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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Jones County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Jones 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 location and taxing districts - base county rate plus school districts and special assessments
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Jones County, Iowa operates on a property tax system that funds essential county services, schools, and local infrastructure. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for county operations, with the county levying approximately $8.19 million against a total valuation of $1.33 billion. The property tax system follows Iowa's assessment and collection procedures, with taxes covering services from July 1st through June 30th of each fiscal year.

Effective tax rates in Jones County vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, including school districts, rural basic services, and other local assessments. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ based on their specific property location and the applicable taxing districts. The county is projecting a 10% increase in property tax rates for 2025, though final rates have not yet been certified by local government authorities.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate/LevyDescription
County General$6.15 per $1,000Basic county services and operations
Rural ServicesVariesAvailable only to rural properties outside city limits
School DistrictsVariesDepends on specific school district boundaries
Mental Health ServicesIncludedRegional mental health and disability services
Utility Replacement Tax$133,055 totalSupplemental funding replacing certain utility taxes

Rates shown are estimates for FY 2025-2026 levy year. Final certified rates vary by property location within Jones County due to overlapping special taxing districts. The county-wide average effective rate is projected to increase by 10% from the previous year, pending final government approval.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Jones 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 Jones County may be levied when property undergoes significant changes such as new construction completion, major improvements, or ownership transfers that trigger reassessment during the tax year. These supplemental taxes are calculated based on the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the fiscal year.

For example, if a $100,000 home addition is completed in December and increases the property's assessed value, supplemental taxes would be calculated on that additional value for the remaining months of the fiscal year (January through June). The supplemental tax amount would be: Additional Assessed Value × Applicable Tax Rate × (Months Remaining ÷ 12).

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,850 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,150
  • Annual Tax (est. 2.05%): $3,051
  • Monthly Escrow: $254

$600,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,850 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $595,150
  • Annual Tax (est. 2.05%): $6,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $517

$1,000,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,850 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,150
  • Annual Tax (est. 2.05%): $10,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $867

Examples use estimated rates for FY 2025-2026. Actual rates vary by taxing district location. Credits shown require separate application and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Jones County require property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments along with principal and interest. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the annual tax bill each month, plus additional amounts to maintain adequate reserves. Jones County's bi-annual payment schedule (September and March) means escrow accounts must maintain sufficient funds for each installment.

Property tax bills are mailed directly to mortgage servicers when an escrow account exists. Homeowners should verify their lender receives tax bills and makes timely payments. The county treasurer accepts payments from escrow accounts, and any shortfalls or surpluses are typically addressed through annual escrow analysis adjustments to monthly payment amounts.

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 Jones County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: First installment is due in September 2025, and the second installment is due in March 2026. These taxes cover the period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

Q: What is the Homestead Credit and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Credit is a tax credit that must be applied for by July 1st of the year first claimed. It helps limit assessment increases and reduces your tax bill. You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence and be an Iowa resident filing Iowa income taxes.

Q: Are property tax credits automatic? A: No, most tax credits require separate applications filed with the County Assessor's office. The Homestead Credit requires a one-time application by July 1st, and you must reapply if you move to a different property.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your property's market value but provides a tax credit that caps certain assessment increases. Once approved, it continues as long as you remain eligible by owning and occupying the property as your homestead.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Jones County? A: Properties are subject to reassessment based on Iowa's statewide assessment schedule. Contact the County Assessor for specific reassessment years and appeal deadlines if you disagree with your assessment.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Jones County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and payment options to avoid additional fees.

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

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Jones County? A: Different areas of the county are served by different combinations of school districts, rural services, and special taxing districts, creating varying total tax rates depending on your property's specific location and applicable services.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
April 22, 2025 9:00 a.m. The Jones County Board of Supervisors ...jonescountyiowa.gov
02
Tax Doc
Proposed Property Taxjonescountyiowa.gov
03
$34.29legis.iowa.gov
04
County
Jones County Treasurer's Officejonescountyiowa.gov
05
County
Assessor of Jones County, Iowajonescountyiowa.gov
06
Tax Doc
Second Half Property Tax Installment is Due.jonescountyiowa.gov
07
Credits and Exemptionsjonescountyiowa.gov
08
File a Homestead Exemptioniowa.gov
09
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption | Department of Revenuerevenue.iowa.gov
10
notice of public hearing -- proposed budgetjonescountyiowa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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