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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Dickinson County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Dickinson 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 1.5-2.5% effective rate combining county, school, and municipal levies
1st Due
Sep 30
2nd Due
Mar 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Dickinson County, Iowa operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are assessed based on the market value of real estate as determined by the county assessor, with Iowa's assessment process following a systematic countywide revaluation schedule.

The effective property tax rate in Dickinson County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, including school districts, cities, and rural service areas. Based on current data, property owners can expect rates that reflect both county-wide levies and district-specific assessments. For 2025, property tax bills are projected to increase by approximately 10% due to rising property values, though individual tax bills will vary based on specific property assessments and applicable tax credits.

Property tax rates are expressed per $1,000 of assessed value and are finalized annually through the budget processes of various taxing authorities. Actual tax liability depends on your property's assessed value, applicable tax credits (which require application), and the specific taxing districts where your property is located.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available data for levy year 2025-2026, Dickinson County property tax components include:

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General Basic~3.50Basic county operations and services
County Debt ServiceVariesCounty-issued debt payments
Emergency Services (EMS)~0.75Emergency medical services countywide
Rural Services~1.55Rural-specific services (rural properties only)
School DistrictVariesLocal school district operations and debt
City/MunicipalVariesCity services (within city limits)
Special AssessmentsVariesDrainage districts, library, other local services

Total estimated rates typically range from $7.00 to $12.00 per $1,000 of assessed value depending on your property's location and applicable taxing districts. Rural properties generally have different rate structures than urban properties. These rates apply to the 2025-2026 tax year and are subject to final budget adoption by each taxing authority.

Note: Rates vary significantly by special taxing districts within Dickinson County. Contact the county assessor for your property's specific tax district combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Dickinson 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 Dickinson County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use between regular assessment periods. These are triggered by events such as new construction completion, property transfers that result in reassessment, or the addition of structures or improvements that weren't included in the current year's assessment.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if you complete a home addition in January that adds $50,000 to your property's assessed value, and your total tax rate is $10.00 per $1,000, you would owe an additional $500 in supplemental taxes for that tax year.

The supplemental tax bill is typically issued separately from your regular property tax bill and has its own payment schedule. Property owners receive notice of supplemental assessments and have appeal rights similar to regular property tax assessments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,850 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,150
  • Tax Rate (estimated): $9.50/$1,000
  • Annual Tax: $2,804
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $234

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,850 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $595,150
  • Tax Rate (estimated): $9.50/$1,000
  • Annual Tax: $5,654
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $471

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,850 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,150
  • Tax Rate (estimated): $9.50/$1,000
  • Annual Tax: $9,454
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $788

Note: Tax credits shown require annual application and approval. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts. Military exemption credits may provide additional reductions for qualifying veterans and require separate application.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Dickinson County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly mortgage payments include a portion that goes into an escrow account to pay property taxes when due. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month, plus a cushion amount allowed by federal regulations.

Property taxes in Dickinson County are paid semi-annually, with the first half due September 1st and the second half due March 1st of the following year. Your mortgage servicer will pay these bills directly from your escrow account on your behalf. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing all deposits, payments, and account balances.

If you pay your mortgage off or don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for making property tax payments directly to the Dickinson County Treasurer. You can verify your tax amounts and payments through the county's online property tax system or by contacting the treasurer's office directly.

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 Dickinson County for 2025-2026? A: The first half is due September 1, 2025 (delinquent after October 1, 2025) and the second half is due March 1, 2026 (delinquent after April 1, 2026).

Q: What is the Homestead Credit and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Credit is a tax credit that limits annual increases in your property's taxable value growth. It does NOT reduce market value but caps assessment increases. You must apply with the County Assessor's office, and it requires annual qualification as an Iowa resident occupying the property as your primary residence.

Q: What Military Exemption credits are available? A: Military exemption credits are available for qualifying veterans and active military personnel. These are tax credits that reduce your tax bill and require application through the County Assessor's office. Eligibility varies based on service history and disability status.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Dickinson County? A: Iowa follows a statewide reassessment schedule. Properties are physically inspected and revalued on a rotating basis, typically every 4-6 years, with annual adjustments for market changes between physical reviews.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Dickinson County Board of Review, typically between April 2nd and May 1st annually. Contact the County Assessor's office for specific deadlines and required forms.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. Taxes become delinquent one month after the due date, with interest charged monthly on unpaid balances.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Dickinson County offers online property tax payment options through the County Treasurer's website. Check the official county website for current payment portal access and accepted payment methods.

Q: Do tax credits apply automatically? A: No, most tax credits including Homestead and Military Exemptions require annual application and approval. They are not automatic and must be filed with appropriate documentation by specified deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Local Government Property Valuation Systemdickinsoncountyiowa.gov
02
Tax Doc
PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX LEVY Fiscal Year July 1, 2024dickinsoncountyiowa.gov
03
$34.29legis.iowa.gov
04
State
Treasurer – Real Estatedickinsoncountyiowa.gov
05
Tax Doc
Treasurer Tax Saledickinsoncountyiowa.gov
06
Treasurerdickinsoncountyiowa.gov
07
County
Dickinson County, Iowa – Official website of the Dickinson ...dickinsoncountyiowa.gov
08
County
I Want To – Dickinson County, Iowadickinsoncountyiowa.gov
09
File a Homestead Exemptioniowa.gov
10
Tax Doc
2024 Iowa Property Tax Credit Claimdickinsoncountyiowa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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