Northwest Iowa — The first installment of your 2023-24 property taxes (also called real estate taxes) is due. County treasurers in northwest Iowa are reminding you that the payment may be made without penalty on or before Monday, October 2nd.
If you own real estate you’re required to pay a half year’s taxes on that real estate every six months. Or you can elect to pay the full year’s taxes in one payment. The first payment is due now, in the fall of the year, with the last payment due the following spring. If you have a mortgage, your property taxes are probably paid by your lender through an escrow account, but check with them to know for sure.
Most property owners receive a mailing about the taxes. The paperwork includes two stubs — one for the fall payment and one for the spring payment, clearly marked “1” and “2.” The one marked with the “1” gives you the option of paying the full year amount or just what is due as of September 1st.
Taxes can be paid online, in person, or by mail. The treasurers advise that if you want to pay your taxes online, the website to use is www.iowatreasurers.org. Paying online requires the payment of a convenience fee. If you pay by credit card, the treasurer’s offices say that the fee is a percentage of your tax payment plus a flat fee. But if you pay with an e-check, the entire fee is usually less than a dollar.
The county treasurers’ offices in the four-county area are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
If you’re going to pay your taxes in person at your county treasurer’s office, the treasurers want the proper stub to accompany your payment. If you’re mailing or using a drop box, the stub should be included in the envelope.
Payments made using a drop box or in person must be done before 4:30 p.m. on October 2nd. If mailing, the postmark has to be on or before October 2nd.
For more information, call your county treasurer’s property tax department.
