Taxes in West Des Moines, Iowa
Complete tax guide for West Des Moines, IA. State income tax up to 5.7%, 1.57% property tax, 7.88% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
5.7%
Iowa
Property Tax
1.57%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
7.88%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Moderate
West Des Moines, IA Tax Overview
Population
68,923
Median Income
$78,000
Cost of Living
97.5 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
5.7%
Median Home Price
$295,000
West Des Moines Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with West Des Moines median: $78,000
Total Tax Burden in West Des Moines
$19,187
Take-Home: $58,813 · Effective Rate: 24.60%
Federal Tax
$8,774
11.25% eff.
IA State
$4,446
5.70% eff.
FICA
$5,967
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$58,813
75.40% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $78,000.00 | $6,500.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,774.00 | -$731.17 |
| Iowa State Tax | -$4,446.00 | -$370.50 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$4,836.00 | -$403.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$1,131.00 | -$94.25 |
| Take-Home Pay | $58,813.00 | $4,901.08 |
Property Tax in West Des Moines
Median Home
$295,000
Annual Tax
$4,632
Monthly Tax
$386
Effective Rate
1.57%
Sales Tax in West Des Moines
Combined Rate
7.88%
State Portion
~5.4%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in West Des Moines is 7.88%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $7.88 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | West Des Moines | Iowa Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 5.7% | 5.7% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 1.57% | ~1.57% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 7.88% | ~7.88% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Moderate | — | Moderate |
Tax Saving Tips for West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines (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 ($4,300 individual, $8,550 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
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See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in West Des Moines, IA?
West Des Moines, 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 7.88%.
How much is property tax in West Des Moines?
The effective property tax rate in West Des Moines is 1.57%. On the median home price of $295,000, this equals approximately $4,632 per year or $386 per month. This is above the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in West Des Moines?
The combined sales tax rate in West Des Moines is 7.88%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does West Des Moines's tax burden compare to other cities?
West Des Moines has a moderate overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 29.2%. The combination of 5.7% state income tax, 1.57% property tax, and 7.88% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 97.5 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in West Des Moines?
West Des Moines 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).