Taxes in Des Moines, Iowa
Complete tax guide for Des Moines, IA. State income tax up to 3.8%, 1.56% property tax, 7% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
3.8%
Iowa
Property Tax
1.56%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
7%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Moderate
Des Moines, IA Tax Overview
State capital; insurance industry hub; recently moved to flat tax
Population
214,237
Median Income
$54,076
Cost of Living
89.8 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
3.8%
Median Home Price
$195,000
Des Moines Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Des Moines median: $54,076
Total Tax Burden in Des Moines
$10,642
Take-Home: $43,434 · Effective Rate: 19.68%
Federal Tax
$4,451
8.23% eff.
IA State
$2,055
3.80% eff.
FICA
$4,137
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$43,434
80.32% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $54,076.00 | $4,506.33 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$4,450.62 | -$370.89 |
| Iowa State Tax | -$2,054.89 | -$171.24 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$3,352.71 | -$279.39 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$784.10 | -$65.34 |
| Take-Home Pay | $43,433.68 | $3,619.47 |
Property Tax in Des Moines
Median Home
$195,000
Annual Tax
$3,042
Monthly Tax
$254
Effective Rate
1.56%
Sales Tax in Des Moines
Combined Rate
7%
State Portion
~4.5%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Des Moines is 7%, which is below the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $7.00 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Des Moines | Iowa Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 3.8% | 3.8% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 1.56% | ~1.56% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 7% | ~7% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Moderate | — | Moderate |
About Taxes in Des Moines
Des Moines has a population of approximately 214,237 residents with a median household income of $54,076. The cost of living index is 89.8 (10.2% lower than the national average of 100).
Local context: State capital; insurance industry hub; recently moved to flat tax
Tax burden classification: Moderate. Effective combined tax rate of 27.2% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical Des Moines 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 Des Moines Residents
- Iowa's income tax rate of 3.8% is competitive. You may still benefit from maximizing 401(k) contributions ($23,500 limit) to reduce your taxable income at both state and federal levels.
- Property tax in Des Moines (1.56%) 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
Sources & 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 Des Moines's median home value of $195,000and the local effective property tax rate of 1.56%.
- • 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 Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, Iowa has a state income tax rate up to 3.8%. The property tax rate is 1.56% and the combined sales tax rate is 7%. State capital; insurance industry hub; recently moved to flat tax
How much is property tax in Des Moines?
The effective property tax rate in Des Moines is 1.56%. On the median home price of $195,000, this equals approximately $3,042 per year or $254 per month. This is above the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Des Moines?
The combined sales tax rate in Des Moines is 7%, which includes both state and local components. This is below the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Des Moines's tax burden compare to other cities?
Des Moines has a moderate overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 27.2%. The combination of 3.8% state income tax, 1.56% property tax, and 7% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 89.8 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Des Moines?
Des Moines does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 3.8%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare). State capital; insurance industry hub; recently moved to flat tax