Polk County property owners have until Wednesday, Sept. 30, to pay the first installment of their 2026-27 property taxes without late interest.
Starting Oct. 1, Polk County will add 1.5% interest per month to unpaid property taxes. The county rounds the interest to the nearest dollar and charges at least $1.
Property owners have several ways to pay. They can use Iowa Tax and Tags online, mail a payment, use the drop box at the Polk County Administration Building or pay in person. In addition, the Polk County Treasurer’s Property Tax Division answers payment questions at 515-286-3060.
The September payment is the first of two installments for the fiscal year. After that, property owners can pay the second installment through March 31, 2027, without late interest. Interest on the second installment starts April 1.
The first installment can be paid without late interest through Sept. 30
The first property tax installment falls due in September. However, Polk County gives property owners through Sept. 30 to make the payment before late interest starts.
For the 2026-27 fiscal year, the first installment covers the fall 2026 payment. Then, the second installment follows in spring 2027.
Property owners can also pay the full annual amount at once instead of making two installments.
Late interest starts Oct. 1 at 1.5% per month
If the first installment remains unpaid after Sept. 30, it becomes delinquent. Beginning Oct. 1, Polk County adds 1.5% interest each month to the unpaid balance.
The county rounds the interest to the nearest dollar. It also applies a minimum $1 charge.
Over time, property taxes that remain delinquent can become subject to the county’s annual tax sale process. The first immediate cost, however, is the monthly interest that begins after the September deadline.
Property owners can pay online through Iowa Tax and Tags
Polk County property owners can make an online payment through Iowa Tax and Tags.
The system lets users search for a property by owner name or parcel information. From there, they can make a one-time payment online.
Electronic payments include a nonrefundable 30-cent administrative fee. Credit and debit card payments carry additional transaction or convenience fees.
For properties with an escrow account, a mortgage company may already handle the tax payment. Checking the escrow status can prevent a duplicate payment.
Mailed payments need a U.S. Postal Service postmark by Sept. 30
Property owners who pay by mail should include the payment stub and a check or money order payable to Mary L. Wells, Polk County Treasurer.
Mail payments to:
Polk County Treasurer
111 Court Ave., Room 154
Des Moines, IA 50309
The U.S. Postal Service postmark determines the mailing date. Therefore, the envelope needs a postmark no later than Sept. 30 for the county to treat the payment as timely.
The Treasurer’s Office also asks taxpayers to write a phone number on the check’s memo line. Staff can use that number if they need more information about the payment.
The drop box accepts payments through midnight on Sept. 30
Another option is the drop box on the south side of the Polk County Administration Building at 111 Court Ave. in Des Moines.
Payments placed in the box by midnight Sept. 30 count as on time. Checks or money orders should go inside a sealed envelope with the necessary payment information.
However, property owners should not put cash in the drop box.
The Treasurer’s Office will be closed Sept. 17
Property owners can also pay in person at the Polk County Administration Building, Room 154.
Regular office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. On the third Thursday of the month, regular hours normally begin at 9 a.m.
This month, however, the Treasurer’s Office will be closed Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. Anyone planning an in-person payment that week will need to choose another business day or use a different payment method.
The Treasurer’s Office recommends appointments for in-person services. Customers with appointments receive priority over walk-ins.
Related: Des Moines residents can weigh in on $12M budget gap
Finally, questions about a Polk County property tax bill or payment can be directed to the Property Tax Division at 515-286-3060. The first installment can be paid through Sept. 30 without late interest; the 1.5% monthly charge starts Oct. 1.
Stay in the know with stories that matter — visit HolaAmericaNews.com for the latest news, culture and community updates!
Facebook Comments