Find Property Tax Relief in Your State
Take the first step toward checking your eligibility to apply for property tax relief programs in your state.
Select your state to learn more about available programs and how to apply. The resources on this page are updated as new information becomes available.
Iowa Program Overview
Looking for property tax relief in Iowa? There are five main ways to apply for property tax relief:
- Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption
- Property Tax Credit - 70+
- Property Tax Credit - 65-69
- Rent Reimbursement
- Property Tax Suspension for SSI and SSA Recipients
Property Tax-Aide features three widely available property tax relief programs for older Iowa residents, with one specifically for renters. They are the Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption, Property Tax Credit, and Rent Reimbursement programs.
The information on this page is updated as new information becomes available by the relevant tax agencies.
Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption
The current credit is equal to the actual tax levy on the first $4,850 of actual value. In addition, eligible claimants 65 years or older are now eligible for a homestead exemption. For the assessment year beginning January 1, 2023, the exemption is $3,250. For assessment years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, the exemption is for $6,500.
Eligibility
- Applicant must own and occupy the property as a homestead on July 1 of each year.
- Applicant must occupy the property for at least 6 months each year.
- The owner must declare residency in Iowa for income tax purposes.
- Need to certify that a smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm, if needed, have been installed.
- Those 65 or older as of January 1 of this assessment year are now eligible for an additional exemption.
Application Deadline
Claim must be filed on or before July 1 and submitted to the city or county assessor. Claim is allowed for successive years without further filing as long as eligible.
A claim filed after July 1 of the year for which the person is claiming the credit or exemption shall be considered a claim filed for the following year.
Required Documentation
Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption application (form 54-028)
Property Tax Credit - 70+
Homeowners aged 65 or older, or those 18+ and totally disabled, can receive a property tax credit. The credit amount varies based on age and income, with a maximum limit of $1,000. Income eligibility differs for those aged 65-69, 18+ and totally disabled, and those 70 or older.
Eligibility
- Must be an Iowa resident as of December 31 of the year of the claim.
- Property owner’s total household income is less than $26,895 for those 18+ and totally disabled or between the ages of 65 and 69.
- For those 70 or older, the income limit is based on the 250% federal poverty level, which takes into account the number of persons in the family or household. For example, for 2025, the income limit is $39,125 for single-person households and $52,875 for two-person households.
Application Deadline
Application form submitted to the county treasurer on or before June 1, 2026. The treasurer may extend the filing deadline to March 31, 2027.
Required Documentation
- The application requires the Social Security numbers of the applicant and spouse.
- Income statement is included in the application.
Property Tax Credit - 65-69
Homeowners aged 65 or older, or those 18+ and totally disabled, can receive a property tax credit. The credit amount varies based on age and income, with a maximum limit of $1,000. Income eligibility differs for those aged 65-69, 18+ and totally disabled, and those 70 or older.
Eligibility
- Must be an Iowa resident as of December 31 of the year of the claim.
- Property owner’s total household income is less than $26,895 for those 18+ and totally disabled or between the ages of 65 and 69.
- For those 70 or older, the income limit is based on the 250% federal poverty level, which takes into account the number of persons in the family or household. For example, for 2025, the income limit is $39,125 for single-person households and $52,875 for two-person households.
Application Deadline
Application form submitted to the county treasurer on or before June 1, 2026. The treasurer may extend the filing deadline to March 31, 2027.
Required Documentation
- The application requires the Social Security numbers of the applicant and spouse.
- Income statement is included in the application.
Rent Reimbursement
People who pay rent in buildings that are not tax-exempt may receive reimbursement of up to $1,000 of the gross rent paid each year.
Eligibility
- You are 65 years of age or older, or 18 years of age or older and disabled.
- Must have lived in Iowa and still live in Iowa now.
- You paid rent in Iowa at a property that pays property tax. If you are uncertain whether the building is subject to property taxes, ask your landlord or county treasurer.
- For claim year 2025, your total annual household income must be less than $26,895.
- For claim year 2024, your total annual household income must be less than $26,219.
Application Deadline
- Rent Reimbursement claim for 2025 can be filed until December 31, 2027.
- Rent Reimbursement claim for 2024 can be filed until December 31, 2026.
- Rent Reimbursement claims for 2023 ended on December 31, 2025.
- Applications are submitted to Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
Required Documentation
Proof of identification, such as:
- Driver’s license
- Social Security card
- Birth certificate
- Passport
Proof of household income, such as:
- Pay stubs
- W-2 statements, or verification of self-employment
- Cashed checks
- HUD or Section 8 award letter
Proof of rent payments, such as:
- HHS Form Number 470-5713 Rent Reimbursement Landlord Rent Verification
- Copy of lease showing rent amount
- Rent receipts or canceled checks from each month
- A ledger from the rental office
- Signed letter from your landlord with rent paid. (Include their name, address & phone number)
Proof of disability (if under 65), such as:
- SSA 1099 form showing your name
- VA Disability Award Letter
Property Tax Suspension for SSI and SSA Recipients
Homeowners who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or State Supplemental Assistance (SSA), or live in a health care facility that is receiving payment from the Department of Health and Human Services for the person’s care, can get their property taxes suspended. The suspension lasts until the property is sold or transferred, or until the person no longer receives SSI, SSA, or assistance for living in a healthcare facility. A suspension of the taxes remains in place until DHS sends the county a letter saying the individual has passed away or no longer qualifies. Suspended taxes remain a lien on the property and must be repaid
Eligibility
- To prove eligibility for the suspension, you should get a Notice of Decision from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services that will say that you are eligible for property tax suspension.
- Take the Notice of Decision to your County Board of Supervisors, and the Board will order the County Treasurer to suspend your taxes.
- If you receive a tax suspension, you may also qualify for the tax exemption and the elderly and disabled property tax credit. You should apply for the exemption and the credit, as well as the suspension, since the exemption and credit will eliminate part of their tax liability, while a suspension merely delays payment.
- Prior to applying for the suspension, homeowners with a mortgage or reverse mortgage should consult with their mortgage holder to ensure the suspension does not violate the terms of the mortgage. Failure to do so could result in foreclosure.
- The Board of Supervisors will annually verify the continued eligibility for the tax suspension.