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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Clinton County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Clinton 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
Varies by taxing district, typically around 1% of assessed value statewide average
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Clinton County, Iowa operates under the state's property tax system where taxes fund essential local services including schools, municipal services, county operations, and special districts. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which varies significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of city, school district, and special taxing district levies.

The effective tax rate in Clinton County varies by taxing district, with rates typically ranging around Iowa's statewide average of approximately 1% of assessed value. Your actual rate depends on your specific location and which combination of city, school district, community college district, and other special districts serve your property. The county assessor determines property values as of January 1st each year, while the county auditor calculates the final tax bills based on budgets submitted by all local taxing authorities.

Property owners should note that various tax credits are available but require application and are not automatically applied. These credits can significantly reduce your tax liability, making it important to understand and apply for those you're eligible to receive.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Note: Tax rates vary by specific taxing districts within Clinton County. Contact the County Auditor for your exact rate based on your property location.

Taxing AuthorityApproximate Rate (per $1,000)Description
County GeneralVariableBasic county services and operations
School DistrictsVariableLocal school district operations and bonds
City/MunicipalVariableCity services (if within city limits)
Community CollegeVariableEastern Iowa Community College District
Agricultural ExtensionVariableCounty extension services
Assessor LevyVariableProperty assessment operations

Sample District Rates (per $1,000 of assessed value):

  • Andover: $8.37
  • Calamus: $9.91

These rates apply to the current tax year. Rates are subject to annual changes based on local government budgets and bond authorizations.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Clinton 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 Clinton County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction after the January 1st assessment date. The county assessor determines assessed values and classifications for all property parcels as of January 1st each assessment year, but supplemental assessments may be issued when significant changes occur mid-year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated based on the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in June, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessed value covering July through December of that tax year.

The county auditor determines levy rates based on budgets provided by local taxing authorities and applies these rates to the supplemental assessed value. Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills separately from their regular property tax statements, with specific due dates noted on the supplemental bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home Value

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Varies by income/assessment growth
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$295,000
  • Tax Rate (example): $35.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: ~$10,325
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$860

Example 2: $600,000 Home Value

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Varies by income/assessment growth
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$595,000
  • Tax Rate (example): $35.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: ~$20,825
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,735

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home Value

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Varies by income/assessment growth
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$995,000
  • Tax Rate (example): $35.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: ~$34,825
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$2,900

Note: Tax credits require application and eligibility verification. Rates vary by specific taxing districts. Contact Clinton County Auditor for exact rates applicable to your property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Clinton County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the down payment is less than 20%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to Clinton County when they become due.

Property taxes in Clinton County are due in two installments: the first half by September 1st (becomes delinquent October 1st), and the second half by March 1st of the following year (becomes delinquent April 1st). Your lender will typically pay each installment shortly before the due date to avoid any late penalties. Lenders are required to maintain adequate funds in your escrow account and may adjust your monthly payment annually based on changes in your tax bill.

You can verify that your lender has made timely payments by checking with the Clinton County Treasurer's office or through their online payment system. If you pay your own taxes (no escrow), you're responsible for making payments by the due dates to avoid delinquency penalties and interest charges.

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 Clinton County property taxes due? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first half by September 1st (delinquent October 1st) and second half by March 1st of the following year (delinquent April 1st).

Q: What is the Homestead Credit and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Credit caps annual assessment increases for owner-occupied residential property. You must be an Iowa resident, file Iowa income taxes, and own and occupy the property as your primary residence. Apply once with the county assessor - the credit continues while you remain eligible. Applications received after July 1st apply to the next assessment year.

Q: Is there a General Homestead Exemption available? A: Yes, owner-occupied residential property may qualify for up to $5,000 reduction in assessed valuation. This requires application and is not automatically applied to your property.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Clinton County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur delinquency penalties and interest. First half payments are delinquent after October 1st, second half after April 1st.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Contact the Clinton County Assessor's office for the appeal process and deadlines. Appeals typically must be filed by specific dates following assessment notices.

Q: Do tax credits apply automatically? A: No, most tax credits require application and annual eligibility verification. They are not automatically applied to your property tax bill.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Iowa assessors determine property values annually as of January 1st. However, the frequency of physical inspections varies by county policy and state requirements.

Q: What if I own multiple properties in Iowa? A: You can only claim a homestead credit on one property in Iowa - your primary residence where you actually live.

Q: How do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Your total tax rate includes levies from all applicable districts: county, city (if applicable), school district, community college, and any special districts serving your property. Rates vary significantly based on your specific location within Clinton County.

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
Tax Levies & Rates FY2025clintoncounty-ia.gov
02
County
2024 - 23 - Clinton County - Taxable Valuations By Levy ...clintoncounty-ia.gov
03
$34.29legis.iowa.gov
04
County
Property Taxes - Treasurer's Office - Clinton County, Iowaclintoncounty-ia.gov
05
County
About the Treasurer's Office - Clinton County, Iowaclintoncounty-ia.gov
06
County
Frequently Asked Questions - Clinton County, Iowaclintoncounty-ia.gov
07
EXEMPTIONSclintonco.illinois.gov
08
File a Homestead Exemptioniowa.gov
09
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption | Department of Revenuerevenue.iowa.gov
10
news releaseclintoncounty-ia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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