Northwest Iowa — The second and final installment of your property taxes is technically due on Monday (March 1st). However, county treasurers in northwest Iowa are reminding you that the taxes may be paid without penalty on or before March 31st.
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 was due in the fall of the fiscal year, with the last payment due the following spring. The final 2020-2021 payment is due March 1st. If you have a mortgage, your property taxes are probably paid by your lender through an escrow account.
Taxes can be paid online, in person, or by mail. And during the pandemic, most county courthouses have a dropbox near the courthouse, allowing you to pay your taxes at the courthouse without having to deal with anyone in person.
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 fee is a percentage of your tax payment plus a flat fee. But if you pay with an e-check, the entire fee is less than a dollar.
The county treasurer’s 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, via dropbox, or via US Mail, the proper stub needs to accompany your payment. For more information, call your county treasurer’s property tax department.
