Updated 2025 Tax Year

Jackson County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Jackson 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

Varies by district; County considering 10% increase for FY 2025, final rates pending

Exemptions

5+ Available

Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Jackson County, Iowa operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, emergency services, roads, and county operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these vital community services, with tax bills calculated based on assessed property values and local tax rates set by various taxing authorities.

The effective property tax rate in Jackson County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, including school districts, cities, and other local service areas. For the proposed FY 2025 budget, Jackson County is considering a 10% increase in property tax rates, though final rates have not been determined. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ based on their specific location and the taxing districts that serve their property.

Property taxes in Jackson County are paid in two installments annually, with the first half due September 1st and the second half due March 1st of the following year. The county assessor determines property values, while elected boards set the tax rates needed to fund local government operations and services.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Component	Rate (per $1,000)	Description
County General	~$3.15	Basic county services and operations
Rural Services	Varies	Additional services for rural areas
School Districts	Varies	Local school district funding
City/Municipal	Varies	City services (if applicable)
Other Districts	Varies	Fire, library, emergency services

Note: These rates are preliminary estimates for FY 2025. Jackson County has proposed a 10% increase for 2025, but final rates are pending approval. Actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Jackson County depending on which school district, city, and special service districts serve your property. The total countywide rate was approximately $8.56 per $1,000 of assessed value in the previous year, but individual property rates will differ based on local district combinations.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Jackson 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 Jackson County occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental bills represent the difference between taxes already assessed and the new tax amount based on the updated valuation.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include completing new construction projects, adding significant improvements like additions or pools, or corrections to the original assessment. The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference.

For example, if a property owner completes a $100,000 home addition mid-year, and the county's effective rate is $25 per $1,000 of assessed value, the supplemental tax would be approximately $2,500 for the remaining portion of the tax year. Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills within 30-60 days after the assessment change is processed.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

Assessed Value: $300,000
Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,850 (requires application)
Net Taxable Value: $295,150
Tax Rate: $25.00 per $1,000 (estimated)
Annual Tax: $7,379
Monthly Escrow: $615

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

Assessed Value: $600,000
Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,850 (requires application)
Net Taxable Value: $595,150
Tax Rate: $25.00 per $1,000 (estimated)
Annual Tax: $14,879
Monthly Escrow: $1,240

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

Assessed Value: $1,000,000
Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,850 (requires application)
Net Taxable Value: $995,150
Tax Rate: $25.00 per $1,000 (estimated)
Annual Tax: $24,879
Monthly Escrow: $2,073

Note: Tax credits shown require annual application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by taxing district location within Jackson County. Military exemptions and other credits may also apply with proper application.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Jackson County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to Jackson County when they become due.

Jackson County's bi-annual payment schedule means your escrow account must accommodate the September 1st first installment and March 1st second installment payments. Lenders typically maintain a cushion in your escrow account to cover potential tax increases and ensure sufficient funds are available for each payment deadline.

Property owners should verify that their lender receives updated tax information, especially after assessment changes or when tax credits are approved. If your property taxes increase due to improvements or rate changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly, usually with 60 days notice as required by federal law.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Jackson County property taxes due for FY 2025? A: First half taxes are due September 1, 2024, becoming delinquent October 1st. Second half taxes are due March 1, 2025, becoming delinquent April 1st.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Iowa offers Homestead Credit and Military Exemption, among others. These require annual application through the Jackson County Assessor's office. Applications are the property owner's responsibility and are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits assessment increases on your primary residence, providing tax relief by capping annual assessment growth. You must occupy the property as your primary residence for at least six months per year and file an application with the county assessor.

Q: When does the county reassess properties? A: Iowa conducts property assessments annually, with values typically updated each January. Property owners receive assessment notices in the spring and have appeal rights if they disagree with the valuation.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Properties become delinquent if not paid by October 1st (first half) or April 1st (second half). Delinquent taxes accrue penalties, interest, and additional costs that increase the total amount owed.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with Jackson County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods for property tax payments.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Jackson County? A: Your total tax rate depends on which school district, city, and special service districts (fire, library, etc.) serve your property location. Different combinations of these taxing authorities result in different total rates across the county.

Q: How can I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal with the Jackson County Board of Review during the specified appeal period, typically in April and May following the assessment notice.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

Tax Doc

PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX LEVY Fiscal Year July 1, 2025jacksoncounty.iowa.gov

Local Government Property Valuation Systemjacksoncounty.iowa.gov

County

Property Taxes - Treasurer - Jackson County, IAjacksoncounty.iowa.gov

Frequently Asked Questions - Treasurerjacksoncounty.iowa.gov

Frequently Asked Questions - Assessorjacksoncounty.iowa.gov

County

Frequently Asked Questions - Jackson County, Iowajacksoncounty.iowa.gov

Credits & Exemptions - Assessorjacksoncounty.iowa.gov

Resolution # 438-03-04-2014jacksoncounty.iowa.gov

BE IT ALSOjacksoncounty.iowa.gov

Comprehensive Annual Financial Reportmedfordoregon.gov

All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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Jackson CountyProperty Tax Guide