Republican Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law that makes changes in how cities and counties set budgets and raise property taxes. The bill was a priority for Republican House Speaker Linda Upmeyer of Clear Lake. "Just making sure that the community has a good voice and they aren't … [Read more...]
Governor signs bill providing tax credits for rural Iowa
Governor Kim Reynolds went to the "Candy Kitchen" in Wilton, Iowa, Monday to sign a bill that will boost state investment in rural Iowa. "This iconic Iowa business really embodies the small town character that we're famous for and it is the perfect example of why we should do everything we can to … [Read more...]
Officials consider tax breaks for businesses in Pella, Mason City
The Des Moines Register is reporting Vermeer Manufacturing is seeking nearly $6 million in state incentives as the company rebuilds from last year's tornado. Vermeer's Pella facilities were heavily damaged by a tornado last July. According to the newspaper, the Iowa Economic Development Board … [Read more...]
Pace of tax payments to State of Iowa 6.2% ahead of last year
As of last Friday, May 3, state tax collections were running $351 million ahead of the previous year. That's a more than 6% increase in tax payments to the state over the past 10 months. It's also 1.5% above the prediction a panel of experts made in March. Jeff Robinson of the Legislative … [Read more...]
IRS offering tips to small business owners during National Small Business Week
The Internal Revenue Service is focusing on small business owners and self-employed individuals in a campaign during this National Small Business Week. Spokesman Christopher Miller says the organization will feature information on a variety of topics in their social media. "Like data security … [Read more...]
Warren says candidates should not chase Trump down ‘crazy rabbit hole’
Massachusetts Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren used a visit to Iowa State University to unveil a new tool on her campaign website. It calculates how much an individual's student loan debt would be reduced under her plan. "We're just trying to roll this out as a way … [Read more...]
Trio of Iowa mayors discuss property tax transparency
The mayor of Council Bluffs says Iowa's property tax system has been "broken" for decades and needs a complete overhaul. Mayor Matt Walsh comments come after the 2019 Iowa legislature passed a bill requiring new public notices and a super majority vote when city councils raise property taxes more … [Read more...]
Iowa infrastructure gets a C grade from ASCE
A new report from the American Society of Civil Engineers gives Iowa infrastructure a "mediocre" but passing grade and suggests raising taxes to improve water quality and finance improvements to bridges, airports and other critical infrastructure. "Infrastructure is the foundation of everyday … [Read more...]
Priority for Iowa educators, sales tax clears legislature
The Iowa legislature has voted to keep charging the one-percent sales tax that's been used for school infrastructure until 2051. The bill directs 30 percent of the sales tax money that's raised to property tax relief. The other 70 percent of the sales taxes raised will helps pay for school … [Read more...]
GOP lawmakers propose new view of property tax rates, assessments
Republicans in the Iowa legislature have developed a plan they say will bring "transparency" to property taxes. Iowans could check new notices online and in newspapers after the value of local homes, businesses and farms are assessed that show what property tax rate would be charged if city and … [Read more...]