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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Cedar County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Cedar 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
1% base assessment rate, varies by taxing district combination
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Cedar County, Iowa operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Cedar County are calculated based on assessed values determined by the County Assessor, with Iowa's base assessment rate at approximately 1% of market value for residential properties. The effective tax rate varies significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts, including school districts, cities, townships, and special service districts.

Property owners in Cedar County will find their actual tax rates differ based on their specific location and the overlay of various taxing jurisdictions. The county collects taxes on behalf of multiple entities, creating a consolidated tax bill that reflects all applicable levies. Tax rates and assessments are subject to annual review, with recent trends showing potential increases due to rising property values and municipal funding needs.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General FundVariesBasic county services, administration, law enforcement
School District LevyVaries by districtLocal school district operations and facilities
City/MunicipalityVaries by cityMunicipal services for incorporated areas
Township LevyVaries by townshipRural road maintenance and township services
Emergency ServicesVariesFire protection and emergency medical services
Mental Health LevyCounty-wideRegional mental health services
Supplemental LeviesAs approvedAdditional approved levies for specific purposes

Note: Specific rates for FY 2025-2026 are not yet finalized. Rates vary significantly by taxing district combinations within Cedar County. Contact the Cedar County Assessor's office for current rates applicable to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Cedar 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 Cedar County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction after the regular assessment date. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: new construction completion, major renovations that increase property value, property splits or combinations, and corrections to previous assessments. For example, if you complete a home addition valued at $50,000 in January and the regular assessment was completed the previous year, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional assessed value covering the remaining months of the current tax year. The supplemental tax amount is calculated using the same tax rate as your regular property tax bill, applied to the increased assessed value.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (residential rate): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$6,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $293,500
  • Annual Tax (estimated 2.5% effective rate): $7,338
  • Monthly Escrow: $611

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$6,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $593,500
  • Annual Tax (estimated 2.5% effective rate): $14,838
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,237

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$6,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $993,500
  • Annual Tax (estimated 2.5% effective rate): $24,838
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,070

Note: Credits require application and approval. Actual tax rates vary by specific taxing district location within Cedar County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Cedar County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill, plus insurance premiums, and holds these funds in an escrow account. Cedar County's semi-annual payment schedule (due September 1st and March 1st) allows lenders to make payments directly to the county treasurer on your behalf.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly mortgage payment will adjust accordingly. Property owners should verify that their lender has received correct tax information, especially after assessment appeals or when applying for tax credits. You can monitor your account through your lender's online portal and verify payments were made on time by checking the Cedar County Treasurer's records.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Cedar County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first half due September 1st (delinquent October 1st) and second half due March 1st (delinquent April 1st).

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit for property owners 65 and older, providing $6,500 in taxable value reduction. This credit REQUIRES APPLICATION and is not automatic. Applications and forms are available at https://cedar.iowaassessors.com/.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit reduces your taxable assessed value by $6,500 for assessment years beginning January 1, 2024 and after. This credit must be applied for annually and helps limit the impact of assessment increases on qualifying homeowners.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Cedar County? A: Iowa conducts property assessments annually, with assessment notices typically mailed in April. Property owners have until May 1st to file assessment appeals with the local Board of Review.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Taxes become delinquent on October 1st (first half) and April 1st (second half). Delinquent taxes accrue interest and penalties, and properties may eventually be subject to tax sale if taxes remain unpaid.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Cedar County Treasurer's office to confirm current online payment options and accepted methods. Many Iowa counties offer online payment systems for property taxes.

Q: Why did my taxes increase if I didn't make improvements? A: Tax increases can result from rising property values, increased tax rates approved by local jurisdictions, or changes in special district assessments. The county assumes a 10% increase in property values for comparison purposes.

Q: How do special taxing districts affect my tax bill? A: Your location within Cedar County determines which school district, city, township, and special service districts apply to your property. Each jurisdiction adds its levy to create your total tax rate, which is why rates vary significantly across the county.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal assessments by filing with the Cedar County Board of Review by the May 1st deadline. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: Do I need to file for the Homestead Credit every year? A: Yes, most tax credits including the Homestead Credit require annual application. Contact the Cedar County Assessor's office to confirm filing requirements and deadlines for maintaining your credits.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Local Government Property Valuation System - Cedar Countycedarcounty.iowa.gov
02
Local Government Property Valuation Systemcedarcounty.iowa.gov
03
County
Financial and Tax Information | Cedar County | Iowacedarcounty.iowa.gov
04
Frequently Asked Questions - Treasurercedarcounty.iowa.gov
05
County
Frequently Asked Questions - Cedar County, Iowacedarcounty.iowa.gov
06
County
Property Taxes - Treasurer - Cedar County, IAcedarcounty.iowa.gov
07
Homestead Exemption Application for 65+cedarcounty.iowa.gov
08
Credits & Exemptions | Assessorcedarcounty.iowa.gov
09
File a Homestead Exemptioniowa.gov
10
County
CEDAR COUNTY. IOWA SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONcedarcounty.iowa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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