Iowa law provides for a number of credits and exemptions. It is the property owner's responsibility to apply for these as provided by law. It is also the property owner's responsibility to report to the Assessor when they are no longer eligible for any credit or exemption they have applied for. Following is a list of several credits and exemptions available in Iowa.
NOTE: Many of these forms must be completed in the Assessors's Office. |
HOMESTEAD TAX CREDIT
To qualify for the credit, the property owner must be a resident of Iowa and occupy the property on July 1 and for at least six months of every year. New applications for homestead tax credit are to be filed with the Assessor on or before July 1 of the year the credit if first claimed. Once a person qualifies, the credit continues until the property is sold or until the owner no longer qualifies. This credit reduces the value on which taxes are calculated by a maximum of $4,850. (Refer to Code of Iowa, Chapter 425)
MILITARY TAX EXEMPTION
Qualification is determined based on residency, type of discharge and time served. Military veterans including Iowa National Guard and United States Reservists may qualify. Contact the County Assessors' Office for additional information. Applications must be made with the Assessor on or before July 1 of the year the exemption is first claimed. The exemption remains in effect until the property owner is no longer eligible. (Refer to Code of Iowa Chapter 426)
FAMILY FARM TAX CREDIT
This is a tax credit on agricultural tracts of land 10 acres or more that are farmed by the owner or immediate family members (this includes brothers/sisters, sons/daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, uncles/aunts, nephews/nieces.) This credit needs to be filed be November 1st at the Assessor's office. It only needs to be filed once unless the ownership or the person actively engaged in farming changes. (refer to Code of Iowa Chapter 425A)
Following is a list of several other credits/exemptions administered by the Assessor's office. Filing is required on them as provided by Iowa law.
Credit/Exemption | Time Period | Contact For Eligibility | Filing Deadline |
| Forest Reserve | Permanent | Assessor | Feb. 1 |
| Fruit Tree Reservation | Permanent | Assessor | Feb. 1 |
| Forest Cover | Annual | Soil Conservation Service | Feb. 1 |
| Open Prairie | Annual | Soil Conservation Service | Feb. 1 |
| Wetlands | Annual | DNR State Wildlife Biologist/Assessor | Feb. 1 |
| Native Prairie | Annual | DNR State Wildlife Biologist/Assessor | Feb. 1 |
| Wildlife Habitat | Annual | DNR State Wildlife Biologist/Assessor | Feb. 1 |
| Impoundment Structures | Annual | Assessor | Feb. 1 |
| Pollution Control | Permanent | Assessor | Feb. 1 |
| Cattle Facilities | 5 Years | Assessor | Feb. 1 |
| Historic Property | 4/4 Years | State Historical Society/Assessor | Feb. 1 |
| Urban Revitalization | By Ordinance | City/County Assessor | Feb. 1 |
| Industrial Partial 427B | 5 Years | Assessor | Feb. 1 |
| Disabled Veteran | Annual | Local Administrator Veterans Affairs/Assessor | July 1 |