Property tax reform takes center stage

By Rep. Jon Dunwell

As your state representative, I’m excited to share the Iowa House Republicans’ efforts to tackle a key concern: property taxes. After successfully lowering income taxes, we’re now focused on delivering relief and certainty to Iowa taxpayers.

This session, we’ve introduced bills ranging from modest tweaks to bold reforms to spark a conversation about property taxes. We’re taking our time, seeking input from Iowans and interest groups to shape these changes thoughtfully.

House Study Bill 313 is drawing attention with its proposed $426 million in relief. It would:

• Cap revenues to ensure relief for all.

• Offer a $25,000 homestead benefit.

• Boost relief for veterans and seniors.

• Phase out the 1977 rollback system over five years, lowering the uniform levy for residential, commercial, and industrial properties to fix predictability issues for local governments.

Iowans dislike the current system — taxpayers and taxing entities alike. We’re open to big changes but want to understand their full impact first.

Other proposals include:

• HSB 304: Limits property taxes to 3% per parcel for taxpayer certainty.

• HSB 303: Uses taxpayer relief fund interest to cut property taxes.

• HF 600: Caps the average levy at 2% per $1,000, with voter approval to exceed it.

• HF 418: Adjusts residential property valuations and levy limits.

I haven’t settled on any of these bills yet. I’m still researching their effects on taxing entities, residential taxpayers, and businesses. These ideas are a starting point, not a rush to the finish. Your feedback is vital — tell me how these might impact you or your community. Together, we can build a system that prioritizes taxpayers with fairness and predictability. Stay tuned for updates!

Let’s keep the conversation going!