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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Delaware County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$3.26 per $1,000 of assessed value (countywide base rate, varies by district with additional school and municipal levies)
1st Due
Sep 30
2nd Due
Mar 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Delaware County, Iowa operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property within the county. The tax system uses a combination of county-wide levies and local taxing district rates to generate revenue for various governmental services.

The effective property tax rate in Delaware County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. For FY 2025, the projected countywide rate is approximately $3.26 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value, though residents may pay additional rates for school districts, cities, and other special districts. The total combined rate typically ranges from $12 to $15 per $1,000 of taxable value depending on your specific location within Delaware County. Property owners should verify their exact tax rate based on their specific taxing districts, as rates can vary significantly between different areas of the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $1,000Description
County General Services$3.26Basic county operations and services (FY 2025 projected)
School District Levy$9.00-$12.00Varies by school district (West Delaware, etc.)
Municipal Levy$8.00-$15.00City services (varies by municipality)
Rural Services$3.50Maximum allowed for rural areas outside municipalities
Mental Health Levy$0.84Regional mental health services
Emergency Services$1.50-$3.00Fire, ambulance, emergency management
Debt ServiceVariesBonds for schools, infrastructure projects
Agricultural Extension$0.75County extension services

Total Combined Rate Range: $12.63-$15.00 per $1,000 (FY 2025)

Note: Actual rates vary significantly based on your specific location within Delaware County and the combination of taxing districts that serve your property. The county general services levy cannot exceed $3.50 per $1,000 of assessed value under Iowa law.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Delaware 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 Delaware County are triggered by significant changes to property that occur after the January 1st assessment date. Common triggers include new construction completion, major property improvements, changes in property use or classification, and ownership transfers that reveal previously unreported improvements. The county assessor determines assessed values and classifications as of January 1st each year, but supplemental assessments may be issued when taxable value increases during the tax year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the difference between the original assessed value and the new supplemental assessed value. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition after January 1st, and it adds $40,000 to your assessed value, you would owe supplemental taxes on that $40,000 at the current tax rate (approximately $520-$600 annually). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 60 days of the assessment change and are due within 30 days of the billing date. These taxes are prorated based on the number of months remaining in the fiscal year when the change occurred.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% of market value in Iowa)
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit: -$4,850 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,150
  • Annual Tax ($13.50/$1,000): $3,985
  • Monthly Escrow: $332

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit: -$4,850 (requires application)
  • Less: Military Exemption: -$1,852 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $593,298
  • Annual Tax ($13.50/$1,000): $8,010
  • Monthly Escrow: $668

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit: -$4,850 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,150
  • Annual Tax ($13.50/$1,000): $13,435
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,120

Note: Tax credits shown require annual application and are not automatically applied. Actual tax rates vary by specific taxing districts within Delaware County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Delaware County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or high loan-to-value ratios. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment and deposits these funds into an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Delaware County on the due dates: first installment by April 15th and second installment by October 15th.

Lenders must provide an annual escrow analysis showing the previous year's activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You can verify that your lender paid your taxes correctly by checking with the Delaware County Treasurer's office online or by phone. If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for making payments directly to the county treasurer by the due dates. Late payments incur penalties and interest, and properties with delinquent taxes may eventually face tax sale proceedings.

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 Delaware County property taxes due? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first installment by April 15th and second installment by October 15th for FY 2025. The county treasurer may extend these dates slightly if they fall on weekends or holidays.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Tax Credit (up to $4,850), which requires annual application by July 1st. Military Exemption, Elderly/Disabled Tax Credit, and other credits also require separate applications. Credits are NOT automatic and must be filed with the Delaware County Assessor's office.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides up to $4,850 in tax credit annually and limits assessment increases to 10% per year on your primary residence. You must file an application with the assessor - it doesn't automatically apply. The credit reduces your tax bill, not your assessed value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Iowa requires reassessment of all properties every two years, with annual updates for market changes. Delaware County follows this schedule with comprehensive reviews in even-numbered years and market adjustments in odd-numbered years.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur 1.5% interest per month on unpaid balances. Properties with taxes delinquent after February 15th receive notice, and continued delinquency can lead to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Delaware County offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's website. You can also pay by mail, phone, or in person at the treasurer's office.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Delaware County Board of Review between April 2nd and May 31st annually. You can protest your valuation, classification, or tax credits/exemptions during this window.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Delaware County? A: Different combinations of school districts, municipalities, hospital districts, and other special taxing authorities create varying total tax rates across the county. Rural properties may have different rates than city properties due to different service levels and taxing districts.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
PropOSED Property Tax Levyw-delaware.k12.ia.us
02
bond referendumstarmont.k12.ia.us
03
Local Government Property Valuation Systemw-delaware.k12.ia.us
04
County
Delaware County Iowa - Treasurerdelawarecounty.iowa.gov
05
County
Delaware County Iowa - Assessordelawarecounty.iowa.gov
06
County
Delaware County, Iowadelawarecounty.iowa.gov
07
Tax Doc
Iowa Property Tax Overview | Department of Revenuerevenue.iowa.gov
08
Tax Doc
LEGISLATIVE GUIDE TO LOCAL PROPERTY TAXstorycountyiowa.gov
09
2.15sec.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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