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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Winneshiek County
Property Tax Guide

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

7 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by location - urban areas projected 13.30% increase for FY 2025/2026, rural rates vary by district
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Winneshiek County, Iowa operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government, cities, and various special districts. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate for their specific location within the county. The county follows Iowa's standard assessment practices with properties typically assessed at 100% of market value for residential properties.

Your actual property tax rate will depend on your specific location within Winneshiek County, as rates vary significantly based on which city, school district, and special taxing districts serve your property. For FY 2025/2026, urban taxpayers are seeing projected tax increases of 13.30% compared to the previous year, while rural taxpayers face different rate structures. The effective tax rate generally hovers around Iowa's base rate of approximately 1%, though your total rate may be higher or lower depending on local levies and bond issues in your area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate/AmountDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school funding and operations
City/MunicipalVaries by cityCity services (where applicable)
Agricultural ExtensionVariesCounty extension services
Assessor LevyVariesProperty assessment operations
Special DistrictsVariesFire, ambulance, library, or other local services

Levy Year: FY 2025/2026

Important Note: Tax rates vary significantly by location within Winneshiek County. Urban taxpayers in FY 2025/2026 face an average increase of 13.30% over the previous year. Your specific rate depends on your property's location and which combination of taxing districts serve your area. Contact the County Assessor for your exact rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Winneshiek 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 Winneshiek County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to your property's assessment during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements, ownership changes that remove previous exemptions or credits, or corrections to the original assessment.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they are calculated based on the difference between your old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, and prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and your tax rate is $35 per $1,000 of assessed value, your supplemental tax would be approximately $1,750 ($50,000 ÷ 1,000 × $35) prorated for the 10 remaining months of the fiscal year, resulting in about $1,458 in additional taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (Urban)

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Assessment increase limited per Iowa law
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (assuming first-year ownership)
  • Tax Rate: ~$35 per $1,000 (estimated urban rate)
  • Annual Tax: $10,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $875

Example 2: $600,000 Home (Urban)

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Assessment increase limited per Iowa law
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (assuming first-year ownership)
  • Tax Rate: ~$35 per $1,000 (estimated urban rate)
  • Annual Tax: $21,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,750

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (Rural)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Assessment increase limited per Iowa law
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (assuming first-year ownership)
  • Tax Rate: ~$30 per $1,000 (estimated rural rate)
  • Annual Tax: $30,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,500

Note: All credits require application and are not automatic. Rates are estimates and vary by specific location and taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Winneshiek County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment, then pays your taxes directly to the county when due.

Property taxes in Winneshiek County are paid in two installments: the first installment is due September 1st, and the second installment is due December 1st. Your lender will typically pay these on your behalf before the due dates to avoid penalties. Lenders usually conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, which may result in escrow payment adjustments if your tax bill increases or decreases significantly.

If you pay your own taxes (without escrow), you're responsible for making payments directly to the Winneshiek County Treasurer by the September 1st and December 1st deadlines. You can verify your escrow payments and tax amounts through the county's online property tax lookup system.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Winneshiek County for FY 2025/2026? A: Property taxes are due in two installments - September 1st for the first half and December 1st for the second half.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit, which caps annual assessment increases. You can apply online through the county's Beacon site at www.winneshiek.us. Military exemptions are also available for qualifying veterans. All credits require application - none are automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your property's market value, but it limits how much your assessment can increase each year. You must apply by July 1st annually, and it only applies to your primary residence.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Iowa conducts property assessments annually, with notices typically sent in early spring. You have until May 1st to appeal your assessment to the local Board of Review.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. After September 1st, a 1.5% penalty is added monthly to unpaid first-half taxes. Similar penalties apply to second-half taxes after December 1st.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Winneshiek County offers online payment options through their official website. Check with the County Treasurer's office for accepted payment methods and any convenience fees.

Q: Why did my taxes increase 13.30% this year? A: The FY 2025/2026 budget includes significant increases for urban taxpayers due to rising costs for county services, school funding, and local infrastructure needs. Rural taxpayers face different rate changes.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your location determines which special districts (fire, ambulance, library, etc.) serve your property. Each adds to your total tax rate, which is why rates vary significantly across the county.

Q: Do I need to reapply for the Homestead Credit every year? A: While the credit typically continues automatically once approved, it's recommended to verify your status annually and reapply if you've moved or changed your primary residence.

Q: What military exemptions are available? A: Qualifying military veterans may be eligible for property tax exemptions. Applications can be submitted through the county's online Beacon system at www.winneshiek.us, and you should contact the assessor's office for specific eligibility requirements.

Verified Sources

Backed by 7 Official Government Sources

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

01
Local Government Property Valuation Systemwinneshiekcounty.iowa.gov
02
Tax Doc
Consolidated Tax Rates (FY25).xlsxwinneshiekcounty.iowa.gov
03
Local Government Property Valuation Systemwinneshiekcounty.iowa.gov
04
Homestead Law Change for 65 years of age or olderwinneshiekcounty.iowa.gov
05
County
Winneshiek County Assessor - Credits & Exemptionswinneshiekcounty.iowa.gov
06
How Do I Apply for Homestead Credit, 65 year or older ...winneshiekcounty.iowa.gov
07
County
Winneshiek Countyhomebaseiowa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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