HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Webster County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by taxing district, typically ranges from 1.2% to 1.8% of assessed value depending on location
1st Due
Sep 30
2nd Due
Mar 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Webster 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 assessed annually based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property, with tax bills typically issued in the spring for the current fiscal year.

The effective property tax rate in Webster County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts, including school districts, cities, townships, and special service districts. While Iowa's statewide average property tax rate is approximately 1%, Webster County property owners may experience rates that differ from this baseline depending on their specific location and the services provided by their local taxing authorities. The county uses a market value assessment approach without a statewide assessment cap, meaning property values are assessed at fair market value as of January 1st each assessment year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General FundTBDBasic county services and operations
County Rural ServicesTBDRural road maintenance and services
School District LevyVariesLocal school district operations (varies by district)
City/Municipal LevyVariesCity services (applicable in incorporated areas)
Township LevyVariesTownship services (applicable in unincorporated areas)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, drainage districts, other special services
Debt ServiceVariesBond payments for infrastructure and capital improvements

Note: Final tax rates for FY 2025-2026 are not yet available. Rates vary significantly by location within Webster County based on which combination of taxing districts apply to each property. Contact the Webster County Assessor's office for current rates specific to your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Webster 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 Webster County may be levied when counties need additional revenue for general county services, maintenance, and operations beyond the regular tax levy. These supplemental levies require specific certification processes and are typically implemented to address infrastructure needs, emergency services, or other essential county functions that exceed the capacity of the base tax levy.

Supplemental taxes are calculated as an additional rate applied to the same assessed value used for regular property taxes. For example, if the county certifies a supplemental levy of $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value, a property with an assessed value of $200,000 would pay an additional $100 annually ($200,000 ÷ $1,000 × $0.50) beyond their regular property tax bill. These levies are subject to public hearing requirements and must be approved through the county's budget process.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.5% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: ~$4,500
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$375

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.5% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: ~$9,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$750

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.5% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: ~$15,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,250

Note: Tax credits require separate application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts within Webster County. Contact the Webster County Assessor for precise calculations.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Webster County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly property tax payments along with principal, interest, and insurance, then pays the tax bills directly to Webster County when due.

Property taxes in Webster County are due July 1st and payable in two installments, with the first installment due by October 1st to avoid penalties. Lenders typically pay the first installment in September and budget for the full annual amount throughout the year. Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax bill information and is making timely payments, 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
  • 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 Webster County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due July 1st and payable in two installments. The first installment must be paid by October 1st to avoid penalties. Online payments are accepted until 11:59 PM on June 8, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The Homestead Credit (currently $6,500 for assessment years beginning January 1, 2024), Military Exemption, and Business Property Tax Credit are available. All credits require application and are NOT automatic. Applications can be filed January 1st through December 31st annually.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides a $6,500 reduction in taxable value and helps limit assessment increases on qualifying residential properties. This is a one-time filing requirement, but you must apply - it's not automatic.

Q: When are properties assessed and how can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed as of January 1st each year. Informal assessment reviews can be requested between April 2nd and April 25th. Contact the Webster County Assessor's office during this period to schedule a review.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Penalties apply if the first installment is not paid by October 1st. Contact the Webster County Treasurer's office for specific penalty amounts and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, online payments are accepted through the Webster County system until 11:59 PM on June 8, 2025. Check the Webster County website for payment portal access and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Webster County? A: Tax rates vary based on which taxing districts serve your property location, including different school districts, cities, townships, fire districts, and other special service areas.

Q: How do I apply for available tax credits? A: Contact the Webster County Assessor's office for application forms and requirements. Most credits have a filing period from January 1st through December 31st, but it's best to apply early in the year.

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 Fiscal Year July 1, 2024webstercountyia.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Taxeswebstercountyia.gov
03
$34.29legis.iowa.gov
04
Important Dateswebstercountyia.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tax Sale Infowebstercountyia.gov
06
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Credit and Exemptionwebstercountyia.gov
07
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption | Department of Revenuerevenue.iowa.gov
08
County
94 Webster County FY 2019webstercountyia.gov
09
All Billslegis.iowa.gov
10
Junewebstercountyia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate