Miss the filing window and you're locked out for two years. Here's exactly when and how to file in Polk, Dallas, Warren, and surrounding counties.
Iowa's protest window is strict. Miss it and you wait two years for the next assessment cycle. Here's what you need to know.
In even-numbered years (2026, 2028, etc.), Iowa counties reassess all properties. Assessment notices are typically mailed in March. The protest window opens April 2 and closes April 30.
That's 28 days. Not much time.
| County | Assessment Year | Typical Deadline | |--------|----------------|------------------| | Polk | Even years | April 30 | | Dallas | Even years | April 30 | | Warren | Even years | April 30 | | Jasper | Even years | April 30 | | Madison | Even years | April 30 |
All greater metro counties follow the same state calendar. The key difference is how you file.
Polk County: File online via the Polk County Assessor portal OR in person at the Polk County Courthouse. The online system is straightforward and time-stamps your submission.
Dallas County: In-person filing at the Dallas County Assessor's office in Adel is standard. Check the county website for the latest online options.
Warren County: Indianola courthouse. In-person preferred; call ahead to confirm current procedure.
At minimum:
You don't need to have all your evidence ready on the filing date. You're reserving your right to a hearing — evidence can be submitted before or presented at the hearing itself.
The Board of Review will schedule a hearing, typically in May. You present your evidence, the assessor may respond, and the Board makes a ruling within 30 days.
If the Board denies your protest, you can appeal further to the Iowa Property Assessment Appeal Board (PAAB) or district court.
AppealIQ handles every step of this process for you. We track your deadline, file the protest, gather evidence, and represent your case at hearing — all on contingency.
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