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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bremer County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Bremer 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
Base rate ~$40 per $1,000 assessed value, varies significantly by taxing district combination
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bremer County, Iowa operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including county government operations, schools, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. The county's property tax rate for fiscal year 2025 is approximately 40.00 per $1,000 of assessed value, though this represents a base rate that can vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county.

Property tax rates in Bremer County are not uniform across all areas due to the presence of various special taxing districts, including school districts, cities, townships, and other local authorities that may levy additional taxes. Your actual property tax rate depends on which combination of these taxing jurisdictions your property falls within. The county assessor determines property values annually, and taxes are calculated by applying the applicable tax rates to your property's assessed value after any qualifying tax credits are applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County General Fund~15.50Basic county services, administration, law enforcement
School District~18.00Local school district operations (varies by district)
City/Municipal~6.50City services where applicable (varies by municipality)
Total Base Rate~40.00FY 2024-2025 combined rate
Special AssessmentsVariesMay include library districts, fire districts, drainage districts

Note: These rates are estimates for FY 2024-2025 and represent typical combinations. Your actual rate may differ based on your specific taxing districts. School district rates can vary significantly between districts within Bremer County. Additional special district taxes may apply depending on your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Bremer 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 Bremer County are additional property taxes levied by various local jurisdictions for specific purposes beyond regular operating expenses. Common uses for supplemental levies include substance abuse programs, juvenile care services, election administration, voter registration, and emergency services. These supplemental taxes are added to your base property tax bill and appear as separate line items.

Supplemental taxes are typically implemented when local governments need additional revenue for mandated services or voter-approved projects. For example, if a school district passes a bond measure for facility improvements, the resulting supplemental tax would be added to properties within that district's boundaries. The calculation method is the same as regular property taxes - the supplemental rate is applied to your property's assessed value after applicable tax credits.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$6,500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $293,500
  • Annual Tax ($293,500 × 0.040): $11,740
  • Monthly Escrow: $978

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$6,500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $593,500
  • Annual Tax ($593,500 × 0.040): $23,740
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,978

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$6,500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $993,500
  • Annual Tax ($993,500 × 0.040): $39,740
  • Monthly Escrow: $3,312

Note: These examples assume the base rate of 40.00 per $1,000 and include the homestead tax credit, which requires annual application by July 1st. Additional tax credits may be available for veterans, elderly, or disabled property owners.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Bremer County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Your lender collects these funds in a separate escrow account and pays your property taxes directly to the county treasurer when due. Lenders typically analyze your escrow account annually and adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and any changes in assessed value.

Property taxes in Bremer County are typically due in the fall, with payments for the 2024 assessment year due in fall 2026. If you have an escrow account, verify that your lender has current contact information with the county treasurer's office to ensure timely payment. You can monitor your tax status and confirm payments through the Bremer County Treasurer's online portal, and you should receive annual statements showing your property's assessed value and tax calculation even when paid through escrow.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Bremer County? A: Property taxes are typically due in fall 2026 for the 2024 assessment year. The county treasurer's office provides specific due dates and accepts payments online via credit card or e-check.

Q: What is the homestead tax credit and how do I apply? A: The homestead tax credit reduces your taxable value by $6,500 for assessment years beginning January 1, 2024. This credit caps annual assessment increases and requires application by July 1st of each assessment year. Applications are available through the county assessor's office.

Q: Are there other tax credits available? A: Yes, Bremer County offers various tax credits including military exemptions, elderly/disabled credits, and veteran credits. Most credits require annual application and have specific eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Iowa law requires annual assessment of all real property. The county assessor reviews property values each year, with assessment notices typically mailed in spring.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal their assessment through the local board of review. Appeals must be filed within specific timeframes after receiving your assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties as specified by Iowa Code. Contact the Bremer County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and payment plan options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Bremer County accepts online payments through credit card or e-check via the treasurer's website. Payment plans may be available for qualifying taxpayers.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within the county? A: Different areas of Bremer County fall within various taxing districts (school districts, cities, fire districts, etc.), each with their own tax rates that combine to create your total property tax rate.

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, 2024bremercounty.iowa.gov
02
County
2025 Assessment Letter - Bremer County - Iowa.govbremercounty.iowa.gov
03
County
Property Taxes - Bremer County - Iowa.govbremercounty.iowa.gov
04
County
FAQs - Bremer County - Iowa.govbremercounty.iowa.gov
05
County
Treasurer's Office Online Services - Bremer County - Iowa.govbremercounty.iowa.gov
06
County
Tax Credits & Exemptions - Bremer County - Iowa.govbremercounty.iowa.gov
07
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Exemption for Claimants 65 Years of Age ...bremercounty.iowa.gov
08
ORDINANCEco.bremer.ia.us
09
County
The Iowa County- Property Tax Overviewbremercounty.iowa.gov
10
TITLE V PROPERTY AND LAND USEco.bremer.ia.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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