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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Osceola County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Osceola 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
0.21406% projected for 2025-2026 (varies by location due to special districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Osceola County, Iowa operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including county operations, emergency medical services, schools, and various special districts. The county's property tax rate for fiscal year 2025-2026 is projected at 0.21406%, though this rate is subject to final budget approval. Property taxes are assessed based on the market value of real estate as determined by the county assessor, with assessments typically updated annually.

Actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Osceola County due to different combinations of special taxing districts, including school districts, city levies, and emergency services districts. Property owners should note that the county has projected a 10% increase in property values for 2025, which will impact individual tax bills even if rates remain stable. The property tax system in Osceola County follows Iowa state guidelines, with taxes due annually by January 15th of each year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $1,000Description
General Basic LevyVariableCounty basic operations and services
General SupplementalVariableAdditional county operational needs
County Services$3.50000County-wide services levy
EMS Services$3.50000Emergency Medical Services
Total County Rate$0.21406%Projected rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: These rates apply to fiscal year 2025-2026 and are subject to final budget approval. Additional rates may apply based on your specific location within special taxing districts such as school districts, municipal levies, library districts, and other local improvement districts. Contact the Osceola County Assessor for your complete tax rate breakdown including all applicable special district assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Osceola 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 Osceola County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or improvements made after the annual assessment date. These supplemental assessments are triggered by events such as new construction, property transfers, or significant improvements that increase the property's assessed value. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining.

For example, if a property owner completes a $50,000 addition to their home mid-year, and the county's effective tax rate is 2.14%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,070 ($50,000 × 0.0214), prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from the annual property tax bill and have their own payment deadlines.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$4,850
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,150
  • Annual Tax ($295,150 × 0.0021406): $632
  • Monthly Escrow: $53

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$4,850
  • Net Taxable Value: $595,150
  • Annual Tax ($595,150 × 0.0021406): $1,274
  • Monthly Escrow: $106

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$4,850
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,150
  • Annual Tax ($995,150 × 0.0021406): $2,131
  • Monthly Escrow: $178

Note: These calculations use the projected county rate only and do not include school district, municipal, or other special district taxes. Homestead and other tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Osceola County require property owners to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically 1/12th of your annual property tax bill. Since Osceola County property taxes are due January 15th each year, lenders usually make the payment in early January on behalf of the property owner.

Lenders are required to provide an annual escrow analysis statement showing the previous year's activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to higher assessments or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. Property owners should verify that their lender has made the tax payment by checking with the Osceola County Treasurer's office, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow services.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Osceola County? A: Property taxes are due annually by January 15th. For fiscal year 2025-2026, the deadline is January 15, 2026. Penalty relief may be available for missed deadlines due to declared disasters.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Available tax credits include the Homestead Credit and Military Service Tax Exemption. All credits require annual application - they are not automatically applied. Applications must be submitted to the County Assessor's office.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Eligible homeowners age 65 and older may qualify for additional homestead tax exemptions under House File 718 (2023). You must apply annually with the County Assessor.

Q: When do I need to apply for tax credits? A: Most tax credit applications are due by June 1, 2025, though some deadlines may be extended to March if announced by the County Treasurer. Contact the Assessor's office for specific deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Osceola County conducts annual assessments, with the county projecting a 10% increase in property values for 2025. Assessment notices are typically mailed in the spring.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners can appeal their assessment. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal procedures and deadlines, which are typically in May following the assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and payment options if you've missed the January 15th deadline.

Q: Are there online payment options? A: Contact the Osceola County Treasurer's office directly to inquire about available online payment methods and accepted forms of payment for property taxes.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within the county? A: Tax rates vary based on special taxing districts including school districts, municipalities, emergency services, and other local improvement districts. Your total rate depends on which districts serve your specific property location.

Q: Who do I contact for exemptions and credits? A: Contact the Osceola County Assessor for Homestead Credits and Military Exemptions. For payment questions and general tax information, contact the County Auditor or Treasurer's office.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Proposed Property Tax Levy Public Hearingosceolacountyia.gov
02
Tax Doc
PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX LEVY Fiscal Year July 1, 2024osceolacountyia.gov
03
proposed budgetosceolacountyia.gov
04
Tax Doc
2025 Iowa Property Tax Credit Claimrevenue.iowa.gov
05
form10k123108.htmsec.gov
06
April 28, 2020osceolacountyia.gov
07
County
I Want To - Osceola County, Iowaosceolacountyia.gov
08
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption | Department of Revenuerevenue.iowa.gov
09
Auditorosceolacountyia.gov
10
Resolution #24 - 20/21osceolacountyia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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