DES MOINES, Iowa — Polk County tax assessments are rolling out to homes this week and realtors say so far people aren’t reporting terrible news.

Every other odd numbered year, the County Assessor does a reassessment of a home’s property tax by evaluating the worth of the home and the land. The cost is then paid in a two-part payment by homeowners.

According to Iowa State County Treasurer’s Association, the money is redistributed through city expenses, school expenses, and county costs.

“They are starting to receive those assessments now and seeing, and seeing their assessments go up around, you know, 13, 14, 15, $16,000,” said Lisa Hollis-Keene.

Hollis-Keene works at Midwest Family Loaning and says people are reporting a “more reasonable” increase then they saw in 2023.

“2023, that was the last time, there was a lot was a lot bigger as far as what the assessments were,” said Hollis-Keene. “We were seeing increases of at least 25%, if not more on the assessments for that year 2023.”

Hollis-Keene says the total can be tricky, but looking at the percentage can better help you understand the effect of the assessment.

“Usually under 19%, or if your assessments go up under 19%, then chances are your taxes are not going to increase,” said Hollis-Keene. “If you go up 20% or more on your assessments, there will be an increase.”

For those worried the 2025 assessment will hike up their payment and affect their month to month, Hollis-Keene says the break down might make it look better.

“When you see $15,000 increase in your assessment and you’re talking about, you know, maybe a 3% increase in your taxes, I mean, you could only be talking about a few hundred dollars a year. Maybe $10 a month maybe, you know, that you’re looking at on your property taxes.”

Households looking to appeal their assessments, hoping for a better rate, having until April 30 to apply. The first payment isn’t due till September 1, the second is due on March 1, 2026.