Property Tax Relief Shouldn’t Play Favorites

Lowering property taxes is crucial for Iowa’s economic growth and competitiveness, but this will only happen if tax relief extends to ALL taxpayers. A common theme among legislators, regardless of party, is that high property taxes remain a recurring concern among their constituents. This issue is also prominent on the campaign trail. Recently, the Des Moines Register reported that a […]

Advancing Taxpayer Protections in the 2025 Legislative Session

Constitutional protections exist for other state funds, and it is time for Iowa taxpayers to receive that same benefit. Securing the tax reforms already enacted in Iowa by adding protections to the state constitution is essential to preserving the progress made since 2018. These reforms, particularly the shift to a flat tax, have transformed Iowa’s tax system into one that […]

Expiration of TCJA Could Bring Higher Tax Bills, Slower Growth to Iowa

Tax increases, unchecked federal government spending, and rising national debt levels pose a significant economic threat to Iowa. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was the signature economic policy achievement of President Donald Trump. The TCJA benefited most taxpayers, but unless renewed or made permanent, the tax cuts are set to expire starting at the end of 2025. If […]

Lessons from the Past: The Path to Real Property Tax Relief in Iowa

Policymakers need to learn from history that reforms relying on tax shifts, “buy downs,” assessment limitations, and the state swooping in seldom work. At one time, Iowa relied entirely on property taxes to fund state government. In 1921, the state levied its next major tax—a two-cent-per-package “sin” tax on cigarettes. Then, in 1934, as a response to the economic struggles […]