Frequently Asked Questions
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When should I call 9-1-1?
- To report a crime in progress
- To report a fire
- To save a life
- Anytime an emergency response is required by law enforcement, fire or emergency personnel.
You should call 9-1-1 anytime you believe there is an actual emergency. If you are unsure, call 9-1-1 and the Public Safety Telecommunicator will make the final determination.
Remeber: When calling 911, remian calm. Speak clearly and follow any instructions the call taker may give. The call taker will confirm your name, address and the phone number from which you are calling from. Do not hang up until the call taker tells you it's o.k. to hang up.
Situations that are NOT 9-1-1 emergencies:
Please do not call 9-1-1 to report that electricity or other utilities are off; to notify authorities of traffic jams; to inquire about government services or learn general information. Consult your local phone directory for the appropriate numbers.
Remember: If the 9-1-1 system receives multiple calls at the same time, these calls will be answered in the order they are received and handled on a priority basis. Please be patient if your call is put on hold. DO NOT HANG UP!
Remember: When using a phone at a business or public building, it may be necessary to obtain an outside line before dialing out. For example, you may have to dial an access code such as 9 before dialing 9-1-1.
How will my call be handled by the 9-1-1 dispatcher?
When you call 9-1-1 to report an emergency, be prepared to answer 5 basic questions:
- Where is this happening?
- What is happening now? Why?
- Who is involved? Descriptions?
- When did this happen?
- Is anyone injured?
Other information you may need:
Include the exact location or address of the emergency. Provide nearby intersections, landmarks, building name, floor, room or apartment number, as well as directions to the address if they are requested. As soon as the Public Safety Telecommunicator has determined your location and type of emergency, he or she will send help. However, the Public Safety Telecommunicator may keep asking you questions to gather information about the situation to pass along to the emergency personnel on the way to the scene. Don’t hang up until the call taker instructs you to do so.
I accidentally dialed 9-1-1. What should I do?
9-1-1 centers have been inundated with calls from people attempting to dial a 991 or other number. If you dialed 9-1-1 by mistake, stay on the line and tell the Public Safety Telecommunicator that you have misdialed. If you hang up before talking to 9-1-1, the call will still be delivered to the communications center. Valuable time may be lost for other callers while the call taker is trying to verify that there is no emergency at your location.
What do I need to know to give a good description?
In many 9-1-1 emergencies, the Public Safety Telecommunicator will ask you to describe either the people or the vehicles involved in the emergency.
When describing an individual, start at the top of the head and work your way down:
- What was the race and sex of the individual?
- How tall was the individual?
- What was the hair color?
- What was the individual wearing? (start from the top of the head and go down)
- Did the individual have a mustache, beard, accent, limp, glasses or anything unusual that might make him or her stand out?
When describing a vehicle, the Public Safety Telecommunicator will ask for the following information:
- Color
- Year of the vehicle
- Make of vehicle
- Body style
- Additional description (damage, lights not working, etc.)
- License plate number and state of the vehicle
If you don’t know any of the above information, a general description of the vehicle will help. Example: A large, dark, older vehicle.
What should I teach my child about calling 9-1-1?
While many children are familiar with dialing 9-1-1 in an emergency situation, they often do not know other important information, such as their address or how to reach a parent at work. Experts recommend that you begin teaching your children this important information at about age three:
- Their full names, parents’ full names, homes address and phone number with area code
- Your cell phone number
- The name and phone number of your employer
- What an emergency is and when to call 9-1-1
- How to hold the phone properly so that they can speak clearly into the phone
- That it is against the law to call 9-1-1- as a joke or prank
- Not to be afraid to call 9-1-1
Teaching your children to call you at work before calling 9-1-1 wastes valuable time. Give them permission to call 9-1-1 if they think there is an emergency.
Remember: Attempt to stay calm when you are talking to a 9-1-1 call taker. Take a deep breath. Listen to and answer each question. Do not hang up after dialing 9-1-1 until the call taker tells you to do so (even if you did not mean to dial 9-1-1).
Does it make a difference if I call 9-1-1 on a wireless phone?
YES! It is very important that you provide as much information as possible to the dispatcher. This includes:
- Your wireless phone number
- Location of the emergency
- The name of the road you are traveling on, direction you are headed and any physical landmarks
- How many miles from or to the nearest town or cross street
Technology in use in Tama County allows dispatchers to receive the phone number and approximate location from where the wireless 9-1-1 call originated but it is still important to know your exact location in the event of an emergency. Make it a habit to note mile markers and other road signs that would help you identify where you are should you need to call 9-1-1.
How does the 9-1-1 center know my location?
9-1-1 calls go through a special router that uses x, y coordinates to pinpoint the caller’s location on a map. This allows the 9-1-1 dispatcher to relay accurate location information to the appropriate agencies.
Depending on the capabilities of your cellular service provider, though, complete location information may not always be available to the 9-1-1 dispatcher. If your phone is equipped with the appropriate software and the carrier’s network supports it, location information will be sent with your 9-1-1 call. If you have questions regarding your cellular phone’s readiness, contact your wireless service provider.
What about Internet phone services? How do they work with 9-1-1?
Several companies now offer phone services that allow people to use ordinary telephones to make calls through the Internet. This type of service, called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), can cost significantly less than traditional phone services. VoIP often looks and works just like a regular phone. The difference is in how your voice is transported.
Since 2005, Internet phone companies have been required to offer Enhanced 9-1-1 — the technology that provides dispatchers with your phone number and location — to their customers.
If you use VoIP, call your service provider and find out how they handle 9-1-1 calls. Your call may be routed to an incorrect dispatch center with no location or call-back information. Even if it is routed correctly, it is unlikely that the 9-1-1 dispatcher will receive your call-back telephone number and/or location information.
Remember: Many people do not have their cellular phone number memorized. Make sure that you have the number written down in an easy to find location before you need to call 9-1-1.
Can I call 9-1-1 if I use a TTY?
Yes. All Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) are equipped with TTY (text telephone) equipment. Communications professionals receive extensive training in handling emergency situations using this equipment.
Can someone who does not speak English call 9-1-1?
Yes. All Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) subscribe to the Language Line, which provides access to interpreters who speak more than 140 languages. The Language Line maintains a 24-hour communications center.
Will I receive medical information when I call 9-1-1?
The information that you will receive when dialing 9-1-1 varies depending on your location and the type of emergency. In all cases, dial 9-1-1 for medical emergencies that require an ambulance.
Be prepared for an emergency by learning CPR and other life saving techniques. Contact your local fire department, emergency medical service department, American Red Cross or the American Heart Association for more information.
Should I call 9-1-1 when my utilities stop working?`
No. You need to contact your individual utility companies, who provide phone, gas, water and electric services to your home. The 9-1-1 dispatcher cannot help you when these utilities stop working.
Emergency Management
What can I do to avoid getting caught in a flood situation?
Follow these safety rules:
- Monitor the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, or your favorite news source for vital weather related information.
- If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc.
- Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn Around Don't Drown
- Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around Don't Drown
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
Remember - Turn around, don't drown!
Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other severe weather related hazard. The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. More than half of all flood related deaths result from vehicles being swept downstream. Of these, many are preventable.
General Questions
Absentee
Can I pick up or request a ballot for someone else?
No. In Iowa you can only request an absentee ballot for yourself.
Can I request an absentee ballot by email or fax?
Yes. You may request an absentee ballot via email or fax and a ballot will be mailed to you. However, in order for your ballot to be counted you must also mail in or drop off the original paper ballot request.
Can I use power of attorney to request a ballot for my spouse, child or parent?
No. Under Iowa law, power of attorney does not apply for all election related matters.
Can someone else return my absentee ballot for me?
The only people who may return a ballot for a voter are:
- someone living in the voter’s household
- an immediate family member
- a special precinct election official delivering a ballot for health care residents
- a delivery agent, in the case of a voter unable to return a ballot due to blindness or other disability
Do I need to sign the return envelope of my absentee ballot?
Yes! Your absentee ballot cannot be counted unless you have signed the affidavit envelope that you return your ballot in. If we receive a ballot back that has not been signed we will attempt to contact you to get this fixed. Once contacted, you may decide to either:
- Request a replacement ballot and return it by 8:00 p.m. on election day
- Vote at the polls on election day
- Sign the affidavit in person at the county auditor’s office by 8:00 p.m. on election day
Do absentee ballots even get counted?
Yes. There is a myth that absentee ballots only get counted if the election is close, however, this is not true. Under Iowa law, every ballot must be counted.
What is the last day I can turn in my absentee ballot?
You are allowed to hand deliver your ballot to the Auditor’s office up until the time the polls close on Election Day. If you return your ballot through the mail, your ballot must arrive by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, with exceptions for individuals in the Safe at Home program and military/overseas citizens. Learn more on our Absentee Voting page.
Election Day
Can I get help marking my ballot?
Yes. If you need assistance filling out your ballot ask a poll worker for help. A team of one republican and one democrat will come over and help you mark your ballot. Also available in each polling location is a ballot marking device that will read you all of the choices and then print out your marked ballot.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Yes. Iowa law allows for Election Day registration if you are able to provide proof of identification (i.e. valid photo ID) and proof of residency (i.e. utility bill with your name on it if your ID has an outdated address on it). If you are unable to provide one or both of these you are allowed to bring someone with you to attest that you have the right to vote.
Can I take my absentee ballot to the polls on Election Day and vote there?
Yes. If you have not returned your absentee ballot you may go to your polling place on Election Day and vote a regular ballot.
Do I need to show ID to vote?
Beginning January 1, 2019, Iowa voters will be required to show a driver’s license, non-driver’s ID, passport, military ID, veterans ID, Tribal ID or Voter ID Card at the polls before they vote. Voters, starting in 2019, without an ID may cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter attest to their identity.
I am already registered but my information needs updated; can I do that on Election Day?
Yes. While it is recommended that you update your information prior to Election Day to speed things up at the polls, you may wait and do so on Election Day. If you are updating your address just make sure you are going to the polling place for your new address. When updating your address you will now need to provide proof of identity and proof of residency.
I can't get out of my car; can someone bring me a ballot to vote from there?
Yes. If you are unable to go inside the polling place a team of election workers will be sent out to your car to help you vote.
I lost my absentee ballot; can I just go vote on Election Day?
Yes. When you go to vote, a poll worker will verify with the auditor’s office that your absentee ballot has not been returned. If it is confirmed that the auditor’s office has not received a ballot from you then you will be given a new ballot to vote there.
What do I need to bring with me to vote?
Starting in January of 2019 you will be required to show identification. If you need to register to vote on Election Day, you must bring proof of identification and proof of residency.
What if I lost my ID or forgot to take one with me to the polls?
Starting in 2019, if you do not have your ID with you, you may either cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter attest to your identity. Learn more about provisional ballots and attesting on our Voter ID page.
What if I'm still waiting in line when the polls close?
So long as you are in line to vote at the time the polls close you will be allowed to vote.
What is a provisional ballot?
If a voter’s eligibility is in question on Election Day they are allowed to cast a provisional ballot. After the voter marks their ballot and returns it to the poll worker, the voter is required to provide the necessary identification or documentation at the polling place before it closes or provide it at the Auditor’s Office by noon on the following Monday. If the canvass will be held earlier than the following Monday, the identification must be provided before the canvass.
If it is determined that you do have the right to vote in the precinct in which you voted, your ballot will then be counted and included in the final vote total.
General Information
Can I get a new ballot if I make a mistake or lose my ballot?
Yes. If you make a mistake on an absentee ballot mark your return envelope “Spoiled” and return it to the Auditor’s office either by mail or in person. If you return it by mail contact the Auditor’s office to be sent a new one.
On Election Day if you make a mistake on your ballot, return it to the poll worker to receive a new one. You are allowed up to three ballots so don’t make too many mistakes!
Can I vote for someone that is not on the ballot?
Yes. For each race on the ballot, a line is provided for you to write-in the name of someone for whom you wish to vote for. Make sure you color in the oval!
Can an independent vote in a primary election?
Yes and No. In Iowa, you must be a member of a political party (currently: Republican, Democratic, and Libertarian) to vote in a primary election. However, anyone* can change parties on Election Day and vote. For independents to vote they must declare a political party.
*Precinct election officials may not change political parties within 30 days of an election.
Do I have to vote for everything on the ballot?
No. You can vote for as much or as little as you would like; it’s all up to you!
If I change my mind on who I want to vote for after I have returned my ballot, can I get a new one?
No. If you have already returned your absentee ballot to the Auditor’s office you may not request a new ballot if you have changed your mind on who you wish to vote for.
If I chose a party do I have to vote for all of their candidates?
It depends on the election. In primary elections, you can only vote for candidates from the party to which you belong. In general elections, you are free to vote for anyone you like, regardless of their party affiliation.
What if I don't have an ID?
Registered voters who do not have an Iowa driver’s license or non-operator’s ID were issued a voter ID card. Voter ID cards must be signed before going to the polls. The new voter ID card will contain a PIN number that will be used for voting purposes. If you should have a voter ID card and do not, please contact our office to have one sent to you.
What is Voter ID?
Starting in 2019, voters must provide an ID when going to vote. Voters who do not have ID will be allowed to either cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter attest to their identification. Learn more about provisional ballots and attesting on our Voter ID page.
There are 6 approved types of identification that may be used:
- an Iowa Driver’s License or Non-Operator ID
- a Voter ID issued by the Secretary of State or the Auditor’s Office
- a current US Passport
- a US Military ID
- a US Veteran’s ID
- a Tribal ID
Where do I vote?
Where you vote is determined by where you live and you must vote in the precinct to which you are assigned for your ballot to be counted. To find your polling place please visit the Polling Places page on our website.
Registration
Can I update my voter registration over the phone?
No. All updates to voter registration must be made in writing or online through the Iowa DOT if you have an Iowa driver’s license.
Can a homeless person register to vote?
Yes. Any eligible voter in Iowa may register to vote. Because many of those who are homeless have a nontraditional address they just need to provide an address or description of where they sleep the most, wherever that may be.
Can someone with a previous felony conviction vote?
Those with a prior felony conviction are only permitted to vote if their voting rights have been restored by the Governor, including through Executive Order. For more information about restoration of rights, contact the Governor’s office or visit the voter registration page on our website.
Do I have to register to vote for every election?
No. You would only need to re-register if your information has changed and you need to update it.
How do I update my address?
If you have moved recently and need to update your address for voting, all you have to do is fill out a new voter registration form and submit it to the Auditor’s office. If you do not update your address after a move through a new voter registration form and do not vote in the next general election, you will be marked inactive (inactive voters may still vote with proper ID). Registration will be canceled if two more general elections pass with no voter activity.
I just registered and received a card in the mail but there is a mistake on it; what do I do now?
If you notice a mistake on your voter card please contact the Auditor’s Office and/or submit a new registration form to correct your information.
I registered as an independent; why does my card say "NP" or "No Party"?
Iowa does not recognize an “independent” party. Instead, “No Party” is used to indicate a lack of affiliation with a political party.
Public Health
How do I get ahold of the Sanitary Landfill?
Tama County Landfill
641-484-5061
I am concerned about my neighbor who is elderly, has no family that can we check on them, or a house with no water with kids living there. Who can I contact about getting them help?
Contact Tama County Public Health and Homecare at 641-484-4788.
I have no insurance, where can I get insurance?
We have the forms available in our entry way that you can apply for Title XIX assistance, or you can go to the dhsservices.iowa.gov website to complete the form online.
I need a doctor, who can I call?
We have a Resource Directory with a listing of local health care providers.
I need medical equipment, such as a cane or walker, for after my surgery. Where can I get loan equipment?
Tama County Public Health & Home Care has a loan equipment available to use on a short term basis. Call our office at 641-484-4788 for availability.
I think I might be pregnant, where can I get a free pregnancy test?
Tama County Public Health & Home Care has pregnancy tests available. Call 641-484-4788 to schedule an appointment.
What is the number for the Tama County Sheriff?
Tama County Sheriff
641-484-4111
What is your fax number?
641-484-5447
Where can I get help with food?
We have forms to apply for help in our entry way or you can go to dhsservices.iowa.gov to complete a food stamp application. There is also the food pantry in Tama or through Meskwaki Church. For more food assistance information: Food Assistance Directory - Tama County
Where can I get help with my rent?
The local ministerial association can provide limited assistance. Their contact is Living Faith Methodist Church - 641-484-2204. Mid-Iowa Community Action offers limited assistance 641-484-4713 or Section 8 Housing at 641-754-5756
Where can I get vaccines for myself or my children?
Tama County Public Health & Home Care provides limited vaccinations for adults. We do have Vaccines for Children for children that are un-insured or under-insured. You can contact our office to schedule an appointment at 641-484-4788. Otherwise we recommend that you go to your local health care provider for your vaccination needs.
Where do I call to get help with transportation?
If you are a Veteran you can contact Tama County Veterans Affairs Office at 641-484-3160. Otherwise Region 6 offers transportation services, 641-752-0717.
Who can I contact regarding Septic, radon, water test, bedbugs?
Tama County Public Health and Home Care office 641-484-4788, Environmental Health Officer can assist with septic system and radon questions or testing your well water. Bed bug questions can be addressed by TCPH & HC registered nursing staff.
Who can I contact? I need help with my bills, my water, heat or phone is going to be shut off today!
The local ministerial association can provide limited assistance. Their contact is Living Faith Methodist Church- 641-484-2204. Mid-Iowa Community Action offers energy assistance (LIEAH) 641-484-4713.
Who can help me with my questions regarding insurance coverage and the different Medicare A, B, C, D plans?
SHIIP - 641-754-5399
Who do I contact if I have concerns about food poisoning or food complaints?
You can call IDPH's IowaSic hotline 844-469-2742.
Who do I contact regarding zoning questions?
Recorder
Can a marriage license be applied for in Tama County if the marriage ceremony is to take place in a different county?
Yes, the license is valid in any county in the state of Iowa. It is not valid outside of Iowa. The marriage license must be returned to the same county you applied in.
Can we change our names through marriage?
Yes. In fact, a marriage provides the opportunity to legally change your name. Because of this, it is important to complete the application correctly and in full. Do not use initials or nicknames unless you wish them to become your legal name.
Do you have property abstracts on file?
No. Abstracts are not filed in our office.
Does your office handle divorce records?
No. The Tama County Clerk of Court can help you with divorce records. You may contact them at 641-484-3721.
How do I add or take somebody off the title of my property?
You can file a deed in our office. We do not have blank forms available in our office. Many people have a lawyer create one, all documents recorded must meet our Iowa Document Formatting Standards.
What's the difference between a certified copy and an uncertified copy?
A certified copy has what most refer to as a “raised seal” and states that the copy is a true and correct reproduction of the original record. An uncertified copy or a “plain” copy has no seal or verbiage indicating authenticity. An uncertified copy also has a stamp noting “not for legal purposes.”
Safety
What does Tama County Safety do?
The Safety Director works with the departments within Tama County to assess workplace hazards, establish and implement supervisor and employee training, establish written policies, and comply with OSHA standards.
What does Tama County Safety NOT do?
Tama County Safety does not inspect or regulate businesses or private residences.
Who should I report safety concerns to?
Safety concerns involving county property or employees should be directed to the Safety director. The Safety Director can be reached at 641-484-4191 ext. 5 for all non-emergency situations. Emergency situations should be reported by calling 911.
Who can I contact for safety concerns that do not involve Tama County but are within the county?
Iowa OSHA can be contacted for situations not involving county employees or property. Iowa OSHA has a website located at www.iowaosha.gov or can be called at 515-242-5870.
Treasurer
General Information
What hours are you open?
Motor Vehicle: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Driver's License: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Property Tax: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
What is your phone/fax number?
Telephone: 641-484-3141
Fax: 641-484-6248
Where are you located?
Tama County Administration Building
104 W State St.
Toledo, IA 52342
Property Taxes
Can I make a partial payment of my tax due?
Yes, partial payments are accepted for current or delinquent real estate and mobile home property tax. If you are paying delinquent mobile home or real estate property tax, the amount of the partial payment must be greater than the late interest and cost due. Partial payments are not accepted for special assessments or tax sale redemption payments. Please indicate on your payment that it is a partial payment of tax due.
How late can I pay my taxes and not get my name published?
If taxes are paid by May 23, 2023, they will not get published on the 2023 Delinquent Tax List.
I am going to be moving my mobile home to another location, do I need a tax clearance form?
Yes, a mobile home tax clearance form is required when moving your mobile home to another location.
I just purchased this property and I am now being told that I am responsible for the full year's taxes, how can this be?
In a typical real estate transaction, taxes are prorated and the buyer is given credit for the seller's portion. You should look at your settlement statement provided to you in closing to confirm this.
I mailed my payment on the due date and now I am getting a balance due letter for delinquent taxes, why?
Your payment must be postmarked by the due date in order to be processed in a timely payment. If you are receiving a balance due letter, then your payment was not postmarked on time and late interest has accrued. We have processed your payment and have sent you a letter requesting the remaining balance. Placing your payment in the mailbox on the due date does not guarantee the envelope will be postmarked on that day. The Treasurer's Office goes by the official U.S. Postal mark when processing payments.
I thought my mortgage company paid my taxes?
Original tax statements are sent to the owner of record. If your mortgage company is responsible for paying your property taxes, they will request a statement. You may retain the tax statement mailed to you for your records.
Is there any type of credit or help available for elderly, disabled, or low-income property owners?
Yes, however there are now two different tax credit programs available for elderly property owners. The Tama County Treasurer’s Office facilitates one of those two programs, which offers a property tax credit for elderly property owners with low income as well as those who are totally disabled. The other property tax credit program is the homestead tax credit for property owners over 65. This program is facilitated by the Tama County Assessor’s Office.
What are my payment options when paying my property taxes?
Payment can be made by cash, check, credit or debit card, or money order. Payments can be made online. Depending on the time of year, payments for delinquent parcels may required guaranteed funds (ie. cash, card, money order).
What happens if my taxes are not paid by the due date?
On the first of each month, late interest at the rate of 1.5% (rounded to the nearest dollar, with a $1.00 minimum) will be added to the unpaid balance of your property taxes. If your taxes remain unpaid, they could be subject to tax sale. If sold at tax sale and if the tax lien is not redeemed within the time specified by Iowa law, the purchaser may initiate proceedings to obtain a tax deed to the property.
What should I do if I have a tax sale on my property?
Please contact this office at 641-484-3141 to determine what your rights concerning redemption are and the amount necessary to redeem the tax sale. Under Iowa law, you may make a full redemption by making payment to the County Treasurer for the amount for which the parcel was sold and interest of 2 percent per month. Additional amounts may accrue. The tax sale certificate holder, beginning fourteen days following the date from which a subsequent installment becomes delinquent, may pay taxes for subsequent years.
You must have an interest in the parcel sufficient to give you the right to redeem the tax sale. A sufficient interest means that you must be one of the following:
- The titleholder of record.
- The person in whose name the parcel was/is taxed.
- A person in possession of the parcel.
- A mortgagee with a lien on the parcel.
- A vendor of the parcel under a recorded contract of sale.
- A lessor with a recorded lease or memorandum of recorded lease.
- Any other person with an interest of record (examples: judgment creditor of record, vendee under recorded real estate contract, holder of an inherited or devised recorded interest, tax sale certificate holder).
- A person who acquired an interest in or possession of the parcel subsequent to the filing of the notice of expiration of the right of redemption (this category is applicable only to tax sales occurring on or after April 24, 1995).
- Have you been personally served or received a Notice to Redeem From Tax Sale stating that you have ninety days to redeem the parcel from tax sale? Please contact our office at 641-484-3141 to obtain the amount to redeem your property from tax sale. If redemption is not completed within the period provided by law, the right to redeem expires and a tax sale deed may be issued to the purchaser of the tax sale.
What should I do if I receive a tax statement on a home I recently sold?
Forward the tax statement to the new owners. Or; Return the tax statement to us. Please note on the statement, "Sold, Please send to New Owner Or; Notify the Treasurer's Office of the sale by calling 641-484-3141.
When are my taxes due?
Your tax statement will provide you with two payment stubs, one for the first half and one for the second half. You may choose to pay the full year at once or pay each half by the due date.
- First half of property tax is due by September 30th of each year. Late interest will accrue starting October 1st.
- Second half of property tax is due by March 31st of each year. Late interest will accrue starting April 1st.
- Please be aware that Iowa Law does grant an extension of the late interest date when the last business day falls on a Saturday or Sunday. The interest rate on delinquent taxes is one and one-half percent per month (rounded to the nearest dollar with a $1 minimum).
When do I receive a property tax statement?
Statements are mailed out to the owner of record prior to September 1st of each year.
Where can I get the latest information about my property?
Call 641-484-3141 for information concerning property taxes.
Where do I make my payment?
Payments can be made online. You can also mail payment to or pay in person at:
Tama County Treasurer, Property Tax Division
PO Box 336
Tama, Iowa 52342
Why were special assessment statements mailed to me?
The special assessment statement will inform you of the type of special assessment you are being billed for. Examples of special assessments are nuisance lawn mowing, nuisance abatement/removal of junk on the property, paving, sidewalk repairs, and delinquent water bills. Special assessments generally are due once a year with the first half property tax installment.
Veterans Affairs
How do I apply for a Military Property Tax Exemption?
You can apply at the Tama County Assessor's Office and your DD-214 must be recorded at the Tama County Recorder's Office.
How do I receive a copy of my DD-214/discharge paperwork, service records, and/or medals?
Please call us at 641-484-3160 to make an appointment.
How do I receive assistance from the Tama County Veteran Affairs Office?
Please call us at 641-484-3160 to make an appointment.
How does my Surviving Spouse qualify for Survivor's Pension?
You or your spouse must have served during a wartime period of service. Contact our office at 641-484-3160 for recognized federal wartime dates.
What are the eligibility requirements for Guard and Reserves for Veteran Benefits?
Please contact our office at 641-484-3160 for review of your discharge paperwork.
What is the difference between Pension and Compensation?
- Pension is an income-based program with federal wartime-service requirements.
- Compensation is based on a service-connected injury or illness sustained or aggravated while on active duty.
What is the difference between Survivors Pension and Widows DIC?
- Survivors Pension is for the widows of wartime veterans that would qualify for Pension.
- Widows DIC is for widows of veterans who die of a service connectable disability.
What is the process to have "Veteran" added to my driver's license?
Provide a copy of your DD-214 and visit our address so that we may assist.
What makes a veteran eligible for the VA Healthcare?
Veterans are eligible by meeting income guidelines or Active Duty Service or a Service-Connected.
Where do I apply for Veteran License Plates?
Provide a copy of your DD-214 and visit our office so that we may assist.
