Get ready for headlines about local officials proudly saying they aren’t increasing property tax rates. Does this mean your tax bill will stay the same too? Not likely. We call this an honesty gap.
Property tax bills continue to grow when the tax rate doesn’t change because local elected officials don’t make hard decisions and instead ride the wave of increased assessments. When that happens, people incorrectly blame the county assessor for larger tax bills.
Property tax increases come directly from one group of people: the local elected officials who determine what to spend and create budgets. For most Iowans, this is their:
- School Board
- City Council
- County Supervisors
They are creating budgets that determine your tax bill right now.
The property tax transparency reform passed two years ago requires public notice and an extra hearing if a taxing authority’s budget is two percent greater than the previous year’s budget.
While this was a significant step forward, few Iowans have taken advantage of this new process to voice their concerns.
Most Iowans do not follow their local governments’ meeting agendas and are unaware of the budget process. They may not know when or where they may voice opposition to a property tax increase.
When you get your bill, it’s too late.
As mentioned earlier, your local school board, city council, and county supervisors are currently building the budget that will determine your next property tax bill.
It is crucial that you contact these elected officials now if you want to change your next property tax bill. Don’t let them widen the honesty gap by simply saying the rate won’t change.
Government must explain why they need your dollars more than you do.
Ask them why spending is increasing. There might be a good reason or they might not want to make hard decisions. Either way, taxpayers deserve to know.
Don’t know who to contact? Click the button below to send us a message and we will look them up for you.
Request Your Local Elected Official’s Contact Info
What can legislators at the Capitol do to help control property taxes?
In Utah, as valuations increase, property tax rates are automatically decreased. If a local government wants to increase its revenue, it must increase the tax rate. When they do, parcel-specific notifications are sent to property owners. Taxpayers are informed about:
- How much their property tax bill will increase
- The date and time of the budget hearing
This process has been successful in Utah and it will work in Iowa too. Property owners will be empowered to voice their opinions when it is possible to have their voices heard—not after the fact when they receive their property tax bill. Send a message to your legislators and ask them to follow Utah’s Truth-in-Taxation example.
This year, legislators need to strengthen the 2019 property tax transparency reform by adding accountability. The best approach may be to just copy Utah’s process.
VISIT IOWANS FOR TAX RELIEF!
