AppealDesk

Linn County Property Tax Appeal, Iowa

Travis BunnTravis Bunn·Updated July 24, 2026

Linn County is Iowa's second-largest county with an estimated population of 233,667 in 2026. The county seat is Cedar Rapids, the state's second-largest city with approximately 137,700 residents. Other notable cities include Marion and Hiawatha. Property tax appeals are particularly important in Linn County due to its significantly higher tax burden compared to state and national averages, the county's effective tax rate of 1.66% is 29% higher than the Iowa state median of 1.29% and 80% higher than the national average of 0.92%, resulting in median annual tax bills exceeding $3,100.

Notable cities: Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha

Median Home

$214,300

Tax Rate

1.66%

Annual Tax

$3,547

Population

233,667

On the typical Linn County home, valued near $214,300 at the county’s effective tax rate of 1.66%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you appeal it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

2026 Appeal Deadline: April 30, 2026

This year's appeal window has passed in most of Iowa. Order now and we re-run your numbers free when the window reopens, so your evidence is ready the day your next notice lands.

Property owners may request an informal review from April 2 through April 25. Formal protests to the Board of Review must be filed between April 2 and April 30 of the assessment year. All informal reviews must be settled by April 25.

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Iowa farmhouse on green acreage. Linn County appeal guide.

How Linn County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Linn County Assessor's Office

Assessment cycle: biennial

Notices typically mailed: mid-April

In Linn County, residential properties are assessed at 100% of market value as of January 1st of the assessment year. This means that if your home's market value is $214,300 (the county median), at Iowa's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $214,300, resulting in approximately $3,557 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.66%. Assessment notices are typically mailed in mid-April each year.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Review. Board of Review hearings are conducted during May 1-31. You will present your evidence demonstrating that your assessed value exceeds the true market value of your property. Focus on comparable sales data and property condition issues rather than tax rates or rollback percentages.

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Step 1: Request an informal review with the Linn County Assessor by contacting the office by telephone, email, or in writing between April 2 and April 25 of the assessment year.

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Step 2: If the informal review does not resolve your concerns or if there is insufficient time due to volume, file a formal written protest with the Board of Review between April 2 and April 30.

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Step 3: Gather evidence including comparable sales data from within 12-18 months of January 1 of the assessment year, photos documenting property condition, repair estimates, and a recent independent appraisal if available.

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Step 4: Attend your Board of Review hearing during the May 1-31 hearing period to present your evidence demonstrating that your assessed value exceeds true market value.

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Step 5: If the Board of Review's decision is unsatisfactory, appeal to the Iowa Property Assessment Appeal Board (PAAB) within 20 days of the Board's final adjournment (typically mid-to-late June).

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Step 6: Alternatively, you may appeal directly to District Court within 20 days of the Board of Review decision, though PAAB is generally faster and less expensive for residential appeals.

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Step 7: If appealing to PAAB and still unsatisfied with the outcome, you have until October 31 to appeal to District Court as a final option.

Required form: Written protest or appeal form (available from Assessor's office)

Filing Methods

phone:Call (319) 892-5220 to request an appeal form
email:Assessor.Account@linncountyiowa.gov
in-person:935 2nd St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 (2nd floor)
mail:Linn County Assessor, 935 2nd St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data from within 12-18 months of January 1Recent independent appraisalPhotographs documenting property conditionRepair estimates for defects or damageDocumentation of property issues affecting value

Linn County Assessor Contact

Linn County Assessor's Office

Phone: (319) 892-5220

Address: 935 2nd St SW, 2nd Floor, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Website: https://linn.iowaassessors.com/

Online Portal: https://linn.iowaassessors.com/search/res/

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tax Exemptions in Linn County

Homestead Tax Credit

Credit equal to actual tax levy on first $4,850 of actual value (typically results in approximately $75 annual savings)

Available to all Iowa residents who own and occupy their property as a primary residence

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property on July 1, declare Iowa residency for income tax purposes, and occupy the property for at least six months each yearDeadline: July 1

Homestead Tax Exemption (65+)

$6,500 of taxable value (as of January 1, 2024 assessment year)

Additional exemption for homeowners aged 65 or older who already claim the regular homestead credit

Eligibility: Must be 65 years or older by January 1 of the assessment year and qualify for the regular homestead creditDeadline: July 1

Military Service Tax Exemption

$4,000 of taxable value

Exemption for honorably separated, retired, or discharged veterans

Eligibility: Honorably separated, retired, furloughed to reserve, placed on inactive status, or discharged veteran as defined in Iowa Code 35.1(2)(a) or (b); must own and occupy as homesteadDeadline: July 1

Disabled Veteran Homestead Tax Credit

100% of actual tax levy (full exemption)

Full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans

Eligibility: Must be 100% disabled veteran receiving disability payments, own and occupy as homestead, and provide current Benefits Paid letter and DD214Deadline: July 1

Linn County Appeal Packet · $49

Comparable sales evidence, county-specific filing guide, and professional cover letter. Enter your address to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Linn County for 2026?
The deadline to file a formal appeal with the Linn County Board of Review is April 30, 2026. However, you can and should request an informal review with the Linn County Assessor's office between April 2 and April 25, 2026. All informal reviews must be settled by April 25, so if you wait until late April and there's insufficient time to complete the review due to volume, you'll need to file a formal protest by April 30. If your appeal to the Board of Review is unsuccessful, you have 20 days from the Board's final adjournment (typically mid-to-late June) to appeal to the Iowa Property Assessment Appeal Board.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Linn County online or by mail?
Linn County does not currently offer online filing for property tax appeals. To file an appeal, you must contact the Assessor's office by phone at (319) 892-5220, by email at Assessor.Account@linncountyiowa.gov, in person at 935 2nd St SW (2nd floor) in Cedar Rapids, or by mailing a written protest to the same address. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Note that if your property is within Cedar Rapids city limits, you must file with the Cedar Rapids City Assessor instead of the county office.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Linn County for 2026?
The regular Homestead Tax Credit in Linn County is equal to the actual tax levy on the first $4,850 of actual value, which typically results in approximately $75 in annual savings. If you're 65 years or older, you can claim an additional Homestead Tax Exemption worth $6,500 of taxable value, which can save you approximately $108 annually at the county's effective rate. Combined, eligible seniors can save around $183 per year. These exemptions are not automatically applied, you must file an application with the Assessor's office by July 1 to claim them.
What happens at a Board of Review hearing in Linn County?
Board of Review hearings in Linn County are held during May 1-31 each year. At the hearing, you will present evidence demonstrating that your property's assessed value exceeds its true market value as of January 1 of the assessment year. The most effective evidence includes comparable sales from the past 12-18 months, a recent independent appraisal, photographs showing property condition issues, and repair estimates. Focus your argument on the assessed value itself rather than tax rates or rollback percentages, as Iowa requires assessment at 100% of market value. The Board will review your evidence and issue a decision, which you can further appeal to PAAB or District Court if unsatisfactory.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Linn County?
The amount you can save depends on how much your assessment is reduced. In Linn County, with an effective tax rate of 1.66%, every $10,000 reduction in assessed value saves you approximately $166 per year in property taxes. For example, if you successfully reduce your assessment from $250,000 to $230,000 (a $20,000 reduction), you would save approximately $332 annually. Given that Linn County has one of the highest property tax rates in Iowa and ranks #3 out of 99 counties, even modest assessment reductions can result in significant savings over time.
What evidence do I need for a successful Linn County property tax appeal?
The strongest evidence for a Linn County property tax appeal includes recent comparable sales of similar properties within 12-18 months of January 1 of the assessment year. You should also obtain a recent independent appraisal if possible, as this carries significant weight with the Board of Review. Photographs documenting property condition issues, deferred maintenance, or defects are important, as are contractor estimates for necessary repairs. Property-specific factors like location on a busy road, functional obsolescence, or environmental issues should be documented. Remember that your appeal must demonstrate your assessed value exceeds true market value, the tax rate and rollback percentage are not valid grounds for appeal in Iowa.
Does Linn County reassess properties every year?
No, Linn County conducts countywide reassessments every two years (biennially) as required by Iowa law. By statute, every odd-numbered year is a reassessment year in Iowa, meaning the next countywide reassessment will occur for the 2027 assessment year. However, individual properties may be reassessed between regular reassessment cycles when ownership changes, improvements are made, new construction is completed, or upon successful appeal. The effective date of assessment is January 1 of each year, and assessment notices are typically mailed to property owners in mid-April.
Can I appeal my Linn County property taxes if I live in Cedar Rapids?
If your property is within Cedar Rapids city limits, you must file your appeal with the Cedar Rapids City Assessor, not the Linn County Assessor's office. The Cedar Rapids City Assessor has its own separate office and handles all assessments for properties within the city. If you're unsure which jurisdiction your property falls under, you can enter your address in the Real Estate Search on either the Linn County Assessor's website at linn.iowaassessors.com or the Cedar Rapids City Assessor's website to determine your jurisdiction. Properties outside Cedar Rapids city limits are handled by the Linn County Assessor at (319) 892-5220.

Official Resources

Linn County Assessor Website →

Official website with property search, online homestead exemption applications, and assessment information.

Linn County Board of Review Appeal Information →

Official page with detailed information on appealing your assessment and Board of Review procedures.

Iowa Department of Revenue - Property Tax Credits and Exemptions →

State website with exemption application forms including homestead, military, and disabled veteran credits.

Linn County Property Tax Payment Portal →

Online portal for paying property taxes with credit card or eCheck for Linn County properties.

For state-wide appeal information including Iowa's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Iowa Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More Iowa Counties

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Sources: https://linn.iowaassessors.com/ | https://www.linncountyiowa.gov/1066/Board-of-Review-Appealing-Your-Assessmen | https://propertytaxbystate.com/iowa/linn-county | https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-counties/iowa/linn-county | https://www.linncountyiowa.gov/1067/Credits-Exemptions

Last verified: 2026-07-24