This is the time of year when local governments finalize their budgets for the coming year (starting July 1). One of the first things people look at is what’s happening with the property tax rate. Often a city will proudly
Your property tax bill is talking
Property tax payments must be paid by September 30 and March 30 of each year. If you’re like most people, you will not write a check for the payment on September 30th. Instead, it’s folded into your monthly mortgage payment
Many Cities Increase Tax Rates
Cities have completed their budgets and it’s always interesting to look at updated property tax rate comparisons and changes from the prior year. Property tax rates and property taxes do not tell the whole story about relative efficiency among communities.
West Des Moines Microsoft Project Financing Works for Property Taxpayers
Recently the City of West Des Moines announced a $1.13 billion investment by Microsoft Corporation in a new data center. The Taxpayers Association of Central Iowa has endorsed the project’s financing as a good deal for property taxpayers, and here’s
Location, Location, Location
There’s lots of variation in property bills depending on one’s location within central Iowa. Taxes collected in September reflect the assessments that were made in 2012 and rates that are in effect for the current budget year (fiscal year 2013-2014).
Big Increases In Taxable Value Yield Few Tax Rate Reductions
By Sam Ward A comparison of the adopted city budgets that will go into effect July 1st, 2013 shows a variety of responses to generally high growth in taxable values. It’s important to look at tax rates and taxable value
Compromise is Possible on Property Tax Reform
Over the past ten years, property taxes in Iowa have grown at more than double the rate of growth in our state’s personal income, double the rate of growth in inflation, double the rate of growth in state taxes, and
Picture of Assessed and Taxable Property Values Emerging, January 10, 2013
As the new year begins, local governments are busy putting their budgets together for the year that begins next July 1. That budget year is referred to as fiscal year (FY) 2014. From a revenue standpoint, local governments are in