Understanding “Tax in Arrears” and the Importance of Planning Ahead

By David Swartz, Business Development at Swartz and Associates

Iowans received their property tax bills in March, leading to many questions about increased taxes and what can be done about lowering the liability.

Iowa bills your property taxes in arrears, and your current property tax bill is based on the value of your 2024 property assessment. The tax bill is split into two parts – the first half would have been in September 2025, and the second half is due now. Any chance you had to lower this bill would have been in 2023 since Iowa appeals usually can only be made in odd years (with some exceptions).

Swartz + Associates experienced another successful year for appeals in 2025, and our clients will see the effects of those lower taxes with their bills this coming September and next March.

Your bill can be a reminder to proactively review how your commercial property may be valued compared to similar properties. Area sales, interest rate changes, and market vacancies are always changing and can have great impact on your property’s unique characteristics.

We can’t set the mill levy rate – that is for elected officials, but we can help ensure equitability for the valuations set before your future bills cause concerns.

Swartz + Associates, Inc. (SAI) is a full service property tax firm specializing in the review, analysis and appeals of real and business personal property tax valuations. If you need help with your property taxes, give us a call!