Taxes in Ames, Iowa
Complete tax guide for Ames, IA. State income tax up to 5.7%, 1.57% property tax, 6.07% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
5.7%
Iowa
Property Tax
1.57%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
6.07%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
High
Ames, IA Tax Overview
Population
66,427
Median Income
$42,000
Cost of Living
92.5 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
5.7%
Median Home Price
$245,000
Ames Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Ames median: $42,000
Total Tax Burden in Ames
$8,609
Take-Home: $33,392 · Effective Rate: 20.50%
Federal Tax
$3,002
7.15% eff.
IA State
$2,394
5.70% eff.
FICA
$3,213
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$33,392
79.50% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $42,000.00 | $3,500.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$3,001.50 | -$250.13 |
| Iowa State Tax | -$2,394.00 | -$199.50 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$2,604.00 | -$217.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$609.00 | -$50.75 |
| Take-Home Pay | $33,391.50 | $2,782.63 |
Property Tax in Ames
Median Home
$245,000
Annual Tax
$3,847
Monthly Tax
$321
Effective Rate
1.57%
Sales Tax in Ames
Combined Rate
6.07%
State Portion
~3.6%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Ames is 6.07%, which is below the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $6.07 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Ames | Iowa Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 5.7% | 5.7% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 1.57% | ~1.57% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 6.07% | ~6.07% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | High | — | Moderate |
About Taxes in Ames
Ames has a population of approximately 66,427 residents with a median household income of $42,000. The cost of living index is 92.5 (7.5% lower than the national average of 100).
Tax burden classification: High. Effective combined tax rate of 31.9% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical Ames household.
Official Tax Resources for Iowa
For authoritative Iowa tax forms, filing deadlines, and the latest legislative updates, consult these official government resources:
- Iowa Department of Revenue — official state revenue agency
- Iowa Individual Income Tax Forms — current tax year forms and instructions
- IRS Federal Tax Forms and Instructions — federal income tax filing
Tax Saving Tips for Ames Residents
- Iowa's income tax rate of 5.7% is above average. Maximize pre-tax retirement contributions (401k up to $23,500, IRA up to $7,000) to reduce both federal and state taxable income.
- Property tax in Ames (1.57%) is above the national average. Check if you qualify for homestead exemptions or assessment appeals to reduce your property tax bill.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,400 individual, $8,750 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in Iowa
Des Moines
ModerateCedar Rapids
LowDavenport
LowSioux City
LowIowa City
ModerateWaterloo
Very LowSources & Methodology
Tax rate data on this page is compiled from official government sources and updated for the 2026 tax year. Calculations follow the IRS-published 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA rates (6.2% Social Security up to $176,100 wage base, 1.45% Medicare), and Iowa state tax provisions. Property tax estimates use Ames's median home value of $245,000and the local effective property tax rate of 1.57%.
- • Federal tax brackets and standard deductions: IRS.gov
- • State income tax rates and brackets: Iowa Department of Revenue
- • Median household income, home value, and demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
- • Cost of living comparisons: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CES
- • National average benchmarks: Tax Foundation state-level tax burden studies
Disclaimer: Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual tax liability depends on filing status, deductions, credits, and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed tax professional or your state revenue agency for binding tax guidance.
Reviewed by LevyIO Tax Research Team · Published 2026-01-15 · Last updated 2026-04-30
Calculate Your Full Iowa Tax Burden
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Ames, IA?
Ames, Iowa has a state income tax rate up to 5.7%. The property tax rate is 1.57% and the combined sales tax rate is 6.07%.
How much is property tax in Ames?
The effective property tax rate in Ames is 1.57%. On the median home price of $245,000, this equals approximately $3,847 per year or $321 per month. This is above the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Ames?
The combined sales tax rate in Ames is 6.07%, which includes both state and local components. This is below the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Ames's tax burden compare to other cities?
Ames has a high overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 31.9%. The combination of 5.7% state income tax, 1.57% property tax, and 6.07% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 92.5 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Ames?
Ames does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 5.7%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare).