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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Kossuth County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Kossuth 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 taxing district - proposed decreases of 1.31% urban, 4.60% rural for FY 2024/2025
1st Due
Sep 30
2nd Due
Mar 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Kossuth County, Iowa fund essential local services including schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. The county follows Iowa's property tax system where taxes are calculated based on assessed property values and local tax rates set by various taxing authorities. For the proposed FY 2024/2025 levy year, Kossuth County taxpayers are seeing favorable rate adjustments with proposed decreases of 1.31% for urban taxpayers and 4.60% for rural taxpayers, though these rates remain preliminary pending public hearings.

It's important to understand that your actual property tax rate depends on your specific location within Kossuth County. Different areas are served by various special taxing districts including school districts, city boundaries, rural fire districts, and other special assessments. This means two properties of equal value in different parts of the county may have different tax bills based on the services provided in their respective areas.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentCurrent Rate (per $1,000)Proposed FY 2024/2025 RateDescription
Urban Taxpayer Total$30.50$30.10Combined rate for properties within city limits
Rural Taxpayer Total$39.10$37.30Combined rate for properties outside city limits
Rate ChangeCurrentProposed % ChangeImpact
Urban AreasBase-1.31% decreaseLower tax burden for city properties
Rural AreasBase-4.60% decreaseSignificant reduction for rural properties

Note: These are preliminary proposed rates for FY 2024/2025 and are subject to change following public hearings. Individual tax bills will vary based on specific taxing districts including school districts, fire districts, and other local assessments that apply to your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Kossuth County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Sep 30
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Mar 31
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 Iowa are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction after the regular assessment date. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. Common triggers include home purchases, major renovations, new construction completion, or correction of assessment errors.

For example, if you purchase a home in Kossuth County that was previously underassessed, or if you complete a home addition after January 1st (Iowa's assessment date), you may receive a supplemental tax bill. The calculation takes the increase in assessed value, applies the current tax rate for your area, and prorates it based on how many months remain in the fiscal year. If a $50,000 addition is completed in March, and your area's tax rate is $30 per $1,000 of value, you would owe approximately $1,250 in supplemental taxes (($50,000 × $30/$1,000) × 10/12 months remaining).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Urban Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Limits assessment increase (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: $30.10 per $1,000 (proposed FY 2024/2025)
  • Annual Tax: $9,030
  • Monthly Escrow: $752.50

Example 2: $600,000 Rural Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Caps assessment growth to eligible increases
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: $37.30 per $1,000 (proposed FY 2024/2025)
  • Annual Tax: $22,380
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,865

Example 3: $1,000,000 Rural Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Available Credits: Military exemption, disabled veteran credits (if applicable, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (assuming no qualifying credits)
  • Tax Rate: $37.30 per $1,000 (proposed FY 2024/2025)
  • Annual Tax: $37,300
  • Monthly Escrow: $3,108.33

Note: All tax credits require application and eligibility verification. Homestead credits do not reduce market value but limit assessment increases over time.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Kossuth County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your annual property tax bill plus insurance premiums. The lender pays your property taxes directly to the Kossuth County Treasurer when due - first installment by September 1st and second installment by November 1st.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to adjust your monthly payments based on actual tax bills and any changes in assessment or rates. If property taxes increase, expect higher monthly payments; if they decrease (as proposed for FY 2024/2025), your payments should be adjusted downward. You can verify escrow payments by checking that your lender has paid the correct amounts to Kossuth County by the due dates. Contact your lender if you notice discrepancies or late payments, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid on time.

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 Kossuth County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first installment due September 1st and second installment due November 1st. Visit the Kossuth County Treasurer's website for specific details and online payment options.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Iowa homestead credits are available for primary residences and REQUIRE APPLICATION. Military exemptions, disabled veteran credits, and elderly/disabled credits are also available but must be applied for. These are tax credits that reduce your tax bill, not exemptions that reduce assessed value.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit doesn't reduce your property's market value but limits how much your assessment can increase year-over-year. You must apply once, own and occupy the property as your primary residence, be an Iowa resident, and file Iowa income taxes. Applications received after July 1st apply to the next assessment year.

Q: Why do rural properties have higher tax rates than urban properties? A: Rural properties typically have higher rates due to different service districts and taxing authorities. Rural areas may have additional assessments for services like rural fire protection, different school district rates, and county services that urban areas receive through city taxes.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Kossuth County? A: Iowa conducts property assessments annually with values established as of January 1st each year. However, significant market changes or property improvements can trigger reassessment at any time.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Kossuth County Treasurer's office immediately if you cannot make the September 1st or November 1st deadlines to discuss payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check the Kossuth County Treasurer's website for current online payment options, accepted payment methods, and any associated processing fees.

Q: How do special taxing districts affect my property tax bill? A: Your location determines which special districts serve your property (school districts, fire districts, drainage districts, etc.). Each district sets its own levy rate, which explains why tax rates vary significantly between urban and rural areas and even between different neighborhoods.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Proposed Property Tax Levy - Kossuth County - Iowa.govkossuthcounty.iowa.gov
02
Textgovinfo.gov
03
Tax Doc
Understanding your property tax notice - - Algona IAalgonaiowa.gov
04
AGENDAwoodburycountyiowa.gov
05
County
Kossuth County Treasurerkossuthcounty.iowa.gov
06
FSA - Farm Service Agencyfsa.usda.gov
07
september-2020-990-index.csvirs.gov
08
File a Homestead Exemptioniowa.gov
09
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption | Department of Revenuerevenue.iowa.gov
10
CHAPTER 437Alegis.iowa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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