Q: When are Lee County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026?
A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first half by September 1st and second half by March 1st. Payments must be received in the Treasurer's office or postmarked by these dates to avoid penalties.
Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply?
A: The primary credit is the Homestead Tax Credit, which requires application and caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing your property's value. You must apply once when you purchase your home, and the credit continues as long as you remain eligible. Applications received after July 1st apply to the next assessment year. Additional credits may be available for seniors age 70+ with limited income, disabled veterans, and other qualifying situations - all require separate applications.
Q: How does the Homestead Tax Credit work?
A: The Homestead Tax Credit does not reduce your property's assessed value but instead limits how much your assessment can increase each year due to market value changes. You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence, be an Iowa resident, file Iowa income taxes, and may not have a homestead credit on another Iowa property. Apply once when you become eligible - the credit continues automatically while you remain qualified.
Q: When are properties assessed and how can I appeal?
A: Properties are assessed as of January 1st each year by the Lee County Assessor. Assessment notices are typically mailed in April. If you disagree with your assessment, you can appeal to the local Board of Review, typically meeting in May. Contact the Lee County Assessor's office for specific appeal deadlines and procedures.
Q: What are the penalties for late payment?
A: Lee County charges penalties and interest on late property tax payments. The first half payment is subject to penalty if not received by September 1st, and the second half is subject to penalty if not received by March 1st. Contact the Lee County Treasurer for specific penalty rates and interest charges.
Q: Can I pay my property taxes online?
A: Yes, Lee County typically offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's website. You may also pay in person, by mail, or through authorized payment centers. Check the Lee County Treasurer's website for current online payment availability and any associated processing fees.
Q: Why do property taxes vary within Lee County?
A: Tax rates vary significantly based on your property's location within Lee County due to different combinations of school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts. A property in Fort Madison will have different rates than a rural property outside city limits, primarily due to different school district levies and municipal taxes.
Q: How do special districts affect my tax bill?
A: Special districts such as fire districts, library districts, drainage districts, and emergency services districts add additional levies to your tax bill. The specific districts that serve your property depend on its geographic location. Contact the Lee County Auditor's office to determine which districts apply to your specific address.
Q: What triggers a reassessment of my property?
A: Properties may be reassessed due to new construction, major improvements, ownership changes, or as part of the regular assessment cycle. The assessor conducts periodic reviews of property values and may adjust assessments based on market conditions, comparable sales, or physical changes to the property.
Q: Are there exemptions for agricultural or forest land?
A: Iowa provides special assessment classifications for agricultural and forest land, which are assessed at use value rather than market value. These require application and annual renewal. Contact the Lee County Assessor's office for eligibility requirements and application procedures for agricultural and forestland classifications.
