New property tax assessments could be setting records. What can you do if you think yours is unfair?

Lee Rood, Des Moines Register
·2 min read
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So you just got your biannual property tax assessment and it was a shocker.

You're not alone. Home assessments are soaring all over Iowa after a couple of years of record-breaking home sales, and the notices are going out this week.

If you're worried about getting a bank-breaking 2024-2025 property tax bill, what can you do about it?

File a protest to county assessors

Everyone has a right to protest their new valuation. If you want to, you can do so informally with the county assessor, or by written formal appeal to your local board of review. The protests are due by April 30.

Petition forms are available at the local assessor’s office or on its website. In Polk County, that’s web.assess.co.polk.ia.us. Return the completed protest forms via email to protest@assess.co.polk.ia.us; fax: 515-286-3386; or mail to 111 Court Ave., Room 195, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

You must specify one or more of the following reasons: The assessment is not comparable to others with similar properties; the property is assessed at more than its actual value; the property is exempt from taxation; there is an error in the assessment; or the assessment is fraudulent.

Hearings are held in May.

Property assessment, value protest tips

Here’s what else you need to know:

  • Be sure to request an oral hearing in your written petition if you would like to speak to the board of review. And know the protest will not be accepted unless it is signed.

  • If you’re not happy with the Board of Review’s decision, you can appeal to the Property Assessment Appeal Board or district court.

  • In odd-numbered years when an equalization order is issued by the Iowa Department of Revenue, property owners may file a written appeal in the fall.

  • For more information, call your county assessor. In Polk County, that's (515) 286-3014. You also can go to www.assess.co.polk.ia.us and click on "Investigate your assessment" for help in preparing an appeal.

Lee Rood staff photo, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021.
Lee Rood staff photo, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021.

Lee Rood's Reader's Watchdog column helps Iowans get answers and accountability from public officials, the justice system, businesses and nonprofits. Reach her at lrood@registermedia.com, at 515-284-8549, on Twitter at @leerood or on Facebook at Facebook.com/readerswatchdog.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: How to protest Iowa property tax assessments if home value is too high