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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Scott County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Scott 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
Approximately 1% of market value, varies by taxing district combination within county
1st Due
Sep 30
2nd Due
Mar 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Scott County, Iowa operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with tax bills calculated based on assessed property values and local tax rates. The effective tax rate in Scott County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts, but generally aligns with Iowa's statewide average of approximately 1% of market value.

Property tax rates in Scott County are composed of multiple components including county general services, school districts, city services (if applicable), and various special taxing districts such as library districts, fire districts, and emergency services. Your actual tax rate depends on which specific taxing districts serve your property location. The county assessor determines property values, while individual taxing entities set their levy rates annually to fund their respective budgets.

All property tax credits and exemptions require separate applications and are not automatically applied to your tax bill. Property owners are responsible for filing the appropriate forms by specified deadlines to receive any available tax relief.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available data for Scott County, the current property tax structure includes:

ComponentRate/StatusDescription
Current Base Rate~7% of assessed valueCombined rate for all taxing districts (varies by location)
Assessment Limitations5% annual cap (phasing in)House File 418 implements gradual assessment limitations from 2025-2034
County Supplemental LevyVariableAdditional levy for specific projects including joint city/county building lease payments
Special DistrictsVaries by locationAdditional rates for fire districts, library districts, emergency services
School District BondsVaries by districtAdditional levies for capital improvements and debt service

Note: The 2025 tax rates are not yet finalized and depend on legislative decisions. Actual rates vary significantly by property location within Scott County due to different combinations of taxing districts serving each area.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Scott 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 Scott County may be levied for specific county needs, particularly infrastructure projects and joint municipal facilities. The county supplemental levy is authorized by Iowa law to raise revenue for lease payments on shared city/county buildings and other capital projects. This supplemental tax appears as an additional line item on property tax bills when implemented.

The supplemental levy is calculated as an additional rate applied to the assessed value of all properties within the affected taxing jurisdiction. When approved, this tax is added to the regular property tax bill and follows the same payment schedule as regular property taxes. The county has indicated that recent legislation allows for supplemental levies to help fund construction projects while maintaining stability in rural services property tax rates.

Property owners receive notification of any proposed supplemental taxes through public notices and hearings before implementation.

Example Calculation

The following examples show estimated annual property taxes for Scott County properties. Note that actual taxes vary by specific location due to different taxing district combinations:

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Applicable Credits: Homestead Credit (requires application)
  • Estimated Annual Tax: ~$2,100 (at 7% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$175

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Applicable Credits: Homestead Credit (if owner-occupied, requires application)
  • Estimated Annual Tax: ~$4,200 (at 7% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$350

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Applicable Credits: May qualify for senior homestead exemption if 65+ (requires application)
  • Estimated Annual Tax: ~$7,000 (at 7% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$583

All tax credits require separate applications filed with the Scott County Assessor's office. Homestead credits limit annual assessment increases rather than reducing the base assessed value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Scott County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. The lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of the estimated annual property tax bill and holds these funds to pay taxes when due. Scott County's semi-annual payment schedule (September 30 and March 31) allows lenders to make payments directly to the county treasurer on behalf of property owners.

Lenders typically review escrow accounts annually and may adjust monthly payments based on actual tax bills and account balances. Property owners should receive an annual escrow analysis showing payments made, account balance, and any required adjustments. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly.

Property owners can verify that their lender has made timely tax payments by checking with the Scott County Treasurer's office or through online payment portals. Any discrepancies should be addressed immediately to avoid late payment penalties.

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 Scott County? A: Property taxes are paid in two installments - the first installment is due by September 30th, and the second installment is due by March 31st of the following year.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Scott County offers homestead credits for owner-occupied properties and military exemptions for qualifying veterans. A new homestead exemption is available for homeowners 65 and older. All credits require separate applications filed with the County Assessor's office - they are not automatic.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases on owner-occupied properties rather than reducing the market value. You must file an application with the Scott County Assessor to qualify, and the credit must be renewed as required by county policy.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Iowa law requires properties to be assessed annually. The Scott County Assessor's office conducts regular revaluations to maintain assessments at market value levels.

Q: How can I appeal my assessment? A: Property owners can appeal assessments by contacting the Scott County Assessor's office. Formal appeals must be filed within specific timeframes following assessment notices.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Scott County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and payment options.

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

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Scott County? A: Different areas of Scott County are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, library districts, and municipal services, each with their own tax rates that combine to create your total tax bill.

Q: What is the deadline to apply for tax credits? A: Application deadlines vary by credit type. Contact the Scott County Assessor's office for specific deadlines for homestead credits, military exemptions, and senior citizen exemptions.

Q: How will the new assessment limitations affect my taxes? A: House File 418 implements gradual assessment limitations from 2025-2034, moving in 5% increments. This may help moderate assessment increases over time, but the full impact depends on market conditions and legislative implementation.

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
Legislative – Property Tax Updatescottcountyiowa.us
02
Tax Doc
Tax Levies & Assessed Valuesscottcountyiowa.gov
03
Tax Doc
Tax Calculatorscottcountyiowa.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Taxscottcountyiowa.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Taxes Second Installment Duescottcountyiowa.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Taxes First Installment Duescottcountyiowa.gov
07
Tax Doc
New Property Tax Exemption and Creditscottcountyiowa.gov
08
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Credits and Military Tax Exemptions Policywww3.scottcountyiowa.gov
09
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Creditscottcountyiowa.gov
10
Fiscal notelegis.iowa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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