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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Humboldt County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Tax Rate
Varies by location due to overlapping jurisdictions (county, school district, city, special districts)
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Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Humboldt County, Iowa operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for local services including schools, county government, cities, and various special districts. Property taxes in Humboldt County fund essential services such as education, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and local infrastructure projects. The county follows Iowa's assessment practices where property is typically assessed at market value without a statewide assessment cap.

Property tax rates in Humboldt County vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions. Your total tax rate is a combination of county, school district, city (if applicable), and any special district levies that apply to your property. While Iowa's statewide base rate averages around 1%, actual effective rates in Humboldt County can differ based on these local factors. Property owners should expect their exact rate to depend on which city, school district, and special taxing districts serve their specific property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The following represents the general structure of property tax components in Humboldt County for FY 2025. Note that specific rates vary by location within the county:

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county services, law enforcement, roads
School DistrictVariesLocal school operations and facilities
City LevyVariesMunicipal services (applies only within city limits)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, emergency services, drainage districts
Total Consolidated RateVaries by LocationCombined rate depends on specific taxing districts

Rates shown are for levy year FY 2025 and are expressed per $1,000 of assessed value. Your actual rate depends on the specific combination of taxing districts that serve your property. Agricultural property and certain exempt properties may have different rate calculations. Contact the Humboldt County Assessor for your specific consolidated tax rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Humboldt 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 Humboldt County occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes reflect current ownership and property conditions rather than waiting until the next regular assessment cycle.

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 portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in January and your area's tax rate is $35 per $1,000 of assessed value, you would owe approximately $1,750 in supplemental taxes ($50,000 ÷ 1,000 × $35) for that tax year. These supplemental bills are issued separately from regular tax bills and have their own payment deadlines.

Example Calculation

The following examples show estimated annual property taxes for different home values in Humboldt County. Actual taxes will vary based on your specific location and applicable taxing districts:

$300,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Variable reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$290,000 (example)
  • Annual Tax (at ~$32/$1,000): ~$9,280
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$773

$600,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Variable reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$590,000 (example)
  • Annual Tax (at ~$32/$1,000): ~$18,880
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,573

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Variable reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$990,000 (example)
  • Annual Tax (at ~$32/$1,000): ~$31,680
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$2,640

These calculations are estimates only. Homestead and other tax credits require application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by specific location within Humboldt County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Humboldt County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay approximately 1/12 of your annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Lenders collect these funds throughout the year and pay your property taxes directly to the county when they become due. This system helps ensure taxes are paid on time and spreads the cost over monthly payments rather than requiring large lump-sum payments.

Property taxes in Humboldt County are typically due in two installments: the first payment due by approximately April 1st, and the second payment due in September. Your lender will make these payments from your escrow account according to the county's payment schedule. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing deposits, payments, and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may adjust your monthly escrow payment and could require additional funds to maintain adequate account balances.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Humboldt County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are typically due in two installments - the first payment by April 1st and the second payment in September. Late payments risk tax sale proceedings.

Q: What is the Homestead Tax Credit and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Tax Credit limits assessment increases on your primary residence and must be applied for - it's not automatic. You can sign up for this credit through the county's Beacon (GIS) page and return the application by email. This credit caps assessment growth rather than reducing market value.

Q: Are there military tax exemptions available? A: Yes, military exemptions are available and require application. You can apply through the county's Beacon (GIS) page system, similar to the homestead credit application process.

Q: How often is property reassessed in Humboldt County? A: Iowa law requires property to be assessed at market value, with assessments updated regularly. Contact the Humboldt County Assessor's office for the current assessment schedule and procedures for appealing assessed values.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments in Humboldt County risk tax sale proceedings. To avoid publication in the newspaper, pay taxes in the office before 4:00 PM or online before midnight on the specified deadline.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, online payment options are available. Online payments must be completed before midnight on the due date to avoid penalties.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts for services like fire protection, emergency services, or drainage can add to your total tax rate. These vary by location within the county, so your exact rate depends on which special districts serve your property.

Q: What credits and exemptions require applications? A: Most tax credits and exemptions require application and are not automatic. This includes homestead credits, military exemptions, and other special programs. Applications typically have annual deadlines, so contact the county assessor's office for current deadlines and requirements.

Q: How can I find my specific tax rate? A: Since rates vary by location due to different combinations of taxing districts, contact the Humboldt County Assessor's office with your property address to determine your specific consolidated tax rate.

Q: Where can I get help with property tax questions? A: Contact the Humboldt County Assessor's office for questions about assessments, credits, and exemptions, or the County Treasurer's office for questions about payments and due dates.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
$34.29legis.iowa.gov
02
Fiscal note - Legislative Services Agency - Iowa.govlegis.iowa.gov
03
County
Assessor - Humboldt County, IA - Iowa.govhumboldtcounty.iowa.gov
04
County
Treasurer - Humboldt County, IA - Iowa.govhumboldtcounty.iowa.gov
05
County
Humboldt County Board of Commissioners May 17, 2021 ...hcnv.us
06
Tax Doc
How Do I Pay Property Taxes?iowa.gov
07
State
In the United States Bankruptcy Courtianb.uscourts.gov
08
File a Homestead Exemptioniowa.gov
09
Tax Doc
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Taxapps.irs.gov
10
CHAPTER 437Alegis.iowa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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