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When do real estate taxes in Iowa become a lien for the previous fiscal year?

  1. August 1

  2. September 1

  3. October 1

  4. November 1

The correct answer is: September 1

In Iowa, real estate taxes for the previous fiscal year become a lien on September 1. This means that any unpaid property taxes will establish a legal claim against the property as of this date, allowing the county to seek payment or initiate collection actions if the taxes remain unpaid. This statutory date is significant because it marks the beginning of the tax lien's enforceability for the prior fiscal year, which typically runs from July 1 to June 30 in Iowa. Understanding this timing is crucial for property owners and real estate professionals since it affects the priority of claims against the property and can have implications for future transactions, such as sales or refinancing. Other dates referenced, such as August, October, and November, do not align with the established timeline for when tax liens become enforceable in Iowa and therefore do not hold the same legal implications concerning real estate taxes.