Protesting your Property Taxes Class

To protest property taxes in Iowa, file a written petition with your local Board of Review between April 2 and April 30, focusing on overassessment, errors, or incorrect classification. Prior to this, you may request an informal review with the assessor's office (April 2-25) to potentially resolve the issue early. 

Key Steps for Protesting Iowa Property Taxes:

• Informal Review (Optional, April 2–25): Contact your local assessor to discuss your assessment. If you agree on a new value, you can sign a document to change it without a formal hearing.
• File a Formal Petition (April 2–30): If an informal review does not resolve the issue, you must submit a written, signed petition to the Board of Review.
  • Forms: Obtain the "Petition to Local Board of Review" from your local assessor's office or the Iowa Department of Revenue website.
  • Grounds for Protest: Your protest must be based on authorized grounds, such as the assessment being higher than market value, inequality, or inaccuracy.
• Attend the Hearing: Request an oral hearing in your petition if you wish to speak to the Board of Review, which meets from May 1 to May 31.
• Further Appeals: If dissatisfied with the Board of Review's decision, you can appeal to the Property Assessment Appeal Board (PAAB) or District Court within 20 days.