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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ida County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Ida 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
$25.30-$38.00 per $1,000 assessed value (varies by district - urban vs rural)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ida County, Iowa operates on an annual property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed values determined by the county assessor, with taxes levied by various overlapping jurisdictions including the county, school districts, cities, and special service districts.

The effective property tax rate in Ida County varies significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts. Based on recent proposals for FY 2024-2025, rural taxpayers are facing rates around $38.00 per $1,000 of assessed value, while urban taxpayers see lower rates around $25.30 per $1,000. These rates represent the total levy from all applicable taxing jurisdictions and can change annually based on budget requirements and state funding levels.

Property owners should note that their actual tax burden depends not only on these rates but also on available tax credits that must be applied for separately. Most tax credits and benefits are not automatically applied and require timely application with the county assessor's office.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $1,000 (Rural)Rate per $1,000 (Urban)Description
County General~$5.20~$5.20Basic county operations and services
School DistrictVariesVariesLocal school district operations and debt service
City/MunicipalN/AVaries by cityMunicipal services (urban areas only)
Special DistrictsVariesVariesEmergency services, rural improvement districts
Proposed Total FY 2024-2025~$38.00~$25.30All jurisdictions combined

Note: These are proposed rates for FY 2024-2025 and subject to change following public hearings. The significant difference between rural and urban rates (12.43% increase for rural vs 3.69% for urban) reflects different service needs and taxing district combinations. Final rates will be determined after the budget process is complete.

Special taxing districts within Ida County can cause substantial rate variations even within rural or urban classifications. Your specific rate depends on which school district, emergency service area, and other special districts serve your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ida 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 Ida County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements, ownership changes that prompt reassessment, or corrections to the original assessment.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value. The tax is then prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year from when the change became effective.

For example, if you completed a $50,000 home addition in March and the county assessor added this value to your assessment, you would receive a supplemental tax bill. Using the rural rate of $38.00 per $1,000, this would generate an additional $1,900 in annual taxes ($50,000 ÷ 1,000 × $38.00). Since 9 months remain in the tax year (April through December), your supplemental bill would be approximately $1,425 ($1,900 × 9/12 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (Rural Area)

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): ~$4,850 reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$295,150
  • Annual Tax: $295,150 ÷ 1,000 × $38.00 = $11,216
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$935

Example 2: $600,000 Home (Urban Area)

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): ~$4,850 reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$595,150
  • Annual Tax: $595,150 ÷ 1,000 × $25.30 = $15,057
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,255

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (Rural Area)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): ~$4,850 reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$995,150
  • Annual Tax: $995,150 ÷ 1,000 × $38.00 = $37,816
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$3,151

Note: These examples assume qualification for and application of the homestead credit. Tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Actual rates may vary based on your specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ida County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects approximately 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, holding these funds in a separate escrow account.

Property taxes in Ida County are typically paid in installments: the first installment is due December 15, with a second installment due June 15 of the following year, and a final payment due September 15. Your lender will make these payments directly to the county treasurer from your escrow account. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing all deposits and payments.

It's important to review your escrow statements carefully, as property tax increases or assessment changes can create escrow shortages. When this occurs, lenders typically offer options to pay the shortage in a lump sum or spread it over 12 months. You can verify your tax payments and current balance by contacting the Ida County Treasurer's office or checking online payment systems if available.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Ida County for the current fiscal year? A: For FY 2024-2025, the first installment is due December 15, 2026, the second installment is due June 15, 2027, and the final payment is due September 15, 2027.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Iowa offers several tax credits including the homestead credit for primary residences, senior homestead exemption for those 65+, military service tax exemption, and agricultural land credits. Most credits require annual application with the county assessor and are NOT automatically applied.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence and provides a taxable value reduction. You must apply with the county assessor, and it requires the property to be your primary residence as of January 1st of the assessment year.

Q: What is the senior homestead exemption for residents 65 and older? A: Beginning with assessment year 2023, homeowners 65 or older on or before January 1st can claim an additional homestead exemption beyond the regular homestead credit. This requires separate application and proof of age.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Ida County? A: Iowa law requires properties to be assessed annually, though not all properties receive physical inspections each year. The county assessor uses sales data, cost indices, and periodic inspections to maintain current market values.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Iowa imposes interest and penalties on delinquent property taxes. Contact the Ida County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you're facing difficulties.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Ida County Treasurer's office directly to inquire about online payment options, as availability varies by county in Iowa.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary within Ida County based on the combination of taxing districts that serve your property, including different school districts, emergency service areas, and special improvement districts. Rural properties generally face higher rates than urban properties due to different service delivery costs.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Ida County, Iowa - Proposed Property Tax Levyidacounty.iowa.gov
02
County
PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX LEVY - Ida County, Iowaidacounty.iowa.gov
03
County
Ida County, Iowa - Iowa.govidacounty.iowa.gov
04
State
State Wise Property Tax Deadlines 2025 | Key Due Datesncscorpglobal.com
05
Tax Doc
Tax Due Dates and Deadlines | Tax Administrationfairfaxcounty.gov
06
County
Dates & Deadlines - Auditor - Property Tax | Salt Lake Countysaltlakecounty.gov
07
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption | Department of Revenuerevenue.iowa.gov
08
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Credit and Exemptionrevenue.iowa.gov
09
Tax Doc
Uniform Tax Exemption Policynewrochelleny.gov
10
County
DALLAS COUNTY IOWA BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2026dallascountyiowa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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