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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Clarke County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Clarke 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
Approximately 1% of assessed value, varies by taxing district location
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Clarke County, Iowa operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county operations, municipal services, and various special districts. Property taxes in Clarke County are administered at the county level, with the County Assessor determining property values and the County Treasurer handling tax collection and administration.

The effective property tax rate in Clarke County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts, but generally aligns with Iowa's statewide average of approximately 1% of assessed value. Property owners may pay different rates depending on their specific location and which school district, city, and special taxing districts (such as library districts, fire districts, or drainage districts) serve their property. For 2025, Clarke County is projecting a 10% increase in property tax rates compared to 2024, though final rates have not yet been established.

Property taxes in Clarke County fund critical services including the Clarke County school districts, county government operations, city services for incorporated areas, library services, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Understanding your specific tax obligations requires knowing both your property's assessed value and the combined tax rate for all taxing districts that serve your location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The following represents the general property tax structure for Clarke County, though specific rates vary by taxing district combination:

ComponentEstimated Rate (per $1,000)Description
County General Fund$3.50-4.50Basic county services, roads, administration
School District$12.00-15.00Educational services (varies by district)
City/Municipal$8.00-12.00City services where applicable
Agricultural Extension$0.50-1.00Iowa State University Extension programs
Emergency Services$1.00-2.50Fire, ambulance, emergency management
Special AssessmentsVariesDrainage districts, library districts, other special purposes

Important Notes:

  • Rates shown are estimates for FY 2025-2026 and subject to change
  • Actual rates depend on your specific location and taxing districts
  • The projected 10% increase for 2025 affects the total combined rate
  • Final tax rates are set annually by each taxing authority
  • Contact the Clarke County Assessor's office at the courthouse for exact rates applicable to your property
Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Clarke 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 property taxes in Clarke County may be assessed when significant changes occur to a property's ownership, use, or physical characteristics during a tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements or additions, changes in property classification (such as agricultural to residential), or discovery of previously unassessed improvements.

When a supplemental assessment is necessary, the County Assessor calculates the additional tax owed based on the increased assessed value and applies the current tax rate for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if a home addition worth $50,000 is completed in March, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $50,000 increase in value, prorated for the remaining nine months of the tax year.

Example: A homeowner completes a $75,000 garage addition in April. With Clarke County's estimated combined tax rate of approximately $35 per $1,000 of assessed value, the annual tax on this improvement would be $2,625. Since the improvement was completed in April with 9 months remaining in the tax year, the supplemental tax bill would be approximately $1,969 ($2,625 × 9/12 months), typically due within 30 days of the supplemental assessment notice.

Example Calculation

The following examples show estimated annual property tax calculations for Clarke County properties, assuming standard residential classification and common tax credits:

$300,000 Home Example:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied for): -$4,850
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,150
  • Tax Rate (estimated): $35.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $10,330
  • Monthly Escrow: $861

$600,000 Home Example:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied for): -$4,850
  • Less: Military Service Credit (if eligible): -$1,852
  • Net Taxable Value: $593,298
  • Tax Rate (estimated): $35.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $20,765
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,730

$1,000,000 Home Example:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied for): -$4,850
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,150
  • Tax Rate (estimated): $35.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $34,830
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,903

Important: All tax credits shown require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Tax rates are estimates and vary by specific taxing district location. Contact the Clarke County Assessor's office to determine exact rates and available credits for your property.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Clarke County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity in their homes. Your lender collects a portion of your estimated annual property tax with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into a dedicated escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Clarke County on your behalf when payments are due.

Clarke County property taxes are paid in two installments: the first half is due by January 15th, and the second half is due by July 15th. Your mortgage servicer will typically pay these installments on time to avoid penalty charges. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow account statements showing all deposits, payments, and account balances, and may adjust your monthly escrow amount if tax bills increase or decrease significantly.

Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes correctly by checking with the Clarke County Treasurer's office, accessible Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Clarke County Courthouse. If you pay taxes independently (without escrow), you remain responsible for making both installment payments on time to avoid penalties and potential tax sale proceedings.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Clarke County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first half by January 15th and second half by July 15th. The Clarke County Treasurer's office accepts payments Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Common tax credits include Homestead Credit, Military Service Credit, Family Farm Credit, and Elderly/Disabled Credit. All credits require separate applications filed with the Clarke County Assessor's office. Applications must typically be filed by July 1st for the following tax year. Contact the Assessor's office for specific forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides tax relief for owner-occupied residences by limiting assessment increases and providing a credit against taxes owed. This credit requires an application and is NOT automatic. It caps assessment increases to help provide property tax stability for homeowners but does not reduce your property's market value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Clarke County? A: Iowa law requires properties to be assessed annually, but physical inspections may occur every few years unless significant changes are reported. Assessment notices are typically mailed in April, and property owners have until May 31st to file assessment appeals with the Board of Review.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest and penalty charges starting the day after the due date. Unpaid taxes can eventually lead to tax sale proceedings. Contact the Clarke County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Clarke County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods. The office is located at the Clarke County Courthouse and can be reached during regular business hours.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Clarke County? A: Tax rates differ based on which combination of taxing districts serve your property, including school district, city limits, library districts, fire districts, and drainage districts. Each district sets its own levy rate based on budget requirements.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Clarke County Board of Review by May 31st following the assessment notice. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures. You may present evidence of your property's actual market value to support your appeal.

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 - Clarke Countyclarkecounty.iowa.gov
02
County
Proposed-Property-Tax-Levy.pdf - Clarke County - Iowa.govclarkecounty.iowa.gov
03
County
Local Government Property Valuation System - Clarke Countyclarkecounty.iowa.gov
04
County
Clarke County – Serving Our Communityclarkecounty.iowa.gov
05
County
COUNTY BUDGET INSTRUCTIONS Fiscal Year 2017/2018iowaonline.state.ia.us
06
Treasurerclarkecounty.iowa.gov
07
Assessorclarkecounty.iowa.gov
08
department of housing and urban developmentpublic-inspection.federalregister.gov
09
County
Clarke County - About Home Base Iowa Citieshomebaseiowa.gov
10
County
Clarke County Board of Supervisors January 27, 2025clarkecounty.iowa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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