The Auditor is the Overseer of the County Plats. A copy of all documents dealing with the transfer of real estate recorded in the Recorder’s office is given to the Auditor’s office. Each document is proofed for accuracy and chain of title. The document is then entered into the transfer record.
Plat and transfer records are maintained showing the ownership of all parcels of land for taxation purposes.
The Auditor may cause subdivisions to be platted when necessary.
Most counties have plat maps. On/in these plats you can find the ownership of the land/lot, the dimensions of your lot (this mainly pertains to city lots), and the name of a given subdivision.
Copies of new surveys/subdivisions plats that are filed are drawn on the maps along with the recorded dimensions, acreage, and road right of way.
Some counties provide plat maps/books for sale. Prices vary by county. View details on plat maps/books available from your County Auditor.
Some counties also have plat maps on the web. Find out if your County offers this service.
Most counties have Zoning codes in place. Contact your local County Zoning Officer to discover what Zoning ordinances might affect you.
To find out if you have filed for the local Homestead and/or Military credits, search for information on this website, contact your County Auditor, or contact your County Assessor.
Some counties and/or cities may offer some kind of tax break for new construction or remodeling. Check with your local Assessor for county information or the local City Clerk if you are inside the city limits.
Manure Management plans can be found in your local Auditor’s office.
Real Estate records in most counties date back to the 1800s. People pass through the local courthouses each year to research their genealogy. Old school house sites are sometimes notated on the plats, along with cemeteries, abandoned railroads, and roads.
Some counties may have historical information regarding their courthouse or County. Check with your local Auditor’s office for the availability of this type of history.
Iowa Counties Historic Atlases
Statewide County Assessors Website
Find the name and phone number of your County Assessor, residential sale search, commercial sale search, and property report cards.
Statewide County Recorders Website
Find the name and phone number of your County Recorder, copies of deeds/mortgages, and selling price of the property.
Attorneys
Search for local attorneys.
County Treasurers
Iowa State County Treasurers Association - for 88 County Treasurers
Iowa Tax and Tags - for 11 County Treasurers
On this website, you can find the name and phone number of your County Treasurer, pay property taxes, find current-year tax information, and renew tags for your vehicles.
County Engineers/Roads Department
Find your local County Engineer and staff along with contact information.
Abstract Companies
Here you will find a list of Abstract Companies in the State (not all entities that do abstracting are listed, only those that are members of the Iowa Land Title Association).
State Land Surveyors
This website provides a list of licensed Surveyors in the State of Iowa and anything you ever wanted to know about land surveying.
Veterans who served in active duty during certain periods of time and who were honorably discharged are eligible to receive a Military Exemption on their property taxes. Pursuant to Iowa law, the Military Exemption value is determined by the dates the veteran served in active duty. Values for most veterans are $1,852 or $3,704 in the case of a husband and wife who both qualify. The value for World War I veterans is $2,778.
A property just sold; can you tell me the new owner and what they paid for it?Contact your local Recorder’s office or Assessor’s office and either office can tell you the selling price and or the new owner. Your local Auditor’s office can also inform you of the new owner.
What is a Homestead Credit?The Homestead Credit is a tax credit funded by the State of Iowa for qualifying homeowners and is generally based on the first $4,850 of Net Taxable Value. In the case of a Disabled Veteran Tax Credit, the value of the Homestead Credit is increased to the entire amount of the Taxable Value of the property.
