Hawkeye Reporter

Iowa State Director Matt Everson and John Hendrickson, policy director for Iowans for Tax Relief, have written an opinion piece in the Des Moines Register calling for property tax reform in Iowa. The op-ed discusses concerns about rising property taxes and their impact on economic growth.

“Property taxes remain a significant concern for Iowa taxpayers and are a hindrance to economic growth. Taxpayers are demanding meaningful property tax relief, and that will only occur when legislators address the cause. Limiting local government spending is the most effective solution for property tax relief," they wrote.

The authors note that over the past two decades, property taxes in Iowa have increased by nearly 110%, which outpaces both inflation and population growth. They also point out that from fiscal year 2025 to fiscal year 2026, total property tax collections from school districts, cities with populations over 1,000, and counties are projected to rise by $239.8 million—a 3.9% increase. In just the last two years, collections have gone up by more than 10%. Local governments are expected to collect a combined $6.4 billion in property taxes during fiscal year 2026.

The full op-ed can be read at https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/columnists/iowa-view/2025/07/24/iowa-property-tax-increases-spending-cap/85334271007/.