The Iowa property tax is primarily a tax on "real property," which is mostly land, buildings, structures, and other improvements. The value is determined by a city or county assessor, subject to appeal. Each county has an assessor, and nine cities have an assessor. Iowa’s law provides that any city over 10,000 in population may elect to have its own assessor.

On average, Iowa’s cities collect 28.3% of a property tax bill while schools collect 44%, counties 21.2%, and other entities (primarily community colleges and the Extension Service) collect 6.5%.

Currently, homeowners pay approximately 47 percent of the property tax collected each year in Iowa. Farmers pay 16 percent, and businesses and industry, a total of 34 percent. Utility companies, including railroads, pay 3 percent. The miscellaneous category pays less than 1 percent.

The Iowa Department of Revenue has general supervisory authority over the operation of the assessors’ offices and boards of review, providing technical assistance and regulations as required by law or administrative rule. The Iowa Department of Revenue assesses all utility and railroad properties, but does not collect or use property taxes.

An overview of Iowa’s property tax system has been prepared by the Iowa Department of Revenue.