
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.2% (county + school + other districts)
  • Annual Tax: $5,833
  • Monthly Escrow: $486

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (after rollback): $540,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$4,850
  • Net Taxable Value: $535,150
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.2%
  • Annual Tax: $11,773
  • Monthly Escrow: $981

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (after rollback): $900,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$4,850
  • Net Taxable Value: $895,150
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.2%
  • Annual Tax: $19,693
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,641

Note: All credits shown require separate application and approval. Tax rates are estimates and vary by specific location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Adair County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders mandate escrow regardless of down payment amount. The lender collects 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment and deposits these funds into an escrow account.

Property taxes in Adair County are due semi-annually: the first half payment is due September 1st (delinquent October 1st) and the second half is due March 1st (delinquent April 1st). Lenders typically pay the tax bills directly to the county treasurer on behalf of the borrower. After each payment, the lender should provide an escrow account statement showing the transaction.

Property owners with escrow accounts should review their annual escrow analysis statement carefully, as tax rate changes or assessment increases can result in escrow shortages requiring additional monthly payments or lump sum contributions. If property taxes decrease, borrowers may receive a refund or see reduced monthly escrow payments. It's advisable to verify that tax payments are made on time, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for tax obligations even when using an escrow account.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Adair County for the current fiscal year? A: For fiscal year 2024-2025, the first half payment is due September 1, 2024 (delinquent October 1, 2024) and the second half is due March 1, 2025 (delinquent April 1, 2025).

Q: What property tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Iowa offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit, Military Exemption, and Elderly/Disabled Credit. All credits require separate application - they are not automatic. Contact the Adair County Assessor's office for specific application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It caps taxable value increases and provides additional tax credits. You must apply for this credit - it's not automatic even if you live in the home as your primary residence.

Q: When does the county assess properties and how can I appeal? A: Iowa uses a rotating assessment schedule by property type. If you disagree with your assessment, you can appeal to the Board of Review, typically meeting in April and May. Contact the county assessor's office for specific appeal deadlines and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Properties become delinquent on October 1st for first half payments and April 1st for second half payments. Late payments incur interest and penalty charges, and properties may eventually be sold at tax sale if taxes remain unpaid.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Adair County Treasurer's office directly or check the county website for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why does my tax rate differ from my neighbor's? A: Total tax rates vary by location within Adair County due to different combinations of school districts, city boundaries, and special taxing districts like fire protection or road maintenance districts.

Q: What happens if I make improvements to my property? A: New construction or major improvements may trigger a supplemental tax assessment for the remaining portion of the tax year. The county assessor will reassess the property and issue additional tax bills as needed.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Tax Doc
PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX LEVY Fiscal Year July 1, 2024adaircounty.iowa.gov
02
Local Government Property Valuation Systemadaircounty.iowa.gov
03
Baier, Hoadley, Christoffersen, and Walker. Wedemeyadaircounty.iowa.gov
04
County
Frequently Asked Questions - Treasurer - Adair County, Iowaadaircounty.iowa.gov
05
County
Frequently Asked Questions - Assessor - Adair County, Iowaadaircounty.iowa.gov
06
County
Frequently Asked Question - Adair County, Iowaadaircounty.iowa.gov
07
County
Credits and Exemptions - Assessor - Adair County, Iowaadaircounty.iowa.gov
08
County
Assessor of Adair County, Iowaadaircounty.iowa.gov
09
FEDERAL EGISTERgovinfo.gov
10
Duane Aveyadaircounty.iowa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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