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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Chickasaw County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by district, proposed 10% increase for 2025 (final rates pending)
1st Due
Sep 30
2nd Due
Mar 31
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Chickasaw County, Iowa serve as the primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. The county operates under Iowa's property tax system where properties are assessed at their market value, with taxes calculated based on the combined levy rates of all applicable taxing jurisdictions.

For the 2025 tax year, Chickasaw County is experiencing a proposed 10% increase in property tax rates, though final rates have not yet been established. Property owners can expect effective tax rates to vary significantly based on their specific location within the county, as rates include contributions to multiple overlapping taxing districts such as school districts, cities, townships, and special service areas. The actual tax rate applied to your property depends on which combination of these districts serve your specific address.

It's important to note that Iowa assesses both residential and commercial properties at 100% of market value, with the same rollback percentage applied to properties valued at $150,000. Actual rates vary by location within the county due to different combinations of school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts that may apply to individual properties.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralTBDBasic county operations, roads, law enforcement
School DistrictTBDVaries by school district within county
MunicipalTBDCity services (applies only within city limits)
TownshipTBDRural fire protection, road maintenance
Agricultural ExtensionTBDCounty extension services
Emergency ServicesTBDEMS, disaster preparedness
Total Effective Rate~10% increase proposedCombined rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: Specific rates for FY 2025-2026 are pending final approval. The proposed 10% increase represents the overall change from the previous year. Your actual tax rate depends on the specific combination of taxing districts that serve your property location. Contact the Chickasaw County Assessor's office for precise rates applicable to your address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Sep 30
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Mar 31
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 Chickasaw County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or classification outside of the regular assessment cycle. These most commonly arise from new construction, substantial improvements, or corrections to previous assessments.

When new construction is completed or substantial improvements are made to existing properties, the county assessor adds the increased value to the tax rolls immediately rather than waiting for the next regular assessment period. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in January and the local tax rate is 2.5%, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $2,500 for that tax year. This supplemental bill would be issued separately from your regular property tax bill and would have its own payment due date, typically 30 days from the date of issuance.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% assessment ratio)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied for): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 2.5% effective rate): $7,500
  • Monthly Payment: $625

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000 (100% assessment ratio)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied for): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 2.5% effective rate): $15,000
  • Monthly Payment: $1,250

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000 (100% assessment ratio)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied for): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 2.5% effective rate): $25,000
  • Monthly Payment: $2,083

Note: These examples use estimated effective rates pending final 2025 rate approval. Actual taxes may vary based on your specific taxing district combination. Credits shown require separate application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Chickasaw County Assessor for current rates and available credit programs.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Chickasaw County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill and holds these funds in a separate escrow account.

Property taxes in Chickasaw County are paid in two installments: the first half is due September 1st and becomes delinquent October 1st, while the second half is due March 1st and becomes delinquent April 1st. Your lender will typically pay each installment directly to the county treasurer before the due dates. Lenders must provide you with an annual escrow analysis showing the account activity and any required payment adjustments.

It's important to verify that your lender is making payments correctly and on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring your property taxes are paid. You can verify payments through the Chickasaw County Treasurer's office or online payment portal. If you pay off your mortgage, remember that you'll need to make direct tax payments to avoid delinquency penalties.

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 Chickasaw County for FY 2025-2026? A: First half taxes are due September 1st and become delinquent October 1st. Second half taxes are due March 1st and become delinquent April 1st.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Iowa offers a homestead tax credit that limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. You must occupy the home for at least six months per year and reside there on July 1st. This credit requires a separate application to the county assessor and is not automatically applied.

Q: Are there other tax credits I should know about? A: Additional credits may be available for seniors, disabled persons, veterans, and agricultural properties. Each credit has specific eligibility requirements and application deadlines. Contact the Chickasaw County Assessor's office to determine which credits you may qualify for and obtain the necessary application forms.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Chickasaw County? A: Iowa requires properties to be assessed annually, but physical inspections typically occur on a rotating cycle. The assessor reviews market data and may adjust values based on sales activity and market conditions without necessarily conducting on-site inspections every year.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the local Board of Review by May 31st following the assessment. If unsatisfied with that decision, you can appeal to the Iowa Property Assessment Appeal Board within 20 days of the local board's decision.

Q: What penalties apply for late property tax payments? A: Delinquent taxes accrue interest and penalties. First half taxes become delinquent October 1st, and second half taxes become delinquent April 1st. Contact the Chickasaw County Treasurer for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

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

Q: How do special taxing districts affect my property tax bill? A: Your total tax rate includes levies from all taxing jurisdictions that serve your property, including county, school district, city (if applicable), township, and any special districts. The specific combination varies by location within the county, which is why tax rates differ between properties even at similar values.

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