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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Fremont County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Fremont 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
Base ~1% of assessed value plus local districts; varies significantly by location within county
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Fremont County, Iowa operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Fremont County are assessed annually based on the assessed value of real property, with the state of Iowa typically maintaining a base assessment rate around 1% of market value for residential properties.

The effective tax rate in Fremont County varies significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. Property owners can expect rates to fluctuate based on their proximity to incorporated cities, which school district serves their area, and whether they fall within any special assessment districts for services like rural fire protection or drainage districts. The county follows Iowa's standard assessment practices with property values updated annually and various tax credits available to qualifying property owners, though most credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available levy information for Fremont County:

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
General Basic$3.74Core county services and operations
General Supplemental$2.45Additional county funding needs
Rural Basic$3.20Services for unincorporated areas
School DistrictVariesLocal school district levies (varies by district)
MunicipalVariesCity taxes (if within city limits)
Special DistrictsVariesFire, drainage, or other special assessments

Note: These rates reflect the most recent available levy data, but final rates for the current fiscal year may not be finalized until later in the assessment cycle. Total effective rates typically range from $25-40 per $1,000 of assessed value depending on your specific location and applicable districts within Fremont County. Property owners should verify their specific rate combination based on their exact address and taxing district assignments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Fremont 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 Fremont County are triggered by specific property events that occur after the annual assessment date of January 1st. The most common triggers include ownership changes through sale or transfer, completion of new construction projects, additions or improvements to existing structures, or changes in property use classification. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates the difference between the previous assessed value and the new assessed value based on the improvement or change.

The supplemental tax calculation applies the current year's tax rate to the increased assessed value for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in October and your total tax rate is $30 per $1,000 of assessed value, you would owe approximately $375 in supplemental taxes ($50,000 ÷ 1,000 × $30 × 3/12 months remaining). These supplemental bills are typically issued separately from your regular property tax bill and have their own due dates and payment requirements.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (residential rate): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$4,850
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,150
  • Annual Tax (at $28/$1,000): $8,264
  • Monthly Payment: $689

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (residential rate): $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$4,850
  • Net Taxable Value: $595,150
  • Annual Tax (at $28/$1,000): $16,664
  • Monthly Payment: $1,389

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (residential rate): $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$4,850
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,150
  • Annual Tax (at $28/$1,000): $27,864
  • Monthly Payment: $2,322

Important Note: These examples use an estimated combined tax rate of $28 per $1,000 and assume qualification for Iowa's Homestead Credit, which requires a separate application and Iowa residency. Actual rates vary by specific location within Fremont County, and credits are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Fremont County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment, though many borrowers choose escrow regardless for budgeting convenience. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments as part of your mortgage payment and deposits them into a separate escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Fremont County when they become due, typically in two installments during the fiscal year.

Lenders are required to conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are available and may adjust your monthly escrow payment if property taxes increase or decrease significantly. If your account has a shortage, you may need to make up the difference through increased monthly payments or a lump sum payment. Property owners should verify that their lender has current assessment and tax rate information, as errors in escrow calculations can result in late payments or overpayment. You can monitor your property tax status independently through the Fremont County Treasurer's office to ensure payments are being made correctly and on time.

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 Fremont County? A: Property taxes are due in two installments. The first half is due by September 30th. Failure to pay by the due date results in a 1.5% monthly penalty on the delinquent balance.

Q: What is the Homestead Credit and how do I apply? A: Iowa's Homestead Credit is a tax credit that helps limit assessment increases on your primary residence. You must be an Iowa resident, file Iowa income taxes, and own and occupy the property as your primary residence. Applications must be filed by July 1st to apply to the current assessment year, otherwise they apply to the next year.

Q: Are there other tax credits available in Fremont County? A: Yes, Iowa offers several tax credits including Military Exemption (for qualifying veterans), Family Farm Tax Credit (signup period January through November 1st), and elderly/disabled person property tax credits. All require separate applications and have specific eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Fremont County? A: Properties are assessed annually with an effective date of January 1st. The assessment reflects the property's market value as of that date, and assessment notices are typically mailed in the spring.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment protests can be filed with the Board of Review from April 2nd through April 30th each year. For properties affected by assessment changes, there's an additional protest period from October 16th through October 25th.

Q: What happens if I don't pay my property taxes? A: Delinquent taxes incur a 1.5% monthly penalty. Fremont County holds an annual tax sale on June 17th for properties with unpaid taxes. The tax sale process can ultimately lead to loss of property ownership.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Fremont County Treasurer's office directly for current online payment options and accepted payment methods, as these services may vary and change over time.

Q: Do special taxing districts affect my property tax rate? A: Yes, your total property tax rate includes levies from multiple entities: county government, school district, city (if applicable), and any special districts like rural fire protection or drainage districts. Your specific combination depends on your property's exact location within Fremont County.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Fremont Countyfremontcountyia.gov
02
County
Fremont County 2025 Resolutionsfremontcountyia.gov
03
$34.29legis.iowa.gov
04
County
Fremont County - Assessor Welcomefremontcountyia.gov
05
County
Fremont County Treasurer Real Estate Taxesfremontcountyia.gov
06
Tax Doc
NOTICE TO TAX SALE PURCHASERSfremontcountyia.gov
07
Tax Doc
Historic Property Rehabilitation - Property Tax Exemptionfremontcountyia.gov
08
File a Homestead Exemptioniowa.gov
09
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption | Department of Revenuerevenue.iowa.gov
10
County
Fremont County 2024 Resolutionsfremontcountyia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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