Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Davis County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

Authority	Avg. Rate
County General Fund	0.45%
School District (Avg)	1.20%
City / Local (Avg)	0.35%

How Property Tax Works in Davis County

Property taxes are a significant part of funding local governments and services like schools, libraries, roads, and police departments in Iowa. Understanding the process can help you understand your annual tax bill and prepare for it. **Assessment Process:** 1. **Assessor's Office:** The Davis County Assessor's Office is responsible for determining property values. They use various factors, including market value data, to assess properties throughout the year. 2. **Market Value Calculation:** Their assessment methodology involves comparing similar properties (comparable sales) and using real estate trends to estimate a market value for each property. 3. **Legal Assessment:** The assessed value is then used by the county government for tax calculations. **Millage Rates:** * Millage rates are the amounts of taxes applied to your property's assessed value, expressed as "mills per dollar." This means that for every $100 of your home's assessed value, a mill rate can be set. * The total millage is based on how much tax revenue is needed to fund county services.

Available Exemptions

Iowa offers various exemptions to help eligible homeowners and families save money on property taxes: * **Homestead Exemption:** This exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. It can be as high as $10,000 or less depending on income levels and specific county requirements. *

• Find more details on eligibility and application procedures on the Iowa Department of Revenue website: [link to Iowa Department of Revenue Homestead Exemption page]

* **Senior Citizen/Disabled Veteran Exemption:** These exemptions lower your tax bill based on age or disability. For example, senior citizens may qualify for a reduction in property taxes if they are over 65 years old and meet specific income guidelines. The same applies to disabled veterans who may be eligible for the exemption. *

• Find more details on eligibility criteria and application procedures on the Iowa Department of Revenue website: [link to Iowa Department of Revenue Senior Citizen Exemption page]
• For specific details on disability exemptions, visit the Iowa Department of Veterans' Affairs website: [link to Iowa Department of Veterans' Affairs]

* **Disability Exemption:** This exemption is available for veterans who have a permanent service-connected disability. The property tax reduction can be substantial and is based on the veteran’s specific condition and income level. *

• To learn more about eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the Iowa Department of Veterans’ Affairs website: [link to Iowa Department of Veterans’ Affairs]

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Understanding your tax payment schedule is crucial for avoiding late fees and penalties. * **Payment Due Date:** Most property taxes are due by the end of October each year, but you can find specific deadlines on your annual tax bill. * **Installment Options:** You may be able to pay your property taxes in installments. Check with the Davis County Treasurer's office for details on payment schedules and installment plan options. * **Late Payment Consequences:** Failure to pay your property taxes by the deadline can result in late fees, penalties, and even a tax lien filed against your property.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you disagree with the assessed value of your property, you have the right to appeal. Here's how: * **Request an Informal Review:** Submit a written request to the Davis County Assessor's Office for an informal review. You can do this by contacting their office or completing an online form available on the county website. The formal appeal process requires specific documentation and deadlines. *

• Check the Davis County Assessor’s website for contact information and instructions for filing an appeal: [link to Davis County Assessor's Office]

**Important Note:** Be sure to consult with legal counsel or a tax advisor if you have any questions about property taxes in Davis County.