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1. What is a Homestead Credit and how do I apply?

• The homestead credit is a property tax credit for residents of the state of Iowa who own and occupy their homestead on July 1 and for at least six months of the calendar year.
• It is a tax credit funded by the State of Iowa for qualifying homeowners and is based on the first $4,850 of actual value of the homestead.
• You can apply for this in person at the Assessor’s Office or online.
• Pre-populated Homestead Tax Credit Application Forms are available to be printed from within your parcel on our website.
• Under "Real Estate Search" enter your property address.
• If you would like to apply online, follow the link after “Submit Application: HOMESTEAD TAX CREDIT”
• If you would like to mail in your application, follow the link included in “please apply for the Homestead Tax Credit”
• This will bring up the Homestead form that needs to be printed, filled out, signed, and returned to our office.
• For questions, contact us at 319-892-5220 or via email
• This is a one-time sign up
• If you move, you need to sign up again on the new house.
• Iowa Code Chapter 425

On May 4, 2023, Governor Reynolds signed House File 718, establishing a homestead tax exemption for claimants 65 years of age or older. This new exemption is in addition to the homestead tax credit. With this new tax exemption, eligible claimants who own the home they live in and are 65 years of age or older on or before January 1 of the assessment year are now eligible for a homestead tax exemption. For the assessment year beginning on January 1, 2023, the exemption is for $3,250 of taxable value. For assessment years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, the exemption is for $6,500 of taxable value. An exemption is a reduction in the taxable value of the property rather than a direct reduction in the amount of property tax you pay. 

Applications for this new tax exemption for those 65 and older are available on the Iowa Department of Revenue website or you can apply in person at the Assessor's Office. Cedar Rapids residents should apply at the Cedar Rapids City Assessor's Office. Linn County residents who live outside the city limits of Cedar Rapids should apply at the Linn County Assessor's Office.

The deadline to apply is July 1.

2. What is a Military Exemption and how do I apply?

• The Military Tax Exemption reduces the taxable value of property for military veterans.
• The military service tax exemption is being increased to $4,000 in taxable value for assessment years on or after January 1, 2023. Veterans who are already receiving the military exemption do not need to take any action to receive the increase in the military exemption – the exemption amount will increase automatically. You will see the exemption amount increase on the property taxes that are payable in the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025.
• Veterans who served in active duty and who were honorably discharged are eligible to receive a military exemption on their property taxes.
• If you served in the military and were on active duty for 18 months you are eligible for a military exemption.
• Former and current members of the Iowa National Guard and reserve forces need not have performed active duty if they served at least 20 years.
• Your DD214 must be recorded in Linn County for us to apply this exemption.
• Iowa Code Chapter 426A
• The Military Tax Exemption application is available of the Iowa Department of Revenue website or you can apply in person at the Assessor's Office. Cedar Rapids residents should apply at the Cedar Rapids City Assessor's Office. Linn County residents who live outside the city limits of Cedar Rapids should apply at the Linn County Assessor's Office.

3. What is the 65 and older Homestead Tax Exemption and how do I apply?

On May 4, 2023, Governor Reynolds signed House File 718, establishing a homestead tax exemption for claimants 65 years of age or older. This new exemption is in addition to the homestead tax credit that many homeowners already have. With this new tax exemption, eligible claimants who own the home they live in and are 65 years of age or older on or before January 1 of the assessment year are now eligible for a homestead tax exemption. 

For the assessment year beginning on January 1, 2023, the exemption is for $3,250 of taxable value. For assessment years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, the exemption is for $6,500 of taxable value. An exemption is a reduction in the taxable value of the property rather than a direct reduction in the amount of property tax you pay.

 The application for the homestead exemption is available on the Iowa Department of Revenue website.

4. What is the deadline to apply for the Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption?

Applications for Homestead Tax Credit and Exemptions must be filed or postmarked to your city or county assessor on or before July 1 of the year in which the credit or exemption is first claimed. 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.

Applications are available on the Iowa Department of Revenue website.

5. Is there an income limitation or requirement to qualify for the 65 and older Homestead Exemption?

No, there is not an income level requirement for the 65+ homestead exemption.

6. If my parcel shows homestead credit as YES, do I need to file the new exemption application for people 65 and older?

On May 4, 2023, Governor Reynolds signed House File 718, establishing a homestead tax exemption for claimants 65 years of age or older. This new exemption is in addition to the homestead tax credit that many homeowners already have. Residents 65 and older should contact their Assessor's Office with questions about this new exemption. Cedar Rapids residents should contact the Cedar Rapids City Assessor's Office by calling 319-286-5888. Linn County residents who live outside the city limits of Cedar Rapids should contact the Linn County Assessor's Office by calling 319-892-5220.

The deadline to apply is July 1.

7. How long does the Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption last?

An approved Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption claim will remain in effect on that homestead for future years without filing again as long as the person continues to qualify for the homestead credit or exemption.

8. I already receive the Military Homestead Exemption and I am over 65. Do I also qualify for the new over 65 Homestead Tax Exemption?

Yes. Homeowners who are 65 or older AND a qualifying veteran are eligible for both the military exemption and the homestead tax exemption. If you have a spouse who is also over age 65, only one 65 and over homestead exemption is allowed per property.

Applications are available on the Iowa Department of Revenue website.

9. I have applied for the Homestead Credit and/or Military Exemption, but I don't see them on my property tax bill

• Depending on when the homestead credit or military exemption application was received in our office, it may be more than 24 months for the credit or exemption to appear on the property tax statement.
• July 1 is the deadline for filing for the homestead credit or military exemption.
• If the July 1 deadline is missed, the exemption or credit will not be applicable until the next assessment year.
• For example, if a property owner applied for the homestead credit on July 2, 2020, they have missed the July 1 deadline for assessment year 2020. The property owner is now applying for the homestead credit for assessment year 2021. The property owner will not receive a property tax statement reflecting their homestead credit until September 2022/March 2023.

10. What other Credits and Exemption may I be eligible for?

There are several more credits or exemptions that may be applied for at your local assessor’s office or through another office. Each type of exemption or credit has specific criteria and rules. Some are one time sign up and others must be applied for annually. Here are a couple of links that will guide you:

Iowa Department of Revenue Credit and Exemption Page

Business Two-tier Assessment Limitation (Formerly BPTC)