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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Tama County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Tama 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 taxing district; urban areas projected 1.40% decrease, rural areas 0.77% increase for 2024-2025
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Tama County, Iowa operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of your property multiplied by the local tax rate, which varies significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts.

For the 2024-2025 fiscal year, Tama County property owners can expect tax rate variations between urban and rural areas. Urban taxpayers are projected to see a rate decrease of approximately 1.40%, while rural taxpayers may experience a slight increase of 0.77%. The final tax rates will be determined after the public hearing scheduled for March 2025. Actual tax rates vary considerably across the county depending on which school district, city, and special taxing districts (such as emergency services or library districts) serve your specific property location.

Property taxes in Tama County are collected in two installments annually, providing property owners with flexibility in managing their tax obligations while ensuring steady funding for local government services throughout the fiscal year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County GeneralVariesFunds county operations, roads, courthouse, sheriff
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district operations and facilities
City/MunicipalVariesCity services (if within city limits)
Emergency ServicesVariesFire protection, ambulance services
Rural Basic Levy~$5.25 per $1,000Base rate for rural properties (FY 2024-2025)
Urban Basic Levy~$3.52 per $1,000Base rate for urban properties (FY 2024-2025)

Important Notes for FY 2024-2025:

  • Final tax rates will be established after the March 2025 public hearing
  • Rates vary significantly by location within Tama County based on your specific combination of taxing districts
  • School district boundaries, city limits, and special district coverage areas all affect your total tax rate
  • Contact the Tama County Assessor's Office for your property's specific rate calculation
Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Tama 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 Tama County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to your property's ownership, value, or use outside of the regular assessment cycle. These most commonly arise from new construction, major improvements, or changes in property ownership that trigger a reassessment.

Common Triggers:

  • New construction or additions completed after the January 1 assessment date
  • Property transfers that reveal significant underassessment
  • Permit-driven improvements (pools, decks, room additions)
  • Change from exempt to taxable status

Calculation Example: If you complete a $50,000 home addition in June, and your area's tax rate is $35 per $1,000 of assessed value, your supplemental tax would be approximately $1,750 ($50,000 × 0.035) prorated from the completion date through the end of the fiscal year. This supplemental bill would be issued separately from your regular property tax bill and would have its own payment deadline.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit*: -$4,850
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,150
  • Tax Rate: $35.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $10,330
  • Monthly Escrow: $861

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit*: -$4,850
  • Net Taxable Value: $595,150
  • Tax Rate: $35.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $20,830
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,736

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit*: -$4,850
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,150
  • Tax Rate: $35.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $34,830
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,903

*Homestead Credit requires annual application and caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Credit amounts vary based on income and property value limits.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Tama County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax with each monthly mortgage payment, holding these funds in escrow until tax payments are due.

Escrow Timeline:

  • September 1: First half payment due (covers July 1 - December 31)
  • March 1: Second half payment due (covers January 1 - June 30)

Your lender typically pays your property taxes directly to the Tama County Treasurer on these due dates. Lenders usually maintain a cushion of 2-6 months of tax payments in your escrow account to cover potential tax increases. Each year, your lender will conduct an escrow analysis to determine if your monthly payment needs adjustment based on actual tax bills received.

If you pay your property taxes directly (without escrow), you're responsible for ensuring payments reach the Tama County Treasurer by the due dates. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges that begin accruing the day after the due date.

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 Tama County for the current fiscal year? A: The first half is due by September 1st, and the second half is due by March 1st of the following year. For FY 2024-2025, this means September 1, 2024, and March 1, 2025.

Q: What is the Homestead Credit and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Credit is a tax credit that caps your property's assessed value increases and reduces your tax bill. You must apply once with the County Assessor's Office, own and occupy the property as your primary residence, be an Iowa resident, and file Iowa income taxes. Applications received after July 1 apply to the next assessment year.

Q: Are there property tax credits for seniors? A: Yes, property owners 65 or older on January 1st may qualify for additional tax credits. You must submit a new application to be eligible, and the credit continues as long as you meet the requirements. Contact the Tama County Assessor for specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Tama County? A: Iowa requires properties to be assessed annually, with reassessments reflecting market conditions as of January 1st each year. You'll receive your assessment notice in the spring with information about appealing if you disagree.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest starting the day after the due date. Continued non-payment can eventually lead to tax lien proceedings and potential loss of property.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Tama County Treasurer's Office directly or visit their website for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my tax rate change from last year? A: Tax rates fluctuate based on local government budgets, school district needs, and special assessments. Urban rates are projected to decrease by 1.40% while rural rates may increase by 0.77% for FY 2024-2025, but final rates will be set after the March 2025 public hearing.

Q: Do I automatically receive all available tax credits? A: No, most tax credits require separate applications submitted to the County Assessor's Office. Credits are not automatic and must be applied for to receive the benefit. Missing application deadlines means waiting until the next assessment year.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Proposed Property Tax Levy - Tama County, Iowatamacounty.iowa.gov
02
County
Property Tax - Treasurer's Office - Tama County, Iowatamacounty.iowa.gov
03
Home News & Announcementstamacityia.gov
04
County
Frequently Asked Questions - Treasurer - Tama County, Iowatamacounty.iowa.gov
05
County
Frequently Asked Questions - Tama County Government - Iowatamacounty.iowa.gov
06
County
Credits and Exemptions - Assessor - Tama County, Iowatamacounty.iowa.gov
07
File a Homestead Exemptioniowa.gov
08
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption | Department of Revenuerevenue.iowa.gov
09
TENTATIVE AGENDAscottcountyiowa.us
10
OONGl{ESSIONAL REOOR.D-HOUSE.congress.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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