Polk County Tax Assessment Search & Records

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Polk County, Iowa · Assessor · Auditor · Property Records · 2026/27 Taxes

Search a Polk County Assessment, Then Open the Record You Actually Need

In Polk County, Iowa, one property can appear in several official systems. The Assessor handles parcel values and property characteristics, the Auditor maintains tax-purpose real-estate records, the Treasurer handles tax balances and payments, and the Recorder keeps deeds and other recorded land documents.

Start with the Assessor when you need a property assessment. Save the parcel number, then move to the Auditor, Treasurer or Recorder only when the question changes.

Open official Assessor search Search instructions Choose the correct record
Location check: this page covers Polk County, Iowa, including the Des Moines-area county property systems. It does not cover Polk County in Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon, Tennessee or another state.

Quick answer: use the Assessor for value, then route the parcel to the correct county record

For a Polk County tax assessment search, start with the Polk County Assessor property search. The current search supports street address, owner name, legal/plat information and district/parcel or geoparcel identifiers.

If you need tax-purpose ownership and valuation records, use the County Auditor Real Estate Records. For the current bill or payment status, use the Treasurer. For a deed, mortgage, lien or easement, use the Recorder.

1 Find parcel Address, owner or parcel number.
2 Verify record Match physical address and parcel.
3 Save identifier Keep district/parcel or geoparcel.
4 Route task Value, tax, transfer, deed or payment.

Current Polk County property facts

Assessor Randy Ripperger
Assessment date January 1
Revaluation Every two years
Assessor phone 515-286-3014
Auditor phone 515-286-3080
Tax phone 515-286-3060
Recorder phone 515-286-3160
Fall 2026 tax Pay by Sept. 30
Spring installment Pay by Mar. 31, 2027
Online deeds 1992–present index records

Choose the Polk County record that matches your question

Property values, tax calculations, tax payments and recorded deeds are controlled by different offices.

Search syntax that saves time

Polk County’s parcel and address search is more flexible than it looks

Useful Assessor search formats
Search
Accepted approach
Practical use
Parcel
090/06110-001-000
Full formatted district/parcel number.
Parcel
09006110001000
The County search also accepts parcel strings without separators.
Abbreviated parcel
090.6110.1
Useful when working from shortened parcel information.
Street
House number + street name
Do not include city, state or ZIP.
Unit
#, Suite, Ste, Unit, Apartment or Apt
Helpful for condos and multi-unit properties.
Address range
3000..4000 River Oaks
Returns addresses within the entered range.
Best shortcut: if you already have a parcel number from a tax statement or deed, use that before trying to reconstruct an owner or address search.
Office router

Assessment, tax and deed records are split across four Polk County offices

A
ASSESSOR Assessment
Buildings
Property facts
U
AUDITOR Tax ownership
Transfers
Valuation / levies
T
TREASURER Tax bill
Payment
Delinquency
R
RECORDER Deed
Mortgage
Lien / easement
Which Polk County office should you use?
Your question
Office
Best resource
What is the property’s assessed value?
County Assessor
Assessor Property Search
What buildings or property characteristics are on file?
County Assessor
Parcel assessment record
What tax-purpose ownership transfer is on file?
County Auditor
Real Estate Records / Transfer Index
What levy or valuation data applies?
County Auditor
Real Estate Atlas / Tax Rate & Valuation
What tax amount is due?
County Treasurer
Property Tax Database
Has the tax payment posted?
County Treasurer
Tax account / Iowa Tax and Tags
I need a deed, mortgage, lien or easement.
County Recorder
Recorder Real Estate Search
How to read the value

The assessed value is the Assessor’s value—not automatically the taxable value or tax bill

Polk County’s Assessor values real property as of January 1. The assessment can include land, dwelling and other building values. After the Assessor completes the valuation process, Iowa’s property-tax system applies additional steps before a tax bill is produced.

1
Assessed value Assessor values the property as of January 1.
2
Equalization State equalization adjustments can affect assessed values.
3
Rollback Statewide assessment limitations are applied by property class.
4
Levy rates Auditor applies rates from the taxing authorities serving the property.
5
Tax bill Treasurer collects the resulting tax after applicable credits.
Do not multiply the Assessor’s value by one countywide tax rate. Polk County’s Auditor publishes consolidated levy rates because the actual rate varies by the property’s taxing district, school district, city and other authorities.
2026 assessment vs 2026/27 tax bill

The tax statement due in September 2026 is tied to the 2025 assessment

This is one of the most common Iowa property-tax timing mistakes. The value you see for the current assessment year and the taxes currently payable are not necessarily from the same year.

Polk County assessment-to-payment timeline
Assessment year
Tax fiscal year
First installment
Second installment
2025 assessment
2026/2027
Pay by Sept. 30, 2026
Pay by Mar. 31, 2027
2026 assessment
2027/2028
Pay by Sept. 30, 2027
Pay by Mar. 31, 2028
Current September 2026 deadline: the first installment of FY2026/27 property tax is payable through September 30, 2026. Polk County begins charging 1.5% monthly interest on delinquent first-installment balances beginning October 1.
Why 2026 assessment notices are different: Polk County says owners are notified of their assessment each odd-numbered year by April 1. In even-numbered years, the Assessor is required to notify owners only when their assessed value changes.
County Auditor real-estate records

Use the Auditor when you need tax-purpose ownership, transfer or levy data

The Polk County Auditor tracks ownership transfers that affect taxation, including deeds, contracts and right-of-way easements. The Auditor also receives property values from the Assessor, applies state rollbacks and local tax rates, and sends the resulting levies to the Treasurer for collection.

Real Estate Atlas Groups records into Owners & Addresses, Land Records, and Valuation & Taxation.
Transfer Index Search Helps research ownership transfers that affect property taxation.
Tax Rate & Valuation Includes FY2026/27 consolidated and taxing-authority levy-rate resources.
Open Auditor Real Estate Records Open Real Estate Atlas page Check FY2026/27 levy rates
Important limitation: the Auditor states that its real-estate information is maintained for tax purposes. When you need the actual recorded deed or another legal instrument, move to the County Recorder.
Treasurer tax search

Search the live Polk County tax account when the question is payment

The Treasurer’s Property Tax Database currently allows searches by parcel/geoparcel number, alternate parcel number, address or owner last name.

Open the Treasurer property-tax database Use it when you need a current balance, installment information or tax-payment record—not merely an assessment.
Select a search method Parcel/geoparcel is usually the cleanest match. Address and owner last name are also supported.
Verify the result Confirm the owner display, property address and parcel/geoparcel number.
Check the correct installment FY2026/27 first-half tax is payable by September 30, 2026; the second half is payable by March 31, 2027.
Use Iowa Tax and Tags for online payment Choose Polk County and verify the parcel, installment and amount before submitting payment.
Search Polk County property tax Pay through Iowa Tax and Tags
In-person planning: Polk County has announced that the Treasurer’s Office will be closed on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Do not plan an in-person September tax payment for that date.
Tax office: Polk County Treasurer, 111 Court Avenue, Room 154, Des Moines, IA 50309 · Property Tax: 515-286-3060.
Recorded real-estate documents

Polk County launched a new Recorder real-estate search in 2026

The County Recorder announced its new real-estate records search in June 2026. The online service provides search, viewing and printing of real-estate index records from January 1, 1992 to the present.

Use the Recorder search for
  • Deeds
  • Mortgages
  • Releases
  • Liens
  • Easements
  • Other recorded real-estate documents
Need a document before 1992?

The Recorder directs users who need real-estate document copies dated before January 1, 1992 to the Imaging/Microfilm department.

Imaging/Microfilm: 515-286-3175.

Open Recorder Search Records
Recorder office: 111 Court Avenue, Suite 250, Des Moines, IA 50309 · Real Estate: 515-286-3160 · Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Search recovery

If the Polk County assessment search fails, simplify the search before assuming the parcel is missing

Address finds nothing Remove the city, state and ZIP. Search only the street information accepted by the Assessor form.
Owner name returns too many results Use the address or district/parcel number instead.
Parcel number has different punctuation The Assessor search accepts several parcel formats with or without common separators.
Vacant parcel lacks a useful street address Use district/parcel, geoparcel, legal or plat information.
New owner is not reflected everywhere Compare Assessor, Auditor transfer and Recorder records before assuming one system is wrong.
You found the parcel but not the tax bill Switch from the Assessor to the Treasurer’s Property Tax Database.
You found the owner but need the deed Use the Recorder’s 2026 real-estate records search.
An old Assessor bookmark changed Start again from the official Polk County Assessor page because the County announced a 2026 search-system transition.
2026 assessment appeal status

The normal 2026 Polk County Board of Review filing period has passed

Polk County’s regular assessment protest window runs from April 2 through April 30 of the assessment year. An informal review with Assessor staff is available from April 2 through April 25.

Polk County assessment review route
Stage
Normal timing
What it does
Informal Assessor review
April 2–25
Discuss the assessment with the Assessor before Board review.
Local Board of Review
April 2–30 filing window
Formal written property-assessment protest.
Board hearing
Usually May
Board considers valid filed protests.
Further appeal
After Board decision
Property Assessment Appeal Board or District Court routes may be available.
As of September 2026: the normal 2026 April filing window has closed. Contact the Assessor about a specific record rather than submitting an old protest form and assuming it is timely.

Reasons Polk County lists for an assessment protest

Not comparable with similar properties
Assessed above actual value
Property should be exempt
Error exists in the assessment
Fraud is alleged in the assessment
Evidence tied to January 1 value
Read official appeal instructions
Homestead & 65+ exemption

Check the parcel record to verify homestead relief separately from the assessment

Polk County’s Assessor says the Homestead Tax Credit is intended for owners who occupy their Iowa home, and eligible homeowners age 65 or older can also qualify for the additional homestead tax exemption.

Regular homestead Intended for qualifying owners who own and occupy the property as a home.
Age 65+ exemption For assessment years beginning in 2024 and later, the exemption reduces taxable value by $6,500 for qualifying homeowners.
Application deadline The published filing deadline is July 1. Once granted, the exemption generally continues while the claimant remains eligible.
Taxable value is not the same as assessed value. The 65+ exemption reduces taxable value; it does not rewrite the Assessor’s market assessment.
Read Homestead & 65+ rules
Official Assessor office

Polk County Assessor contact and map

Assessment and parcel help

Office Polk County Assessor
Assessor Randy Ripperger
Address
111 Court Avenue, Room 195, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone 515-286-3014
Fax 515-286-3386
Email polkweb@assess.co.polk.ia.us
Hours Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Open property search Verify Assessor contact
Related CountyAuditors.org resources

Use the broader Polk County record guide when your task extends beyond the assessment

Polk County Auditor property search, tax and records

Use this companion page for a wider office-by-office explanation of the Assessor, Auditor, Treasurer and Recorder systems.

Polk County Auditor property guide
Property tax appeal services

Use this only when comparing DIY assessment appeals with paid evidence or representation services for a future filing period.

Compare assessment appeal options
10 Polk County-specific answers

Polk County tax assessment search and records FAQs

1. Where can I search Polk County, Iowa property assessments?

Start with the official Polk County Assessor property search at co.polk.ia.us. The search supports property address, owner name, legal or plat information and district/parcel or geoparcel identifiers.

2. Can I search a Polk County assessment by owner name?

Yes. The current Assessor search provides Ownership fields for last name and first name. If the name produces too many results, use the physical address or parcel identifier instead.

3. What is the difference between a district/parcel number and a geoparcel?

Both are parcel identifiers used in Polk County property systems. The Assessor search accepts district/parcel or geoparcel information and allows several separator formats. Save whichever identifier appears on the verified property record.

4. When does Polk County value real property?

The effective assessment date is January 1. Polk County says real property is revalued every two years, while new construction and improvements can be partially or fully valued based on completion as of January 1.

5. Why are my September 2026 taxes based on an older assessment?

Iowa property taxes are paid after the assessment process. Polk County’s tax timetable shows that the 2025 assessment feeds the FY2026/27 tax bill, with installments payable by September 30, 2026 and March 31, 2027.

6. Where can I search the current Polk County property-tax balance?

Use the Polk County Treasurer Property Tax Database. It currently supports parcel/geoparcel number, alternate parcel number, address and owner-last-name searches.

7. What does the Polk County Auditor Real Estate Atlas contain?

The Auditor organizes the Real Estate Atlas into Owners & Addresses, Land Records, and Valuation & Taxation. It also links users to related Assessor, Treasurer and Recorder workflows.

8. Where do I search Polk County deeds and mortgages?

Use the Polk County Recorder’s real-estate search. The new search launched in 2026 and provides online search, viewing and printing of real-estate index records from January 1, 1992 to the present.

9. Can I still file a normal 2026 Polk County assessment protest?

The regular Polk County Board of Review filing period runs April 2 through April 30. That 2026 filing window has passed. Contact the Assessor about a specific assessment or record issue rather than relying on an expired form.

10. When is the next Polk County property-tax deadline in 2026?

The first FY2026/27 installment can be paid through September 30, 2026. Polk County begins charging 1.5% monthly interest on unpaid first-installment taxes beginning October 1. The second installment can be paid through March 31, 2027.

Official Polk County resources reviewed

Independent Guide — Property Assessment & Records Notice: CountyAuditors.org is an independent informational website. It is not Polk County, the Polk County Assessor, County Auditor, Treasurer, Recorder, Board of Review or Iowa Department of Revenue. Assessment and tax databases are useful for public-record research but do not replace a recorded deed, title examination, boundary survey, professional appraisal, official tax payoff or legal advice. Verify live balances, filing deadlines and legal property information with the responsible government office before acting.
Ohio Auditor Tools · Tax Year 2026

10 Ohio Property Tax Calculators & Auditor Tools

Built specifically for Ohio's 35% assessment ratio, current DTE forms, and 2026 Homestead, Owner-Occupancy, CAUV, Conveyance Fee, and Board of Revision rules. Every number reflects verified Ohio Department of Taxation amounts.

Homestead: $29,000 Enhanced Vet: $58,000 OAGI limit: $41,000 Assessment: 35% of market BOR filing: Free · DTE 1

Annual Tax Bill Estimator

OHIO

Applies Ohio's 35% assessment ratio plus your county's effective millage tier — the actual math your auditor uses.

Pick a county tier and enter your market value.

Homestead Reduction Calculator

DTE 105A

2026 Ohio Homestead: $29,000 general or $58,000 enhanced (100% disabled vet, KIA spouse). OAGI under $41,000 required for non-veteran applicants.

Pick your situation and enter your home value.

Owner-Occupancy & Non-Business Credits

DTE 105C

Every Ohio owner-occupied home qualifies for the 2.5% Owner-Occupancy Credit plus the automatic 10% Non-Business Credit. Most owners don't realize these stack.

Enter your annual tax to see both credit amounts.

Conveyance Fee Calculator

ORC 322

When you sell or transfer Ohio property, the auditor collects $1 state + up to $3 county per $1,000, plus $0.50 per parcel. Counties choose their rate.

Enter sale price and pick your county rate.

CAUV Agricultural Savings

DTE 109

Ohio's Current Agricultural Use Value cuts taxable value dramatically for farmland (10+ acres, or smaller with $2,500+ annual gross income).

Enter both market and CAUV values to see savings.

Mill Rate Converter

Ohio tax rates appear three ways on auditor sites: mills, percent, or dollars per $1,000. Convert between them instantly.

Enter a rate to see all three forms.

Parcel Number Cleaner

Ohio's 88 counties each format parcels differently — Franklin uses 010-123456-00, Cuyahoga uses 001-23-456, Hamilton uses 100-0001-0001-00. Auto-detects.

Paste any Ohio county parcel to format it.

35% Ratio Sanity Check

Ohio law sets taxable value at 35% of market value. If yours is significantly higher, you're a strong BOR appeal candidate.

Enter both values to compare against Ohio's 35% target.

BOR Appeal Savings

DTE 1

A successful Board of Revision complaint typically cuts your value 10–20%. Filing is free and stays in effect until the next reappraisal.

Enter your tax bill and reduction estimate.

BOR Deadline Countdown

MAR 31

Ohio's statutory Board of Revision filing deadline is March 31 for the prior tax year. Miss it and you wait until next year — no extensions.

Set your deadline to start the countdown.

Verify with the official Ohio source

These calculators use the verified 2026 Ohio Department of Taxation amounts and statutory rules. For your exact bill, exemption status, and county-specific deadlines, always confirm with your county auditor and the Ohio Revised Code:

Ohio Dept. of Taxation — Real Property DTE Forms (105A, 105C, 1, 109) ORC 5715 — Board of Revision ORC 5713 — Taxable Real Property ORC 322.02 — Conveyance Fee ORC 319.54(F)(3) — State Fee ORC 5713.30 — CAUV tax.ohio.gov — Main Portal

Estimates use Ohio's 35% statutory assessment ratio and effective tax rate tiers averaged across major Ohio counties. Your actual bill depends on local school levies, voted millage, inside vs. outside millage splits, House Bill 920 reduction factors (HB 920), and special assessments. The 2026 Homestead general amount ($29,000) and enhanced amount ($58,000) reflect HB 187 inflation indexing — your county auditor's office may show slightly different transitional figures. Nothing here is legal or tax advice. CountyAuditors.org is an independent informational directory, not affiliated with any county government.

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