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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Pottawattamie County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Pottawattamie County, IA. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

8 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% base rate + district levies (varies by location within county)
1st Due
Sep 30
2nd Due
Mar 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Pottawattamie County operates on an assessed value system where properties are evaluated based on market value, with taxes calculated using various levy rates set by local taxing authorities. The county's property tax system funds essential services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Iowa's base property tax rate averages around 1% statewide, though Pottawattamie County's effective rates typically vary based on your specific location within the county.

Your actual property tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, city services, rural fire districts, and other local authorities. Each district sets its own levy rate, which combines to create your total tax obligation. Property owners should expect some variation in rates even within neighborhoods, as municipal boundaries and special district coverage areas can differ significantly across the county's diverse urban and rural landscape.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated RateDescription
County General~$3.50 per $1,000Basic county services and operations
School District~$12-15 per $1,000Varies by school district boundaries
City/Municipal~$8-12 per $1,000City services (where applicable)
Rural Services~$1-3 per $1,000Rural areas outside city limits
Special Districts~$1-4 per $1,000Fire, library, drainage districts
Total Estimated~$25-37 per $1,000Varies significantly by location

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year for taxes payable in 2025-2026. A proposed 10% increase in property values is anticipated for 2025, though final rates are not yet determined. Actual rates vary considerably based on your property's specific taxing district combination within Pottawattamie County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Pottawattamie 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 Pottawattamie County are triggered by significant property changes that occur after the annual assessment date, including ownership transfers, new construction completion, or major improvements that increase assessed value. When these changes occur, the county assessor calculates the difference between the old and new assessed values, then applies the current tax rate to determine additional taxes owed.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in January 2025 after the assessment date, and your total tax rate is $30 per $1,000 of assessed value, you would owe an additional $1,500 in supplemental taxes ($50,000 × 0.030 = $1,500). This supplemental bill would be prorated based on the remaining months in the tax year and would be separate from your regular September and March tax payments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$4,850 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,150
  • Tax Rate: $30 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $8,855
  • Monthly Escrow: $738

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$4,850 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $595,150
  • Tax Rate: $30 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $17,855
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,488

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$4,850 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,150
  • Tax Rate: $32 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $31,845
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,654

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Homestead credits limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for Pottawattamie County properties, collecting monthly payments as part of your mortgage payment to cover the bi-annual tax bills. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax each month, plus a cushion amount to account for potential increases. Your lender pays the county directly when taxes are due in September and March.

Escrow accounts are analyzed annually, and lenders will adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax amounts and account balance. If taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, expect your monthly mortgage payment to increase accordingly. You can verify escrow payments and request account details from your lender, and you have the right to pay taxes directly if you meet certain loan-to-value requirements and request escrow removal.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Pottawattamie County for FY 2025-2026? A: The first half is due September 1, 2025, with payments considered on-time if postmarked by September 30, 2025. The second half is due March 1, 2026.

Q: What is the Homestead Tax Credit and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases and reduces your tax bill. You must be an Iowa resident, file Iowa income taxes, and occupy the property as your primary residence. Apply once with the county assessor - applications received after July 1 apply to the next assessment year.

Q: Are there other tax credits available? A: Yes, including Military Service Credit for qualifying veterans and their families. All credits require separate applications through the county assessor's office and are not automatically applied.

Q: What happens if I pay taxes late? A: Interest accrues on late payments. Contact the county treasurer's office for current interest rates and penalty information.

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

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Iowa requires regular reassessment cycles. Contact the county assessor for the current reassessment schedule and your property's next assessment date.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the local Board of Review during specified timeframes. Contact the county assessor's office for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within the county? A: Different combinations of school districts, municipalities, fire districts, and other special taxing districts create varying total tax rates depending on your property's specific location and services provided.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Finance - Auditor's Office for Pottawattamie County, Iowapottcounty-ia.gov
02
2025 4% appendix listopportunityiowa.gov
03
Local Government Property Valuation Systempottcounty-ia.gov
04
County
Treasurer's Office - Departments - Pottawattamie County, IApottcounty-ia.gov
05
County
Real Estate - Treasurer - Pottawattamie County, Iowapottcounty-ia.gov
06
County
Assessor's Office - Departments - Pottawattamie County, Iowapottcounty-ia.gov
07
File a Homestead Exemptioniowa.gov
08
Board of Supervisors Minutes October 2005fremontcountyia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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