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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Davis County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.445% for urban properties, 0.546% for rural properties (varies by taxing district)
1st Due
Sep 30
2nd Due
Mar 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Davis County, Iowa operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Davis County are collected annually based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property within the county boundaries.

For fiscal year 2024-2025, Davis County property owners can expect an effective tax rate of approximately 0.445% for urban taxpayers and 0.546% for rural taxpayers, representing a decrease from the previous year. However, actual tax rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, including school districts, city levies, and other local improvement districts. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their exact location and applicable taxing districts.

The county assesses property at its full market value without a statewide assessment cap, though various tax credits may be available to qualified property owners to reduce their final tax liability. These credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied to property tax bills.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General FundVariesBasic county services, administration, law enforcement
School District LevyVaries by districtLocal school operations and facilities
City/Municipal LevyVaries by cityMunicipal services (applies only within city limits)
Rural Services LevyVariesServices for unincorporated areas
Total Urban Rate0.445%Combined rate for urban taxpayers (FY 2024-2025)
Total Rural Rate0.546%Combined rate for rural taxpayers (FY 2024-2025)

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2024-2025 levy year and represent proposed figures subject to final approval. Actual rates vary by specific location within Davis County depending on which combination of taxing districts apply to your property. Contact the Davis County Assessor's office for your exact tax rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Davis 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 property taxes in Davis County are triggered when there are changes in property ownership or substantial improvements to existing property during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers, and major renovations that increase the assessed value.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the difference between the previous assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred. For example, if a home addition is completed in January and increases the assessed value by $50,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $50,000 increase for the remaining 11 months of the tax year. The supplemental bill is typically issued separately from the regular annual property tax bill and has its own payment deadline, usually within 60 days of issuance.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property (Urban)

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$4,850
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,150
  • Annual Tax ($295,150 × 0.445%): $1,313
  • Monthly Escrow: $109

Example 2: $600,000 Property (Rural)

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$4,850
  • Net Taxable Value: $595,150
  • Annual Tax ($595,150 × 0.546%): $3,249
  • Monthly Escrow: $271

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property (Urban)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$4,850
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,150
  • Annual Tax ($995,150 × 0.445%): $4,428
  • Monthly Escrow: $369

Note: Homestead and other tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual tax amounts may vary based on specific taxing districts and available credits.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Davis County require borrowers to establish escrow accounts to ensure property taxes are paid on time. Your lender will estimate your annual property tax liability and divide it by 12 to determine your monthly escrow payment. This amount is collected along with your mortgage payment and held in a separate account.

Property tax bills in Davis County are typically due in two installments during the fiscal year. Your lender will pay these bills directly from your escrow account when they become due. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow account statements showing all deposits and payments, and may adjust your monthly escrow amount if your property taxes change due to reassessment or rate changes.

If you pay your mortgage off or don't have an escrow account, you'll receive tax bills directly from Davis County and are responsible for making payments by the specified due dates. The county offers online payment options and accepts payments by mail, but you should verify accepted payment methods and any associated fees with the county treasurer's office.

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 Davis County property taxes due for FY 2024-2025? A: Property taxes are typically due in two installments. Contact the Davis County Treasurer's office for specific due dates as they can vary by taxing district.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Iowa offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit, Military Service Credit, and Age 65+ Homestead Exemption. All credits require separate applications and are NOT automatic. Applications must be filed with the Davis County Assessor's office.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides tax relief for owner-occupied homes and caps annual assessment increases. You must file an application with the assessor's office. This is a tax credit that reduces your tax bill, not an exemption that reduces assessed value.

Q: When does Davis County reassess properties? A: Iowa law requires properties to be assessed annually. The Davis County Assessor reviews property values each year with notices typically sent in spring for the following tax year.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment to the Davis County Board of Review. Appeals must typically be filed by May 1st following the assessment notice. Contact the assessor's office for specific procedures and deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Davis County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment grace periods.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Many Iowa counties offer online payment systems. Check the Davis County Treasurer's website or call their office to verify available online payment options and any associated fees.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Davis County? A: Tax rates differ based on which special taxing districts your property is located in, including school districts, city boundaries, rural service areas, and special improvement districts. Each combination creates a unique total tax rate.

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