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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Howard County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Howard 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
Approximately 12.25% for FY 2026 (varies by taxing district location)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Howard County, Iowa operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, libraries, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with taxes collected twice annually by the county treasurer and distributed to the appropriate taxing authorities.

The effective property tax rate for Howard County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts. For FY 2026, rates are projected to be approximately 12.25%, though this can vary depending on which school district, city, and other special taxing districts apply to your specific property. Property owners should expect rate variations based on their exact location within Howard County, as different areas may be subject to different school district levies, municipal taxes, and special assessment districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
General Fund LevyVariesBasic county operations and services
Instructional Support LevyVariesSchool district educational support
Management LevyVariesAdministrative and management functions
Physical Plant & EquipmentVariesSchool infrastructure and equipment
Municipal LeviesVariesCity services (where applicable)
Total Estimated Rate (FY 2026)~12.25%Combined rate for most areas

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2026 levy year. Actual rates vary by specific location within Howard County depending on which school district, city, and special taxing districts apply to your property. The total rate shown represents a projected average and may not reflect your exact tax burden.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Howard 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 Howard County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or classification that occur after the annual assessment date of January 1st. Common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers that reveal undervaluation, or changes in property use classification.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they are calculated based on the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if a home addition is completed in June and increases the assessed value by $50,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $50,000 increase for the remaining months of the tax year (July through December).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Annual Tax (at 12.25%): $3,675
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$306

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Annual Tax (at 12.25%): $7,350
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$613

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (at 12.25%): $12,250
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,021

Note: These calculations use the estimated average rate. Homestead and other credits require separate application and are not automatic. Actual rates and credits may vary based on your specific location and circumstances.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Howard County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12th of your annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Lenders typically collect an initial escrow deposit at closing and may require a cushion of 1-2 months of tax payments.

Property tax bills are issued in August each year, with payments due September 1st for the first half and March 1st of the following year for the second half. Your lender will receive the tax bill and make payments on your behalf from your escrow account. It's important to verify that your lender has the correct mailing address and that payments are made on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using 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 Howard County? A: Property taxes are due twice yearly: September 1st for the first half and March 1st of the following year for the second half. Taxes become delinquent on October 1st and April 1st respectively.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit, which requires annual application between January 1 and December 31. Military exemptions are also available with application. These are NOT automatic and must be filed with the county assessor.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits the annual increase in your home's assessed value for tax purposes, not the market value. This credit requires annual application and is designed to provide tax relief for primary residences.

Q: When can I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment protests can be filed during the protest period from October 16 through October 25. You must file with the Board of Review during this specific window.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. Contact the Howard County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options for delinquent taxes.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Howard County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my tax rate change from last year? A: Tax rates change annually based on budgets approved by various taxing authorities including schools, county, and cities. Each entity sets their budget needs, which affects the overall tax rate.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Howard County? A: Iowa law requires properties to be assessed annually as of January 1st. The assessor determines market value and classification for all properties each year.

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 Systemhoward-winn.k12.ia.us
02
County
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 - Budget Cover Page - Howard Countyco.howard.tx.us
03
$34.29legis.iowa.gov
04
Tax Doc
How Do I Pay Property Taxes?iowa.gov
05
County
Howard County Iowa - Treasurerhowardcounty.iowa.gov
06
Tax Doc
Iowa Property Tax Overview | Department of Revenuerevenue.iowa.gov
07
County
Market Value | Howard County Iowahowardcounty.iowa.gov
08
Jerry Jacobsenianb.uscourts.gov
09
State
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURTiasb.uscourts.gov
10
3229 LEGISLATIVE BILLS AND CONSTITUTIONAL ...nebraskalegislature.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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