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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hardin County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Hardin 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 county rate 0.502473% plus varying district levies (total rates vary by location within county)
1st Due
Sep 30
2nd Due
Mar 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hardin County, Iowa operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the assessed value of real property and are collected in two semi-annual installments. The county's effective tax rate for FY 2025-2026 is approximately 0.502473%, though this represents just one component of your total property tax bill.

Your actual property tax rate will vary depending on your specific location within Hardin County due to overlapping special taxing districts such as school districts, city municipalities, community colleges, and other local improvement districts. These additional levies are added to the base county rate to determine your total effective tax rate. Property owners should note that Iowa uses a complex assessment and credit system, with most tax credits requiring annual application and meeting specific eligibility requirements.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Hardin County Base Levy0.502473%FY 2025-2026 county operations, services
School District LevyVariesLocal school district operations and bonds
Municipal LevyVariesCity services (if within city limits)
Community College LevyVariesArea community college district
Special AssessmentsVariesDrainage districts, fire districts, library districts
Agricultural ExtensionVariesCounty extension services

Note: The combined rate typically ranges from 2.5% to 4.0% of assessed value depending on your specific taxing districts. Rates shown are for levy year FY 2025-2026 (October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025). Contact the Hardin County Assessor for your property's specific district combination and total effective rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hardin 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 Hardin County are additional assessments that may be levied when property undergoes significant changes during the tax year. These are triggered by events such as new construction completion, major improvements, or changes in property ownership that affect assessed value. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in January and your total effective tax rate is 3.0%, you would owe approximately $1,500 in supplemental taxes ($50,000 × 3.0% = $1,500) for that tax year. The supplemental bill would be issued separately from your regular property tax bill and would have its own due date, typically 30 days from the assessment date.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,850 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,150
  • Tax Rate: 3.2% (estimated with districts)
  • Annual Tax: $9,445
  • Monthly Escrow: $787

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,850 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $595,150
  • Tax Rate: 3.2% (estimated with districts)
  • Annual Tax: $19,045
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,587

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,850 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,150
  • Tax Rate: 3.2% (estimated with districts)
  • Annual Tax: $31,845
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,654

Note: Tax rates vary by specific taxing districts. Credits shown require annual application and eligibility verification.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hardin County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your annual property tax bill and holds these funds in escrow. The lender pays your property taxes directly to the county treasurer on your behalf, typically paying the first installment by September 30th and the second installment by March 31st of the following year.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow analysis statements showing the account balance, payments made, and any adjustments needed. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. Property owners can verify their tax payments and remaining balance by contacting the Hardin County Treasurer's office or checking the county's online payment system, even when taxes are paid through escrow.

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 Hardin County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first half by September 30, 2025, and second half by March 31, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The Homestead Credit is the primary tax credit available, reducing taxable value by up to $4,850 annually. This credit REQUIRES APPLICATION and must be filed with the County Assessor by July 1st each year. Military exemptions and disability credits are also available but require separate applications and eligibility verification.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases to a maximum percentage (currently around 10%) rather than reducing market value. You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence for at least 6 months per year and file an application by July 1st annually.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Hardin County reassesses all properties annually, with assessment notices typically mailed by April 1st. Property owners have until May 1st to informally appeal to the assessor, or until May 31st to file a formal appeal with the Board of Review.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest accrues on delinquent taxes at a rate set by state law (currently 1.5% per month). Taxes can be paid after the due date with accumulated interest.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Hardin County offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's website. Credit card, debit card, and electronic check payments are typically accepted with associated processing fees.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if property values stayed the same? A: Tax bills can increase due to higher tax rates from local taxing districts (schools, cities, special districts) even if your assessed value remains unchanged. Each taxing district sets its own levy rate annually.

Q: What is considered "historic property" for tax exemptions? A: Property approved by the County Assessor may qualify for property tax exemption up to four years if it meets the state's definition of "historic property." This requires application and approval through the assessor's office with specific documentation requirements.

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
notice of public hearing -proposed property tax levyhardincountyia.gov
02
Local Government Property Valuation Systemhardincountyia.gov
03
County
hardin county commissioners courtco.hardin.tx.us
04
Tax Doc
Tax Paymentshardincountyia.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tax Sale Termshardincountyia.gov
06
Assessorhardincountyia.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credit & Exemptionshardincountyia.gov
08
Homestead Credithardincountyia.gov
09
Disabled Veteran Homesteadhardincountyia.gov
10
County
Iowa State Association of County Auditorshardincountyia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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