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Frequently Asked Questions
Assessor
Our office keeps a record of the mailing address where the owner requested assessment notices and tax statements be sent; however, we cannot provide any other contact information (such as phone numbers or email addresses).
To estimate the market value of your property, the Assessor generally uses three approaches. The first approach is to find properties that are comparable to yours which have sold recently. Local conditions peculiar to your property are taken into consideration. The assessor also uses sales ratio studies to determine the general level of assessment in a community, in order to adjust for local conditions. This method is generally referred to as the MARKET APPROACH and usually considered the most important in determining the value of residential property. The second approach is the COST APPROACH and is an estimate of how many dollars at current labor and material prices it would take to replace your property with one similar to it. In the event improvement is not new, appropriate amounts for depreciation and obsolescence would be deducted from replacement value. Value of the land then would be added to arrive at the total estimate of value. The INCOME APPROACH is the third method used if your property produces income such as an apartment or office building. In that case, your property could be valued according to its ability to produce income under prudent management; in other words, what another investor would give for a property in order to gain its income. The income approach is the most complex of the three approaches because of the research, information and analysis necessary for an accurate estimate of value. This method requires thorough knowledge of local and national financial conditions, as well as any developmental trends in the area of the subject property being appraised since errors or inaccurate information can seriously affect the final estimate of value.
If you know the parcel number, address or owner’s name of the property, you may use our Beacon Property Search page to look up sales information. Search for the property you are wanting, then hit “Search”. Sales information will be located in the “Sales” section of the property record page.
Your local assessor has forms that you need to complete, sign, and file for the homestead credit and/or military exemption. The assessor office can also tell you the qualifications for each. Iowa law provides for a number of exemptions and credits, including homestead credit, 65+ exemption, and military exemption. It is the property owner's responsibility to apply for these as provided by law at the Assessor’s office in their jurisdiction. If the property you were occupying as a homestead is sold, or if you cease to use the property as a homestead, you are required to report this to the assessor in whose jurisdiction the property is located.
Our office provides a map of all property lines within the county; however, GIS data layers showing on our Beacon Property Search page were not drawn to survey grade and may not reflect the accurate placement of parcel line pins. Our GIS data layers are not the same as a survey and should not be considered as such. A survey by a licensed land surveyor will provide accurate information concerning property lines and placement of parcel line pins.
Depending on the classification of the property, the assessment is to represent the market value of the property unless otherwise provided by Iowa Code. Residential, agricultural dwellings, commercial, and industrial classed properties are to be assessed at market value. Changes in market value as indicated by research, sales ratio studies and analysis of local conditions as well as economic trends both in and outside the construction industry are used in determining your assessment. Agricultural land and buildings are valued on productivity and net earning capacity.
The Iowa Department of Revenue is responsible for “equalizing” assessments every two years. Following is a general explanation of the purpose of equalization. The Department compares the assessors' abstracts to a “sales assessment ratio study” it has completed independently of the assessors. If the assessment (by property class) is 5 percent or more above or below the sales ratio study, the Department increases or decreases the assessment. (There is no sales ratio study for agricultural and industrial property.) Equalization occurs on an entire class of property, not on individual property. Also, equalization occurs on an assessing jurisdiction basis, not on a statewide basis. Equalization is important because it helps maintain equitable assessments among classes of property and among assessing jurisdictions. This contributes to a more fair distribution of state aid, such as aid to schools. It also helps to equally distribute the total tax burden within the area.
The local assessor is appointed by a conference board to a six-year term. All assessors must have successfully passed the assessor exam given by the Department of Revenue. Each assessor must successfully complete 150 hours of formal continuing education to be eligible for reappointment.
State law requires all property to be reassessed every two years. Current law requires reassessment to occur in odd numbered years. If necessary, assessors may reassess property every year.
A notice will be issued in each jurisdiction receiving an equalization order. The county auditor shall give notice on or before October 8 by publication in an official newspaper to any class of property affected by the equalization order, and the county auditor will also give notice by mail postmarked on or before October 8 to each property owner or taxpayer whose valuation has been increased by the equalization order.
Depending on when the homestead credit &/or 65+ exemption application or military exemption application was signed by the property owner, it may be more than 24 months for the credit or exemption to appear on the property tax statement. July 1 of the current assessment year is the deadline for filing for the homestead credit or military exemption for the current assessment year. If the July 1 deadline is missed, the exemption or credit will not be applicable until the next assessment year.
As an example, if a property owner applied for the homestead credit on July 2, 2026, they have missed the July 1 deadline for assessment year 2026. The property owner is now applying for the homestead credit for assessment year 2027. The property owner will not receive a property tax statement for levies against the 2027 taxable value until Aug or Sept 2028.
2026 changes to the Homestead Credit, 65+ Homestead Exemption and the Military Exemption, passed by the Iowa Legislature, has expanded the credit/exemption and changed the calculation of these credits/exemptions. You may contact your county assessor or auditor for further information concerning the amount of these credits/exemptions.
Each year assessed values are subject to a rollback factor determined by the Director of Revenue creating a taxable value. Property tax is calculated by applying a levy rate to the taxable value. Levy rates and rollbacks change from year to year therefore adjusting the amount of property tax.
If you disagree with the assessment of a property, you have two basic options. One option is to have an informal review with the assessor’s office. If an agreement can be reached between April 2 through April 25, a signed document will change the assessment to the mutually agreed to value or classification. The second option is to file a formal appeal with the Board of Review between April 2 and April 30. Appeal forms for the Board of Review may be obtained from the assessor's office and must be returned to that respective office by the deadline above.
- K-12 Schools
- Counties
- Cities
- Hospitals
- Merged Area Schools
- Assessors
- Townships
- Agricultural Extension District
- Miscellaneous
Information on the breakdown of your tax dollars appears on the bottom of the tax statement each year. You may also contact the county Auditor’s office for further information for the tax levies in the county.
CSR (corn suitability rating) is a soil productivity rating for Iowa soils that ranges from a low of 5 to a high of 100. It was introduced in 1971 by Thomas Fenton from Iowa State University and has gained in popularity ever since. CSR values are often used when figuring farmland indexes such as land values and cash rents. The index has also been correlated to crop yields although part of the intent of the index was to establish a system for equitable tax assessment, a way to level the playing field by measuring a soil’s productivity and not how well the operator was doing yield-wise with the land. All Iowa counties presently use the CSR2 rating when figuring individual real estate property assessed values on Agricultural classed property.
Market value of a property is an estimate of the price that it would sell for on the open market on January 1st of the year of assessment. This is sometimes referred to as the 'arms length transaction' or 'willing buyer/willing seller' concept.
Taxable value is the value determined by the county auditor after application of a rollback factor to the assessed value. Taxable value is calculated by multiplying the rollback rate for the correct property class by the equalized 100% actual value.
The homestead credit is a property tax credit for residents of the state of Iowa who own and occupy their homestead on July 1 and for at least six months of the calendar year. This credit and/or exemption must be on your primary residence, and owners are only allowed 1 credit/exemption in the state. For instance, if you own a 2nd home in another county in the state, you are only allowed a homestead credit/exemption on the primary residence and NOT on your 2nd home.
There are several different taxing districts in a jurisdiction, each with a different levy rate. Each year the county auditor determines for that district a levy rate that will yield enough money to fund the different entities in that district. The entities include local schools, counties, cities, townships, community colleges, local assessors, and others. Since more than one taxing authority is calculating a tax rate for the property, all the rates are added together, resulting in a single tax levy called a consolidated levy. This consolidated levy is always the result of two or more tax rates established by different government entities.
Veterans who served in active duty and who were honorably discharged are eligible to receive a military exemption on their property taxes. If you served in the military and were on active duty for 18 months you are eligible for a military exemption. Pursuant to Iowa law, the reduction in taxable value is determined by the dates and amount of time the veteran served in active duty. The reduction of taxable value for World War I veterans is $2,778 and $1,852 for all other periods of service. Former and current members of the Iowa National Guard and reserve forces need not have performed active duty if they served at least 20 years.
The rollback rate is a statewide rate set annually for each property class by the Iowa Department of Revenue. More than 20 years ago, residential property values were rising quickly. To help cushion the impact of high inflation, the Legislature passed an assessment limitation law called rollback. Increases in assessed values for residential and agricultural property are subject to this assessment limitation formula. If the statewide increase in values of homes and farms exceeds 3 percent due to revaluation, their values are "rolled back" so that the total increase statewide is 3 percent. Rollback is also available for industrial and commercial property when necessary. This does not mean that the assessment on your home will increase by only 3 percent. The rollback is applied on a class of property, not an individual property. This means that the statewide total taxable value can increase by only 3 percent due to revaluation.
Changes to the Rollback calculation were approved by the Iowa Legislature in 2026. You may contact your county assessor or auditor for information on the changes provided by this legislation.
The Iowa Department of Revenue imposes equalization orders in odd-numbered years for each property class, except industrial, in each of the 107 assessing jurisdictions. Equalization is accomplished by increasing or decreasing the aggregate valuations for certain classes of property within assessing jurisdictions by the percentage necessary to adjust the level of assessment to actual value.
Real estate parcels are annually assigned a property classification by the assessor. This classification is to be consistent with the primary use of the property. There are five main classifications of property in Iowa. These classes are agricultural, residential, multi-residential, commercial, and industrial. Also, any parcel that has both multi-residential and either a commercial or industrial classification will be considered a "dual classed" property. Classification may not necessarily be the same as the zoning of the property.
The local board of review is composed of three members who are familiar with local market conditions and trends. According to Iowa law, one member must be a farmer with other members being a licensed real estate broker and/or construction contractor or architect. The board of review is responsible for consideration and review of all petitions and has the power to confirm or to adjust, upward or downward, any assessment. The Board operates independently of the Assessor's office.
If you are not satisfied with the decision of the Board of Review, you may appeal the decision to PAAB (Property Assessment Appeal Board) or to District Court within twenty (20) days after adjournment of the Board of Review, or twenty (20) days after May 31st, whichever is later.
The Board of Review in counties declared as “Disaster Areas” due to a natural disaster are subject to extended sessions. Contact the assessor’s office to inquire about extended sessions for the local Board of Review.
The conference board for the county assessor is comprised of the county supervisors, the mayors of incorporated towns in the county, and a school board member from each school district in the county. The conference board for the city assessor is comprised of the county supervisors, city council members, and the school board members.
The Property Assessment Appeal Board (PAAB) is a state agency created for the purpose of establishing a consistent, fair and equitable property assessment appeal process. Decisions of the local Board of Review may be appealed to PAAB. One member of the board shall be a certified real estate appraiser or hold a professional appraisal designation, one member shall be an attorney practicing in the area of state and local taxation or property tax appraisals, and one member shall be a professional with experience in the field of accounting or finance and with experience in state and local taxation matters.
There are several more exemptions that may be applied for at your local assessor’s office. Each type of exemption has specific criteria and rules. Some are one time sign up and others must be applied for annually. Please check with your local assessor to see if you qualify for any of the following:
- Barn & One-Room Schoolhouse
- Data Center Business Property Exemption
- Disabled and Senior Citizens Property Tax Credit/Rent Reimbursement
- Disabled Veterans' Homestead
- Family Farm Credit
- Forest & Fruit Tree Reservations
- Impoundment Structures
- Industrial Property, Research Service Facilities, Warehouses, Distribution Center and Cattle Facilities
- Low Rent Housing
- Methane Gas Conversion Property
- Mobile Home Reduced Tax Rate
- Manufactured Home Community or Mobile Home Park Storm Shelter
- Native Prairie/Wetland
- Pollution Control and Recycling
- Religious, Literary, and Charitable Societies
- Special Assessment for Elderly and Disabled
- Speculative Shell
- Urban Revitalization
- Web Search Portal
- Wildlife Habitat
- Wind Energy Property
Assessment notices are mailed on or before April 1st. Notices, in the odd numbered year, are mailed for all parcels. Notices, in the even numbered year, are only sent for parcels with a valuation change.
Auditor
Absentee
No. In Iowa you can only request an absentee ballot for yourself.
Yes. You may request an absentee ballot via email or fax and a ballot will be mailed to you. However, in order for your ballot to be counted you must also mail in or drop off the original paper ballot request.
No. Under Iowa law, power of attorney does not apply for all election related matters.
The only people who may return a ballot for a voter are:
- someone living in the voter’s household
- an immediate family member
- a special precinct election official delivering a ballot for health care residents
- a delivery agent, in the case of a voter unable to return a ballot due to blindness or other disability
Yes! Your absentee ballot cannot be counted unless you have signed the affidavit envelope that you return your ballot in. If we receive a ballot back that has not been signed we will attempt to contact you to get this fixed. Once contacted, you may decide to either:
- Request a replacement ballot and return it by 8:00 p.m. on election day
- Vote at the polls on election day
- Sign the affidavit in person at the county auditor’s office by 8:00 p.m. on election day
Yes. There is a myth that absentee ballots only get counted if the election is close, however, this is not true. Under Iowa law, every ballot must be counted.
You are allowed to hand deliver your ballot to the Auditor’s office up until the time the polls close on Election Day. If you return your ballot through the mail, your ballot must arrive by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, with exceptions for individuals in the Safe at Home program and military/overseas citizens. Learn more on our Absentee Voting page.
Election Day
Yes. If you need assistance filling out your ballot ask a poll worker for help. A team of one republican and one democrat will come over and help you mark your ballot. Also available in each polling location is a ballot marking device that will read you all of the choices and then print out your marked ballot.
Yes. Iowa law allows for Election Day registration if you are able to provide proof of identification (i.e. valid photo ID) and proof of residency (i.e. utility bill with your name on it if your ID has an outdated address on it). If you are unable to provide one or both of these you are allowed to bring someone with you to attest that you have the right to vote.
Yes. If you have not returned your absentee ballot you may go to your polling place on Election Day and vote a regular ballot.
Beginning January 1, 2019, Iowa voters will be required to show a driver’s license, non-driver’s ID, passport, military ID, veterans ID, Tribal ID, or Voter ID Card at the polls before they vote. Pre-registered voters without an ID may cast a provisional ballot. Election Day registrants without an ID may cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter attest to their identity.
Yes. While it is recommended that you update your information prior to Election Day to speed things up at the polls, you may wait and do so on Election Day. If you are updating your address just make sure you are going to the polling place for your new address. When updating your address you will now need to provide proof of identity and proof of residency.
Yes. If you are unable to go inside the polling place a team of election workers will be sent out to your car to help you vote.
Yes. When you go to vote, a poll worker will verify with the auditor’s office that your absentee ballot has not been returned. If it is confirmed that the auditor’s office has not received a ballot from you then you will be given a new ballot to vote there.
Starting in January of 2019 you will be required to show identification. If you need to register to vote on Election Day, you must bring proof of identification and proof of residency.
If you are a pre-registered voter who does not have ID with you, you may cast a provisional ballot. If you are an Election Day registrant who does not have ID with you, you may either cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter from your precinct attest to your identification. Learn more about provisional ballots and attesting on our Voter ID page.
So long as you are in line to vote at the time the polls close you will be allowed to vote.
If a voter’s eligibility is in question on Election Day, they are allowed to cast a provisional ballot. After the voter marks their ballot and returns it to the poll worker, the voter is required to provide the necessary identification or documentation to the Auditor’s Office by noon on the following Monday.
If it is determined that you do have the right to vote in the precinct in which you voted, your ballot will then be counted and included in the final vote total.
General Information
Yes. If you make a mistake on an absentee ballot mark your return envelope “Spoiled” and return it to the Auditor’s office either by mail or in person. If you return it by mail contact the Auditor’s office to be sent a new one.
On Election Day if you make a mistake on your ballot, return it to the poll worker to receive a new one. You are allowed up to three ballots so don’t make too many mistakes!
Yes. For each race on the ballot, a line is provided for you to write-in the name of someone for whom you wish to vote for. Make sure you color in the oval!
Yes and No. In Iowa, you must be a member of a political party (currently: Republican and Democratic) to vote in a primary election. However, anyone* can change parties on Election Day and vote. For independents to vote they must declare a political party.
*Precinct election officials may not change political parties within 30 days of an election.
No. You can vote for as much or as little as you would like; it’s all up to you!
No. If you have already returned your absentee ballot to the Auditor’s office you may not request a new ballot if you have changed your mind on who you wish to vote for.
It depends on the election. In primary elections, you can only vote for candidates from the party to which you belong. In general elections, you are free to vote for anyone you like, regardless of their party affiliation.
Registered voters who do not have an Iowa driver’s license or non-operator’s ID were issued a voter ID card. Voter ID cards must be signed before going to the polls. The new voter ID card will contain a PIN number that will be used for voting purposes. If you should have a voter ID card and do not, please contact our office to have one sent to you.
Starting in 2019, voters must provide an ID when going to vote. Pre-Registered voters who do not have an acceptable form of ID will be allowed to cast a provisional ballot. Election Day registrants who do not have an acceptable form of ID will be allowed to either cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter from your precinct may attest to their identification. Learn more about provisional ballots and attesting on our Voter ID page.
There are 6 approved types of identification that may be used:
- an Iowa Driver’s License or Non-Operator ID
- a Voter ID issued by the Secretary of State or the Auditor’s Office
- a current US Passport
- a US Military ID
- a US Veteran’s ID
- a Tribal ID
Where you vote is determined by where you live and you must vote in the precinct to which you are assigned for your ballot to be counted. To find your polling place please visit the Polling Places page on our website.
Registration
No. All updates to voter registration must be made in writing or online through the Iowa DOT if you have an Iowa driver’s license.
Yes. Any eligible voter in Iowa may register to vote. Because many of those who are homeless have a nontraditional address they just need to provide an address or description of where they sleep the most, wherever that may be.
Those with a prior felony conviction are only permitted to vote if their voting rights have been restored by the Governor, including through Executive Order. For more information about restoration of rights, contact the Governor’s office or visit the voter registration page on our website.
No. You would only need to re-register if your information has changed and you need to update it.
If you have moved recently and need to update your address for voting, all you have to do is fill out a new voter registration form and submit it to the Auditor’s office. If you do not update your address after a move through a new voter registration form and do not vote in the next general election, you will be marked inactive (inactive voters may still vote with proper ID). Registration will be canceled if two more general elections pass with no voter activity.
If you notice a mistake on your voter card please contact the Auditor’s Office and/or submit a new registration form to correct your information.
Iowa does not recognize an “independent” party. Instead, “No Party” is used to indicate a lack of affiliation with a political party.
E911
The fee for a new 911 address assignment and 911 address sign is $150.
If you live or have a business in the unincorporated area of Ringgold County, then yes, you need a 911 address sign.
Some people also choose to get a 911 address sign even if they do not have a home or business at a particular location. A 911 sign provides a convenient way for delivery drivers to find the correct location and, most importantly, helps emergency services quickly locate your property if you ever need assistance.
Complete and submit the application according to the instructions at the top of the application form. Please allow 7–10 business days for your application to be processed. Once your application is approved, your 911 address sign will be ordered and placed. This process typically takes a few additional weeks. If you have an urgent need for your sign, please contact the E911 Department to discuss whether your request can be expedited.
Our E911 department will have the address sign ordered and placed.
911 address signs are installed at the entrance of your property in a location that is out of the way but clearly visible to emergency responders.
Our office will replace signs that become damaged. However, property owners are responsible for keeping their signs clearly visible at all times. This includes trimming brush and tall grass and removing snow that may block the sign from view.
Ringgold County’s addressing system is based on a mile-marker grid, with each address corresponding to a specific location within that grid. For this reason, addresses may only be assigned by the E911 Coordinator. This ensures the location is measured accurately and the address is properly entered into 911 dispatch and emergency response systems.
Sheriff
911 Communications
911 is the number to call for emergencies (police, medical, fire). A 911 call goes over dedicated phone lines to the 911 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for the area the caller is calling from, and trained personnel then send the emergency help needed.
In Ringgold County, enhanced 911, or e 911, is a system which routes an emergency call to the 911 center closest to the caller and automatically displays the caller's phone number and address when calling from a landline phone. The 911 dispatcher will ask the caller to verify the information, which is appearing on the computer screen, while they are sending the appropriate help to the area in question.
911 calls made from a cell phone or other wireless devices will be routed to the nearest public safety answering point (PSAP) as determined by the cell phone tower being used. If at all possible, a location will be triangulated and shown on a map in the 911 communication center.
Yes, your 911 Center is equipped with T.D.D./T.T.Y. equipment. Communications professionals receive extensive training in handling emergency situations utilizing this special equipment.
Yes, your 911 Center subscribes to a telephone translation service providing access to interpreters who speak more than 140 languages and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency communication services with non-English speaking callers.
In an emergency, dial 911 on your phone. It's a free call. You can use any kind of phone: push button, rotary, cellular/wireless, cordless, or pay phone. When dialing from a cell/wireless phone, many times you can be located using our Phase II mapping. Stay calm and state your emergency. Speak loudly and clearly. Give the 911 dispatcher your name, phone number, and address to ensure they know where help is needed. Answer the dispatcher's questions. Stay on the telephone as long as it's safe to do so, and don't hang up until the dispatcher tells you to.
In many 9-1-1 emergencies, dispatchers will ask you to describe the people and/or vehicles involved in the emergency. When describing individuals, start at the top of the head and work your way down the individual's body.
Questions dispatchers will ask are:
- What is the presumed race and sex of the subject?
- What was the presumed height and weight of the subject?
- What is the presumed hair color?
- What was the subject(s) wearing, (Start from top of head and go down the body)?
- Did the subject(s) have a mustache, beard, accent, limp, glasses, or anything unusual that might make the subject(s) stand out? Were weapons seen?
When describing a vehicle the dispatcher will ask for the following information:
- Color of the vehicle
- Year of the vehicle
- Make of the vehicle
- Body style (2 door/4 door, etc.)
- Additional description (dents, lights out, direction of travel, etc.)
- License plate on the vehicle
The core of the critical public service is the Ringgold County Sheriff’s office communications. Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Ringgold County communications serves as the communications hub for all Ringgold County agencies.
- 911 and emergency dispatching for: Ringgold County's Sheriff's Office, first repsonders, fire, medical and emergency management.
- A primary dispatch point for county law enforcement, fire, medical, and emergency management.
911 communications is located at 801 South Street, Mount Ayr, IA.
Attempt to stay calm when you are talking to 9-1-1 dispatchers. Take a deep breath. Dispatchers will verify your address and phone number. Listen to and answer each question. Do not hang up after dialing 9-1-1 until the dispatchers tell you to do so (even if you did not mean to dial 9-1-1).
When you report an emergency, the dispatcher will ask you at least five basic questions:
- Where is this happening?
- What is happening?
- When did this happen?
- Who is involved?
- How can we help you?
911 should only be used for emergency situations. If you are in doubt of whether your call is an emergency, you should call 911. It’s better to be safe and let the dispatcher determine if you need emergency assistance. If you call 911 by mistake, do not hang up. Tell the dispatcher of the mistake, so they know it’s not an emergency. If a dispatcher is unable to verify that no emergency exists, law enforcement will be sent to the location.
It’s a prank call when someone calls 911 for a joke, or calls 911 and hangs up when no emergency exists. If 911 lines or dispatcher are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency may not be able to get the help they need. Prank calling is a crime and you could be charged with unlawful use of the 911 system.
Each household, cell phone, or business pays a small monthly fee for the 911 service on each telephone line that appears on their phone bill. There is no per-call charge.
Civil
These fees cover costs of service, plus mileage. If we do not use the entire amount, we will issue a refund check to you. If we have to wait for payment, this could delay the process, as we are not required to do a return of service with the court until the fees are paid in full.
The county in which the bank is located, will determine which county processes the garnishment. The bank must be located in Ringgold County for us to process the garnishment. (However, due to recent interpretation, other counties may be able to serve garnishments in Ringgold County and Ringgold County can serve garnishments in other counties.)
Once the fees have been paid in full, we will e-file the return of service to the court. If you have an EDMS (e-file) account, you should check your account notifications. If you do not have an e-file account, you may contact the Clerk of Court or the Sheriff’s Office to find out the status.
We will make several attempts at different times/days to serve papers before we declare a diligent search (unable to serve). It is always helpful if you can give our office any information on the defendant’s work schedule or vehicle description.
There is a table employers must follow based on wages, and a code financial institutions must follow. This information is printed on the back of the “Interrogatory” which is served to the employer or bank, along with the Notice of Garnishment.
- If you are the employer, we suggest you contact your attorney or accountant if you have questions.
- If you are the defendant, we suggest you contact your employer and/or attorney if you have questions.
- Wage Garnishment: The employer is responsible for serving the employee a copy of the notice of garnishment which has been served to the employer.
- Bank Garnishment: The account holder will be served a copy of the notice of garnishment either by the Sheriff via certified mail or by attorney’s office who is handling the garnishment.
- Wage Garnishment: When the paperwork is served to the EMPLOYER, they will fill out the “interrogatory” verifying if the defendant is currently employed with their company, their current wages, and if there is any reason why they wouldn’t be able to garnish the defendant’s wages (such as other current garnishments, child support, IRS, maximum amount of garnishable wages met for calendar year, etc.). We will e-file the interrogatory paperwork with the courts as soon as possible. Check your EDMS (e-filing) account. If you do not have an e-filing account, you may call the Sheriff’s Office to inquire the status.
- Bank Garnishment: When the paperwork is served to the bank, they will fill out the “interrogatory” verifying if the defendant currently has an account with their institution. They will advise account funds. We will e-file the interrogatory paperwork with the courts as soon as possible. Check your EDMS (e-filing) account. If you do not have an e-filing account, you may call the Sheriff’s Office to inquire the status.
Most Papers to Be Served
- The type of paper being served, the location of service and number of attempts will determine the totat cost of fees to be charged.
Wage/Bank Garnishments
- For GeneraI Execution Wage/Bank Garnishments, please contact our CiviI office staff at 641-464-3921 to determine if prepayment is required, as it will depend on the TYPE of garnishment. ln most cases, the Sheriff's fees/costs will be added to the total to be collected. lf funds are collected, we will take the fees/costs out of the funds. lf no funds are collected, you will be billed for the fees/costs. Once the fees are paid in full, a return of service will be filed with the clerk of court.
Sheriff Sales
- We do not require a prepayment for Special Executions/Sheriff Sales (Foreclosures). If the property sells, we will take the fees/costs out of the sale proceeds. If the property does not sell, you will be billed for the fees/costs. Once the fees are paid in full, a return of service will be filed with the clerk of court. If you have questions about Sheriff Sales, please contact our Civil Office staff at 641-464-3921.
Sheriff Sale paperwork is required from Attorney Offices.
It is the goal of the Civil Division to serve all received processes in a reasonable and timely manner while maintaining an impartial stance between all parties involved or hvaing an interest in a case.
A detailed case management system enables the Civil Divison, employees to effectively and efficiently administer process serving and execution of civil writts. Domestic Violence Injunctions, Notice of Evictions, Subpoenas, Writts of Execution and Distress Writts are examples of the types of process this division serves. The overall effectiveness of the judicial system is dependent upon this division's efficient and expeditious service of these as well as many other types of civil process.
The Sheriff's Civil Division provides a cost effective, credible service and successfully serves most defendants. However, the case is civil in nature and the Sheriff cannot utilize criminal investigative tatics such as stakeouts or computer inquiries (DMV, arrest records, etc.) to serve the process.
The Civil Office is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Civil Office is located at:
801 W. South St.
Mount Ayr, IA 50854
All payments to the Ringgold County Sheriff's Office are accepted as cash or checks only.
The “garnishee” (bank) name and address. The defendant’s (account holder) name and address.
Some banks prefer to have the bank holder’s account number to be garnished or the social security number of the account holder as additional identifiers. If you do not have the additional identifiers, the Sheriff will still serve the garnishment, however lack of this information may greatly diminish your chances of receiving funds.
The “garnishee” (employer) name and address. The defendant’s name (employee), last known address and any additional identifiers are suggested (social security number, date of birth). Employers will need to positively identify the employee whose wages are to be garnished.
A garnishment is a legal proceeding taken by a "creditor" after a judment is received from a court against a "debtor". A garnishment will be served on an employer for wages or bank for funds. Contact your attorney with any questions how to begin this process.
This directs the sheriff to whom and where to serve the civil papers. It also provides your contact information if there are questions or refunds to be issued for overages paid for services. (Attorney Offices can supply their own Direction sheet.)
We suggest you contact your attorney for advice prior to coming to our office. When you come to our office, before we can process a garnishment, we will need:
- General Execution
- Notice of Garnishment
- Completed form: Directions to the Sheriff for Service of Garnishment
Garnishments expire 120 days after issued by the clerk of court. Once expired, any funds received will be sent to the clerk of court in the appropriate county. Allow us time to process our paperwork and to issue a check to the courts.
Jail
Once an inmate receives his or her housing assignment, he or she will be allowed to make phone calls to family and friends from phones in the jail by calling collect or by purchasing phone cards. Phone cards can be purchased at the Law enforcement Center or online at Reliance Telephone. These cards are $10.
Jail staff are not permitted to deliver personal messages to inmates unless an emergency condition exists.
A commissary account may be established for each inmate upon arrival. All monies applied to these accounts may be used for commissary items available.
Iowa Code 356.7 authorizes a Sheriff's Office to seek reimbursement from inmates who are convicted in State court. The Ringgold County Jail charges inmates for time spent in custody, according to the guidelines presented in the Iowa Code. The Sheriff's Office may file a claim with the district court if a prisoner doesn't pay for room and board.
Room and Board Procedures
Judgement and Sentence
- You will be expected to pay room and board fees for the days you are sentenced to serve in the Ringgold County Jail.
Payment
- Inmates can pay for room and board in person or by mail. Please drop CASH payment by our office or in the mail.
Payment Plans
- Inmates can enter a payment plan with the Sheriff's Office if they cannot pay in full.
Failure to Pay
- If an inmate doesn't pay for room and board, the Sheriff's Office may file a claim with the district court.
Consequences
- Failure to keep payment arrangements may result in driver's license revocation, contempt of court charges, and more.
Fees
- Ringgold County charges $60.00/day for Room and Board.
- Ringgold County charges $65.00/day for Work Release.
It shall be the policy of the Ringgold County Jail to permit inmates to receive and accept mail delivered via United States Postal Service. Inmates are not allowed to receive mail from inmates in other facilities. Inmates will be made aware of all Jail rules before and during their stay.
Visiting hours for the public are 1p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. An appointment must be made on the Monday prior to weekend visitation. Visitation is done via phone and monitors during these visitation times.
All visitors are subject to a background investigation. Any person undergoing any type of criminal prosecution or having been discharged from a jail or prison within the last six (6) months will not be allowed to visit unless waived by the Sheriff or Jail Administrator.
A visitor may be denied if reasonable suspicion exists that the visitor might endanger the security of the facility or are believed to be intoxicated. All visitors must be fully clothed and must abide the rules posted at the visitation area. Person(S) under the legal age of eighteen (18) are NOT allowed to visit inmates.
The current inmates in Ringgold County are listed in our app. Please download the Ringgold County Sheriff, IA app to view the inmate information.
Other Questions
Yes, to inquire more about the program, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (641) 464-3921.
The county in which the employer is located, will determine which county processes the garnishment. The employer must be located in Ringgold County for us to process the garnishment. (However, due to recent interpretation, other counties may be able to serve garnishments in Ringgold County and Ringgold County can serve garnishments in other counties.)
Sales are held as a public auction. Bidders must pre-register, and all registration must be done by 10:00 am. The judgment holder will provide the Sheriff's office a starting bid, which will be announced at the time of the sale. Interested parties will then bid against each other. The winning bidder will then have two hours from the close of the sale to bring in a cashier’s check for the amount of his/her highest bid.
All properties are sold as-is, and are buyer beware. It is the responsibility of the bidder to do any and all necessary research before bidding on a property. The Sheriff's office is not responsible for a bidder’s lack of knowledge in any area, and will not refund the purchase price once payment is made.
Bids made at a Sheriff’s sale are considered a legal obligation to pay. If payment is not made, the bidder may face legal action (Iowa Code 626.85), and may be prohibited from bidding at future sales (Iowa Code 626.80).
There is more information regarding Sheriff 's sales on the Ringgold County Sheriff's office website. That information is a generaI overview and is not intended to provide answers to every possible question, or to be a substitute for legaI advice, which the Sheriff's office cannot provide. Any legal questions should be referred to an attorney of your choosing.
All sales are conducted at the Ringgold County Sheriff's office, located at 801 West South St., in Mount Ayr.
Sale notices are posted at the City Hall, Mount Ayr Record News and the Mount Ayr Courthouse.
Sheriff Sales
- No, if the residence is vacant, you may NOT enter the property.
- Yes, if the residence is occupied and you get permission to enter from the residents.
Yes. You MUST have your finances in order PRIOR to the sale. No time to apply for a loan after you have won the bid.
No. We do not have keys or garage door openers before or after the sale. The Sheriff’s Office cannot give permission for you to enter a residence.
You MUST have your finances in order PRIOR to the sale. Depending on where you bank you will have 1 to 2 hours to go to your bank to get a cashier’s check for the full amount you bid and return it to the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office. We do not accept personal checks for sheriff’s sales.
Make checks payable to: Ringgold County Sheriff's Office
The mortgage company gives the sheriff’s office a starting bid before the day of the sale. The mortgage company’s bid is considered a sealed bid and will not be disclosed until the sale begins. A bid of a least $1.00 higher than the starting bid can win the bid.
These are questions for your attorney. If there is no redemption period or the redemption period is over and you have been issued a Sheriff's Deed, you need to go to the clerk of court and apply for a Writ of Removal using the Plaintiff and Defendant and case number from the foreclosure. Once the Writ of Removal has been issued to you by the court, you need to fill out Directions for the Writ of Removal. Then bring the Writ of Removal and completed directions to our office to arrange service for the writ and pay for fees.
Yes, a purchase must be paid for within two hours by cashier’s check regardless of redemption period.
This is a question for your attorney.
If you purchase property with a redemption period, you will be issued a certificate of purchase. When the redemption period is expired, you may then return the ORIGINAL certificate of purchase to the sheriff. If the property has not been redeemed, then you will then receive a Sheriff’s Deed. It is very important that you do not lose the original certificate of purchase. If you lose it, you will not receive a sheriff’s deed until you get a court order directing the sheriff to issue you a duplicate certificate of purchase. (626.96) If you fail to have a sheriff’s deed issued within 8 years after the date of issuance of the certificate of purchase, the sheriff’s sale will be cancelled. (626.97)
Taxes stay with the property. If you made the purchase, you are now responsible for the taxes.
Clear title is not guaranteed to real property sold at a sheriff’s sale. It is a Buyer Beware market. You must do your own research and we highly recommend contacting your attorney prior to bidding as you may not be purchasing what you think you are.
Whoever purchased the property at the sale is entitled to possession at the time of the sale in the case of no redemption period, or at the end of the redemption period, if the property has not been redeemed.
If the sale notice indicates there is a redemption period that is the amount of time that the defendant has the right to redeem the real estate after the sale (pay the outstanding debt owed). If the defendant makes redemption, this must be completed at the Ringgold County Clerk of Court’s Office.
Pursuant to the Code of Iowa, 626.85, the judgment holder may proceed legal action against you for the amount you bid.
Attorney Offices will need to provide the following paperwork before a Sheriff Sale can be processed and the sale set.
Mail paperwork to:
Ringgold County Sheriff
801 West South St.
Mount Ayr, IA 50854
- Special Execution
- (Copy of) Foreclosure Decree
- Directions to the Sheriff (Attorney offices may supply their own direction letter)
- Your email contact information
- No prepayment is required
- If the property sells, the Sheriff's fees/costs will be paid out of the sale proceeds
- If the property does NOT sell, an invoice will be sent for the Sheriff's fees/costs
- Once the invoice is paid in full, the Return of Service will be filed with the clerk of court
Attorney offices with questions can contact us at: rcso@ringgoldcounty.us
It will need to be recorded at the Ringgold County Recorder’s Office. Contact your attorney or the Recorder’s Office with questions.
Weapon Permits
Yes, as of July 1st, 2017 you are able to transfer your carry permit between counties. Your permit is still valid throughout the state until it expires. However if you attempt to purchase, you may encounter difficulty from the seller if your ID and Permit information do not match.
- Bring in your current permit from the other county
- Must have Driver’s License or State issued ID with current Jasper address
- Complete Permit to Carry application form - marked "duplicate"
- Must pass new background check
- Fee: $25.00 for remainder of permit term
No. But you can search the internet for classes being held, check with sporting goods stores or take a class online. Any method will work as long as the course is approved by NRA or ILEA.
When a person applies for a Permit to Carry, we will run a NICS background check to determine if the applicant is eligible. The applicant must also complete an application that asks questions pertaining to eligibility. Falsification of an application is a criminal offense that could result in prosecution, so an applicant should take great care in completing the application. This is a simplified list of prohibitors and is not considered a complete list:
Federal firearm prohibitors:
- Felony conviction (a conviction for a crime punishable by more than one year, excluding a crime classified as a misdemeanor punishable by up to two years)
- Fugitive from justice (active warrant)
- Unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance
- Adjudicated incompetent or committed to mental institution by a lawful authority, such as a District Court (includes committal for substance abuse)
- Certain aliens (unlawful aliens and nonimmigrant aliens admitted under a visa)
- Dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces
- Person who has renounced US Citizenship
- Subject to a qualifying domestic protection order/restraining order
- Conviction for a “Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence” (MCDV)
- Under indictment or information for a felony
State firearm prohibitors:
- Felony conviction (includes aggravated misdemeanor involving a firearm or explosive)
- Juvenile adjudication for a felony
- Conviction for a “Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence” (MCDV)
- Subject to a qualifying domestic protection order/restraining order
Additional prohibitors for the Permit to Carry Weapons:
- Alcohol addiction
- Any serious or aggravated misdemeanor conviction under Iowa Code Chapter 708 (assault, harassment, stalking, etc.) not involving a firearm or explosive within the last three years
- Probable cause exists to believe, based upon documented specific actions of the person, where at least one of the actions occurred within two years immediately preceding the date of the permit application, that the person is likely to use a weapon unlawfully or in such other manner as would endanger the person’s self or others.
Additionally:
A person must be:
- 21 years of age to obtain a Permit to Acquire
- As of July 1, 2025 - 18 years of age to obtain a Non-Professional Permit to Carry Weapons - and will now be eligible to acquire/purchase weapons only through a PRIVATE party within the state. Transfers and sales by Federal Firearm Licensees (FFL) is still restricted for those under 21 years of age.
- 18 years of age to obtain a Professional Permit to Carry Weapons
Please consider the following suggestions:
- Permit holders are encouraged to safely conceal their weapons versus carrying in the open or plain view.
- At the onset of any contact with law enforcement, we request that you IMMEDIATELY notify the deputy/officer(s) that you have a permit to carry and you are armed.
- Prior to traveling across state lines, familiarize yourself with the laws of the state you intend to pass through and enter. Iowa recognizes and honors weapon permits from other states, but in many other states there is no such reciprocity.
- Weapon possession/use is prohibited while a person is impaired by alcohol and/or drugs by State Code of Iowa 724.4C.
- Contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for specific inquiries regarding hunting.
- Private establishments may post signs prohibiting weapons on their premises.
- Permit holders may not carry on school grounds.
- Permit holders are encouraged to gain proficiency with the weapon they carry (to include shooting accuracy, weapon safety, and justification in the use of deadly force.)
Once the permit is approved, we will submit it to the state for printing. We no longer print the permits at our office. The permit will be mailed to your home, so you will only need to make 1 visit to our office. On average, we advise it will be 2-4 weeks before you receive your permit in the mail. This time frame can fluctuate depending on the number of applications we receive each day.
*By Code, the Sheriff has up to 30 days to approve/deny permit applications.
There is no way to transfer another state’s permit for an Iowa permit. So anyone relocating to Iowa will simply need to apply for a new Iowa Permit to Carry at the Sheriff’s Office of the person’s new county of residence.
However, it is possible that the training completed for the permit from another state might satisfy the training requirement for the Iowa Permit to Carry. Under Iowa law, a person must complete any handgun safety training course utilizing an NRA certified instructor or a state law enforcement certified instructor. Additionally, a person can use military small arms training to satisfy the training requirement if the person had an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions (DD-214). If a person has documentation of training and the instructor was NRA or law enforcement certified, or if a person has military small arms training, then that training should satisfy the requirement for Iowa.
Anything outside the 60 day renewal window (30 days prior to the expiration date to 30 days after the expiration date) would be considered a new permit for the $50 fee. However, you can reuse your training certification or DD-214.
Prior to traveling across state lines, familiarize yourself with the laws of the state you intend to pass through and enter. Iowa recognizes and honors weapon permits from other states, but in many other states there is no such reciprocity.
This would be handled as a duplicate permit. See the criteria below:
- Lost or damaged permit, address change or name change request
- Must have Driver’s License or State issued ID with current Ringgold address
- Complete a new application form: marked "duplicate"
- Must pass new background check
- $25.00 for remainder of permit term
Your permit is still valid throughout the state until it expires. However if you attempt to purchase, you may encounter difficulty from the seller if your ID and Permit information do not match.
It would be handled as a duplicate permit. See the criteria below:
- Lost or damaged permit, address change or name change request
- Must have Driver’s License or State issued ID with current Ringgold address
- Complete a new application form: marked "duplicate"
- Must pass new background check
- $25.00 for remainder of permit term
Your permit is still valid throughout the state until it expires. However if you attempt to purchase, you may encounter difficulty from the seller if your ID and Permit information do not match.
It would be handled as a duplicate permit. See the criteria below:
- Lost or damaged permit, address change or name change request
- Must have Driver’s License or State issued ID with current Ringgold address
- Complete a new application form: marked "duplicate"
- Must pass new background check
- $25.00 for remainder of permit term
The state is now printing all permits. See fees below:
Permit to Acquire:
- Permit to Acquire: $40.00 for 5 years
- Duplicate (to replace lost physical permit, update address or name change): $25.00 for remainder of permit
Permit to Carry:
- Permit to Carry: $50.00 for 5 years
- Renewal Permit: $25.00 for 5 years
- Duplicate (to replace lost physical permit, update address or name change): $25.00 for remainder of permit
- Transfer (requiring a Duplicate permit): $25.00 for remainder of permit
Cash or check are accepted, no debit or credit cards. When paying with cash, exact change is required.
- Lost or damaged permit, address change or name change request
- Must have Driver’s License or State issued ID with current Ringgold address
- Complete a new application form - marked "duplicate" and must submit the application form in person to the Sheriff's office
- Must pass new background check
- Applicant(s) must be at least 21 years of age
- Must meet all applicable requirements in Iowa Code Chapter 724
- Fee: $25.00 for remainder of permit term
- Must have a certification class within the past 24 months, from one of the following:
- NRA certified instructor
- ILEA (Iowa Law Enforcement Academy) “state law enforcement certified instructor”
- DNR approved hunter education course with handgun safety training (new since JULY 1, 2017)
- Or a Military DD214 with Honorable Discharge (no date restriction)
- Must have a current State-issued photo ID or proof of current Ringgold residency (You must live in the county in which you get your permit.)
- Complete Permit to Carry application form - marked "new" and submit the completed application form in person to the Sheriff's office
- Applicants must be at least 21 years of age
- Must meet all applicable requirements in Iowa Code Chapter 724
- Must pass background check
- Fee: $50.00 for 5-year Permit to Carry (cash or check only)
- 60-day window - Apply 30 DAYS PRIOR To Expiration Date to 30 DAYS AFTER Expiration Date to qualify for renewal price*
- (Anything outside the 60-day renewal window will be considered a NEW Permit to Carry) *NOTE: the date printed on the permit is the date it EXPIRES, there is NO GRACE PERIOD
- No new certification is required IF the previous permit was issued ON or AFTER 1/1/2011
- Must have Driver’s License or State issued ID with current Ringgold address
- Complete Permit to Carry application form - marked "renewal"
- Must pass background check
- Fee: $40.00 for 5-year Permit to Carry
The permits are now printed by the state in order to create a uniform look throughout. They are a quality laminated plastic, about the size of a credit card.
Weapons permit applications are accepted from Monday - Friday (excluding holidays) from 8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. It takes about 15-20 minutes to fill out the application and process the paperwork. Our office closes at 4:00 p.m., so plan your time accordingly.
Weapons permit applications are accepted from Monday - Friday (excluding holidays) from 9:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. It takes about 15-20 minutes to fill out the application and process the paperwork. Our office closes at 4:00 p.m., so plan your time accordingly.
We have plenty of applications at the Sheriff’s Office or you can print one from the list below, complete it and bring it to us with your Driver’s License or State issued ID with your current RINGGOLD address and your training certification*. (*If you have previously held a permit (to carry) on or after 1/1/2011, you do not need to take a new certification class.)
Fill in applications completely.
Include all aliases such as nicknames, maiden or prior married names.
Treasurer
Motor Vehicle
Yes, but the registration will be mailed to the owner of the record unless you bring in the renewal notice, an old registration or have the owner call and give permission.
Yes. You can return your currently registered vehicle plates and have it coded as "Stored" status and pay no further registration or penalty fees until you are ready to resume driving it.
A full year's registration fee will be charged when taking the vehicle out of storage, so it is only beneficial if the vehicle remains stored for over a year.
Yes, the Treasurer’s office processes driver’s license.
There is no charge for a parking permit or plates. It does require a signed letter from your physician indicating a temporary or permanent disability. In order to obtain plates, the handicapped individual must be listed as an owner on the vehicle.
There is a $3 charge for a lost registration and sticker.
You will need to bring in the following items:
- Certificate of Title (if available). If your out-of-state title is unavailable due to lienholder retention, you will need to bring in your most current registration document for the vehicle.
- Iowa DL/ID or previous state DL/ID and Social Security #
- Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (IA DOT form #411007), completed and signed by all owners.
If the vehicle is a lease, you can contact our office for further information and help determining the documents you will need to transfer and register the vehicle in Iowa.
If a vehicle is sold or junked, you may be eligible for a refund of registration fees. A refund may be applied for at the county treasurer’s office in any county by presenting plates and a current registration. Refunds will be mailed from the State of Iowa and will take approximately 4-6 weeks.
If a vehicle is traded in for a different vehicle, we can apply the credit towards the newly acquired vehicle.
Yes, you DO need to remove their name from the certificate title. This can be done at no charge for a surviving spouse. Required documentation can vary, for more information, please contact our office at 641-464-3230.
You will need to bring the following items:
- Certificate of Title with the appropriate signatures and printed names of the seller(s) and buyer(s).
- Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (IA DOT form #411007), completed and signed by all buyers.
- Damage Disclosure Statement (IA DOT form 411108), only if vehicle is 7 years old or newer.
- Odometer reading only if vehicle is a 2011 or newer. Any vehicle which is 2010 or older is exempt from odometer disclosure.
- Bill of Sale. Must be signed by the seller.
You will need to bring the following items:
- Certificate of Title with the appropriate signatures and printed names of the seller(s) and buyer(s).
- Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (IA DOT form #411007), completed and signed by all buyers.
- Damage Disclosure Statement (IA DOT form 411108), only if vehicle is 7 years old or newer.
- Odometer reading only if vehicle is a 2011 or newer. Vehicles years 2010 and older are exempt.
- Bill of Sale from the dealer.
Trailers with an empty weight of 2000 pounds or less cannot be titled but will have a registration. The current registration, signed at the bottom by the buyer and seller, will be used to transfer ownership.
Trailers with an empty weight of 2000 pounds or more will be titled and transferred similarly to a motor vehicle.
Forms are available on the IOWA DOT website.
Property Tax
You may pay by any of the following convenient ways:
- Through the mail. Postmark must be by September 30 for the first half payment and March 31 for the second half payment to avoid penalty.
- In our office from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Online through the Iowa Treasurer's website.
The tax sale is the sale of any unpaid property taxes within the county as of the first part of June. The tax sale is live at the Ringgold County Courthouse on the third Monday in June every year.
A 1.5% penalty is assessed per month after the due date.
Because we run on a fiscal year and not a calendar year:
- First half taxes are September 1st, delinquent October 1
- Second half taxes are due March 1st, delinquent April 1
If a customer wants to pay the full year taxes at one time, they will typically pay the whole year in September.
Taxes are billed every fall and statements typically go out in the mail in mid-late August.
Your receipt number is printed on your statement.
Almost all credits are applied for through the County Assessor's Office. Contact the Assessor’s office for additional information.
The only credit handled by the Treasurer’s Office is the Disabled/Senior Credit.
Last year’s tax amount can be found on your statement and also online through the Iowa Treasurers website. You may need to contact our office at 641-464-3230 for assistance.