As we have seen over the last couple of weeks, the government has continued to relax a number of restrictions and regulations in order to provide relief during the COVID-19 outbreak. Governor Reynolds signed another State Public Health Emergency Declaration on Friday, March 20, 2022. Among other items, the declaration suspends the collection of property taxes and any related penalties and interest through April 16, 2020.
Generally, property taxes in Iowa may be paid in two installments. The first half is due on September 1 and becomes delinquent after September 30. The second half is due March 1 and becomes delinquent after March 31. A penalty is assessed and interest begins to accrue if a timely payment is not received.
The declaration issued by Governor Reynolds suspends the collection of penalties and interest against outstanding property taxes through April 16, 2020. This suspension provides relief by allowing property owners to cope with the disaster and focus resources on other matters.Further, the counties will also be able to concentrate on providing aid to victims of the disaster, rather than collecting delinquent payments. Lastly, and most importantly, the suspension will assist with prevention of further transmission of COVID-19 by temporarily halting collection efforts. Of course, property owners may pay property taxes at any time prior to April 16.
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, many county treasurer offices are currently closed to the public. As such, property owners are being encouraged to pay their property tax bills through the Iowa State County Treasurers Association’s website (www.iowatreasurers.org) or by mail to the appropriate County Treasurer’s Office.
If you have any questions about Governor Reynolds’ declaration, the suspension of property taxes or any other real estate matters, please do not hesitate to reach out to Katheryn Thorson, Katherine McKain or any other BrownWinick attorney.
