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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Sac County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Sac 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 district, typically 1.5-2.5% of assessed value depending on location and taxing entities
1st Due
Sep 30
2nd Due
Mar 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Sac County, Iowa operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government, cities, and other special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for local governments in Sac County, supporting services such as public safety, road maintenance, libraries, and emergency services. The county follows Iowa's statewide assessment practices, with properties assessed at their full market value as of January 1st each assessment year.

Property tax rates in Sac County vary by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts. Each property may be subject to taxes from multiple entities including the county, school district, city (if applicable), and various special districts such as library districts or emergency services districts. Based on Iowa's statewide average, effective tax rates typically range from 1.0% to 1.5% of assessed value, though individual rates depend on the specific taxing districts that serve each property location.

The 2025 tax rates for Sac County have not yet been officially determined, as local governments are still finalizing their budgets. Property owners should check with the Sac County Auditor's office for the most current rate information once the annual budget process is completed.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The final tax rates for the 2025 levy year are pending completion of the annual budget process. Tax rates vary by location within Sac County based on the combination of taxing districts serving each property.

ComponentEstimated Rate RangeDescription
County General$3.00-4.00 per $1,000County operations, roads, public safety
School District$12.00-16.00 per $1,000Local school district operations and facilities
City Levy$8.00-15.00 per $1,000Municipal services (applies only within city limits)
Special Districts$1.00-3.00 per $1,000Libraries, emergency services, drainage districts

Note: These are estimated ranges based on historical data. Actual rates for levy year 2025-2026 will be determined after the county auditor calculates final levy rates based on approved budgets from all taxing authorities. Properties in different areas of the county will have different total rates depending on which combination of districts serve that location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Sac 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

Iowa does not typically issue supplemental tax bills during the tax year like some other states. Instead, property tax assessments are established once annually based on the property's value and ownership status as of January 1st. Any changes in ownership, new construction, or improvements made after January 1st will be reflected in the following year's assessment and tax bill.

New construction or major improvements completed after January 1st but before the assessment date may be subject to assessment in the current year if they substantially increase the property's value. In such cases, the additional tax would be calculated by multiplying the increased assessed value by the current year's tax rate, prorated for the portion of the year the improvement was in place.

For example, if a $50,000 addition is completed in July and the total tax rate is $35 per $1,000 of assessed value, the additional annual tax would be $1,750 ($50,000 × 0.035). This would typically appear on the following year's regular tax bill rather than as a separate supplemental bill.

Example Calculation

The following examples use estimated rates pending finalization of 2025 levy rates. Actual calculations will vary based on specific taxing district combinations and available credits.

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$4,850 (estimated)
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,150
  • Estimated Tax Rate: $32 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $9,445
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $787

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$4,850 (estimated)
  • Net Taxable Value: $595,150
  • Estimated Tax Rate: $32 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $19,045
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,587

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

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

Note: Homestead Credit requires application and is not automatic. Credit amounts are subject to change based on state funding. Veterans and other eligible taxpayers may qualify for additional credits.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment, though borrowers may request escrow even with larger down payments. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, typically calculating 1/12th of the annual tax bill plus a small cushion to account for potential increases.

Property taxes in Sac County are due in two installments: the first half by September 1st and the second half by March 1st of the following year. Lenders typically make escrow payments before these due dates to ensure timely payment and avoid penalties. The first half becomes delinquent after October 1st, and the second half becomes delinquent after March 31st.

Property owners should verify that their lender is making timely payments and that the escrow account balance is adequate. The annual escrow analysis provided by lenders shows whether adjustments to monthly payments are needed. Property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow accounts, so monitoring the account is important for avoiding penalties or interest charges.

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 Sac County? A: Property taxes are due in two installments for the 2025-2026 levy year: first half by September 1, 2025, and second half by March 1, 2026. The first half becomes delinquent October 1st, and the second half becomes delinquent March 31st.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit for owner-occupied homes, which requires a one-time application with the county auditor. Veterans may qualify for additional credits. Military Exemption credits are also available for qualifying veterans. All credits require application - they are not automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides a direct reduction to your tax bill (not your assessed value) and helps limit annual assessment increases. You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence and be an Iowa resident. Application deadline is July 1st for the following assessment year.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Iowa law requires properties to be assessed annually, but physical inspections typically occur every 4-6 years unless there are improvements or ownership changes. Assessed values are established as of January 1st each year.

Q: How do I appeal my assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Sac County Board of Review, typically between April 1st and May 1st. Contact the County Auditor's office for specific deadlines and required forms.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. The first half becomes delinquent October 1st and the second half March 31st. Contact the County Treasurer for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Sac County Treasurer's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within the county? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, cities, and special districts (libraries, emergency services, drainage districts), each with their own tax levies that combine to create the total rate for each property location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
County of Sacramentofinance.saccounty.gov
02
$34.29legis.iowa.gov
03
County
Taxable Valuations By Levy Authority & Countysaccountyiowa.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax - Treasurer's Officesaccountyiowa.gov
05
County
Assessor - SAC COUNTY, IOWAsaccountyiowa.gov
06
County
Sac County Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
07
File a Homestead Exemptioniowa.gov
08
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption | Department of Revenuerevenue.iowa.gov
09
Tax Doc
Property Tax Reformlegis.iowa.gov
10
Tax Doc
Iowa Property Tax Overview | Department of Revenuerevenue.iowa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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