Frequently Asked Questions
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No, the Assessor raises or lowers the values of property according to the market value of real estate or in the case of agricultural land, according to productivity and CSR.
Assessments are set January 1st of each year, while the tax levies (tax rates) on these assessments are not set until July of the following year. (Example, the assessment notices from April 2026 were for the January 1, 2026, assessment. Tax levies for these values will be set in June of 2027 based on what the different taxing authorities’ budget in March and April 2027 for the next fiscal year of July 2027 - June 2028.)
The taxing authorities you pay property taxes to are listed at the bottom of your tax statement each year, along with their budget information and a breakdown of how much you are paying to each taxing body.
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.
I would first recommend either looking at your property information on our website Beacon - Keokuk County, IA - Search, or contacting our office, to see if we have everything listed correctly for your property. We will gladly provide a printout on your dwelling and/or buildings and explain how your value was determined. The Keokuk County Assessor's Beacon website is also a good place to find out how other comparable properties have sold.
If you still disagree with your value, there is an "Informal Agreement" period between April 2nd and April 25th. This process would involve a field appraiser coming out to look at your property to see if the value could possibly be adjusted so a formal protest with the Board of Review could be avoided. If an agreed upon value is reached, the Informal Agreement is signed by the aggrieved taxpayer, and the value is changed for the current assessment year. This is merely an option; you may choose to go directly to the Board of Review with a timely filed, formal protest.
If no agreement can be made, or if you choose not to go this route, you may file a petition with the Keokuk County Board of Review. Petitions are available in the Assessor's Office or online on the county's web site or the Iowa Department of Revenue's web site. Petitions must be filed within the timeframe provided by the Code of Iowa. This is currently April 2nd to April 30th of any given year. The petitions are filed in the Assessor's Office.
The Board of Review will meet during the month of May. You may decide to have an oral hearing before the Board or only decide to file your petition and submit any information you think is relevant to your petition. The Board will notify you by mail of their decision.
If you disagree with their decision, you may appeal within 20 days of the Board's adjournment, or May 31st, whichever is later. This date is usually May 31st. You may appeal to either the Property Assessment Appeal Board, or to Keokuk County District Court.
You are probably thinking of the Family Farm Tax Credit. This was required to be signed up every year by October 15th until 2001. If you signed up in 2001 or after, you do not have to sign again. However, if you have acquired more agricultural land after you last signed up, you will need to sign an application for the newly acquired land. Applications can be filed anytime. However, those filed after November 1st will be applied to the next year.
With the exception of agricultural land, real estate is assessed at current market value. The current market value for assessments is established every odd-numbered year and based on actual sales from the previous year. The Assessor's Office looks at all arms-length sales in the County, in a particular town, and of a certain building style to determine assessment for several properties at once.
An individual property may sell higher or lower than the assessed value for a number of reasons. There may have been a change in the property since our office last inspected the property. The change could have been something that would raise or lower the value.
These changes could include such things as a new garage or addition, a deck, new siding or windows, a garage or deck removed, or the overall condition of the dwelling has depreciated beyond what it would normally. Sometimes, one may be willing to pay more for a specific feature in a particular property, or the seller may be willing to sell it for less to reduce their worries and maintenance costs. There are also characteristics of a property which may affect the market value, but are not assessed, such as landscaping or personal property included in the sale.
There are several eligibility criteria to qualify for the Military Exemption on property taxes.
These are:
- Resident of this state who is a former member of the Armed Forces who served on active duty for a minimum of 18 months and who was discharged under honorable conditions, or who served fewer than 18 months and was honorably discharged because of a service-related injury.
- Former member who was discharged under honorable conditions, or member who is currently serving, of the Reserve Forces or Iowa National Guard who has served at least 20 years.
- Member of the Reserve Forces or Iowa National Guard who was activated for federal duty, excluding training, for a minimum of 90 days, and was discharged under honorable conditions or was retired under Title 10 of the United States Code.
- Resident of this state who served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States in an eligible service period under Iowa Code section 35.1(2)(a) and was discharged under honorable conditions (see instructions on application form).
- Former member of the Armed Forces, whose enlistment would have occurred during the Korean Conflict but chose to serve five years in the Reserve Forces and was discharged under honorable conditions.
- Former member of the active, oceangoing merchant marines who served during World War II at any time between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946, both dates inclusive, who were discharged under honorable conditions.
- Former member of the women’s air force service pilots and other persons who have been conferred veterans status based on their civilian duties during World War II in accordance with federal Pub. L. No. 95-202, 38 U.S.C. section 106.
To apply for this exemption, your discharge must be recorded in the Keokuk County Recorder’s office. Application is then made with the Assessor’s Office. If you are having trouble locating your discharge, you should contact Michelle Herman, Keokuk County Veteran Affairs Administrator, here’s the link to her office.
It will depend on when you signed the application. Applications must be signed on or before July 1st of the assessment year when you are first claiming the credit. If it is signed after July 1st, the credit is applied to the next assessment year.
Please remember that property taxes are due 18 months behind the current assessment year. For example, the upcoming property taxes payable in September 2026, and March 2027 are calculated on the assessment year and values for 2025.
If you signed up after July 1, 2024, but on or before July 1, 2025, your credit was applied to the 2025 assessments on which the taxes are payable in September 2026 and March 2027 payments. If you signed up after July 1, 2025, your credit will be applied to the 2026 assessments, which will be used for the September 2027 and March 2028 property taxes.
Homestead and military credits were at one time applied for every year. In the mid-1980s, this was changed to a one-time sign-up. However, you do still have to sign up if you move to another house, even if it is next door or across the street.
There’s a Disabled Veterans Homestead Credit available for those that qualify. To qualify, one must have a permanent service-connected disability rating of 100%. You may also qualify if you have a permanent and total disability rating based on individual unemployability paid at 100% disability rate.
To apply for this credit, one must have their discharge recorded in the Keokuk County Recorder’s office and a letter from the Veteran’s Affairs Department listing that they have a permanent and total disability rating of 100% or an unemployability rating of 100%. The VA letter must be a current one and part of the application for this credit.
A surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who receives DIC payments also qualifies. They would also have to have the appropriate letter from Veteran’s Affairs showing that they receive DIC payments.
If you need help getting the appropriate letters, contact Michelle Herman, Keokuk County Veteran Affairs Administrator, here’s the link to her office.
Each year, assessed values are subject to a rollback factor (sometimes called assessment limitation) which is 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.
A building being used as a business will be classed as commercial, even though it may be in a residential area or zoned residential. Again, it depends on the primary use of the property.
If a property has a building being used as a repair shop business, and there isn’t a house, this will be classed as commercial. However, if they discontinue the business and use the property for personal storage or use, then it could be re-classed as residential.
A house which is all used for an insurance office would be classed as commercial since it is used primarily for business purposes. However, if someone is using a room or two in the house for a business, i.e. beauty shop, insurance office, etc., and lives the rest of the house, this would be classed as residential.
Iowa legislators have enacted statutes that determine how a property is classed and assessed. Current statutes state that a property is to be classed according to its current and primary use. A property’s location or zoning does not determine classification for assessment. Agricultural real estate includes woodland, wasteland, and pastureland, but only if held in conjunction with other agricultural real estate.
A house on x acres with the primary use of the property is to live there, will be classed as residential. This would include properties with an outbuilding, which might have a horse or two, or a couple of cows, or mow a couple acres to sell hay bales. These uses would be incidental to the primary use of the property as a residence.
Agricultural classification of small parcels is appropriate when they are the site of an intensive livestock use which demonstrates intended agricultural profit. Agricultural classification is also appropriate when they are adjacent to and operated as part of a larger farming operation.
This would differ from a house on 40 acres with 30 acres of cropland and 200 hogs. Even though the house is their primary residence, the primary use of overall property is agricultural.
There are two possible choices which may help with the property taxes for older citizens. One is applied for in the Assessor’s Office (Homestead 65+ Exemption), and one is applied for in the Treasurer’s Office (Elderly and/or Disabled Property Tax Credit).
The Homestead 65+ Exemption is applied for in the Assessor’s office. You may file a new Homestead Credit application and supply your birthdate(s) on the new form. However, some counties are simply asking if you would provide documentation of your birthdate, such as a driver’s license, if you are already receiving the regular Homestead Credit.
You can apply before you turn 65. However, the exemption would not be applied until the year after you turned 65. The current year is 2026. To qualify to get the exemption for the 2026 assessment year, you would have had to turn 65 by January 1, 2026. You would have turned 65 in 2025, which means you were born in the year 1960. You would also have to apply by July 1, 2026. This exemption is like the Homestead Credit in that once you apply for it you won’t have to reapply every year, only if you move would you need to reapply.
The Elderly and/or Disabled Property Tax Credit is applied for in the County Treasurer’s Office. This is based on income and needs to be filed every year. Please contact the Treasurer’s office for more information on this credit.
Assessed values are to be at 100% fair market value. Your assessment should be near what you could expect to sell it for in the current market. As stated above, there could be several factors that would affect your sale price compared to your assessed value.
Attorney
The County Attorney's Office encourages participation from victims, but the County Attorney's Office represents the State of Iowa, not the victim. At the beginning of the case, our office will mail you paperwork in which we ask you to register with our office. If you choose not to fill out the registration form and return it, you may not get the notifications.
At any time, whether you choose to register or not, you may contact the County Attorney's Office to speak with staff to get information about your case.
If there's a domestic relationship, please visit the second-floor Clerk's Office at the Courthouse. If criminal charges have been filed, please contact the County Attorney's Office.
If it is a domestic protective order, you will need to go to the Clerk's Office at the Courthouse. For a no contact order in a criminal case, you will need to write a letter outlining your request and deliver it to the Clerk of Court’s Office.
Contact the local law enforcement to file a report.
No, the ethical rules of professional responsibility each attorney in lowa must follow prohibits an attorney from speaking with a represented party. Please contact your privately retained or State appointed attorney to discuss your case.
State and federal law provides the accused with the right to legal representation; however, the decision whether or not to exercise that right lies entirely with the accused. The County Attorney cannot advise an accused on such a matter.
Second floor of the Courthouse with the Clerk of Court or online at lowa Courts.
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. Voters, starting in 2019, 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.
Starting in 2019, if you do not have your ID with you, you may either cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter attest to your identity. 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 at the polling place before it closes or provide it at the Auditor’s Office by noon on the following Monday. If the canvass will be held earlier than the following Monday, the identification must be provided before the canvass.
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. Voters who do not have ID will be allowed to either cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter 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.
Conservation
Animals and Pets
All pets must be on leashes no longer than six feet in length except in the fenced in dog park.
Camping/Cabins
No, camping is first-come-first serve.
No party may occupy any camp area for more than 14 days.
$60/night with a 2-night minimum. On holidays there is a 3-night minimum.
$20/night
See a list of camping rules.
For all camping/cabin/shelter reservations we accept cash and check only.
30amp, 50 amp, 120v and water hookup to all sites.
We start taking cabin reservations on the first working day of the calendar year. Walk-ins, phone and email are all acceptable.
All county areas close at 10:30 p.m.
Hunting, Fishing, Swimming and Boating
No motor restrictions – lake is no wake only.
We do not allow target or trap shooting on any of our areas.
No permanent blinds or tree stands are allowed. However, stands or blinds that are portable, capable of being moved by one person from one location to another, capable of being removed daily, and ones that do not cause damage to any natural features are allowed.
Engineer
Dust Control
Residents are instructed to contact one of the approved dust control vendors directly. Questions regarding dust control and the material used should be directed to the vendor. Keokuk County will not guarantee the effectiveness of the dust control, and any complaints regarding the quality of the product should be addressed to the vendor that has been selected.
Generally, we try to leave dust control areas alone between the first application and October 1. However, there are times that we deem it necessary to maintain the road through your dust control in order to keep a smooth and safe road surface. This is especially true when there is heavy rain and we are experiencing washouts.
General Information
No, the county does not provide the culverts, but here is a list of culvert suppliers:
H&M Farm & Home
Sigourney, IA 641-622-2441
SEI Culvert
Washington, IA 319-591-1510
Metal Culverts
Jefferson City, MO 319-550-6007
Meade Systems
Iowa City, IA 319-354-7066
Hickenbottom Inc.
Fairfield, IA 641-472-4786
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
Tiffin, IA 319-545-3080
There is a permit form that needs to be completed along with a permit fee. Work shall not start on an entrance or modification of an entrance until a permit has been reviewed and approved.
The Secondary Road Department possesses an easement in order to maintain the road for public usage. The amount of right-of-way varies from road to road. If you need to know a specific ROW for a road, please call the office at 641-622-2610. Landowners may not place or cause to be placed, an obstruction within any county right-of-way per Iowa Code Chapter 318 Sections 4 & 5.
The County mows in order to maintain sight distance, vegetation, shaded roadways, undergrowth, removal of snow traps, and clear zones. The County will not mow on any personal property; only the right-of-way.
Snow Removal
No, salt and sand are only applied to hard-surfaced roads due to the damage they can cause to rock roads. Gravel roads that become slick are maintained with a motor grader to provide better traction.
Your mailbox and post should be able to withstand potential discharge from snowplows. Please take time, in the fall of the year to evaluate your mailbox’s integrity. Mailboxes must meet the standards of the United States Postal Service. Inferior posts and mounts will not be repaired. Mailboxes that have been physically touched by County machinery will be repaired by County personnel in a timely manner.
In the implantation of snow and ice removal and other maintenance of Keokuk County's secondary road system during the winter months, the County Engineer shall select the actual sequence of roads to be cleared, as provided for in this Section of this Policy, and shall determine when driving snow, wind velocity, and additional snow or snowstorms require that the snow removal equipment be removed from the roadway, or that additional clearance of paved routes be accomplished prior to the clearance of granular surfaced roads. The County Engineer's or their designee's professional judgment shall prevail unless it is clearly erroneous. (Keokuk County Snow Ordinance)
No. Property owners are responsible for maintaining access to mailboxes.
Snow removal deemed necessary to take place outside of normal working hours will be done no earlier than 5:00 a.m. and no later than 5:30 p.m.
Keokuk County services Paved roads in its primary efforts and Unpaved (Gravel) roads secondarily. Both parts of the roadway system are done in the most efficient and effective way possible. This may mean that each snow removal event may start and stop in the same location as the previous snow events.
Public Health
To obtain a copy of your immunization or medical record, or your child’s record, please fill out the Authorization for Release of Medical Information Form and provide a copy of your state-issued ID. (such as Driver’s License)
Please email the form to publichealth@keokukcounty.iowa.gov and allow 3 - 5 working days to process record requests.
The 10 Essential Public Health Services provide a framework for public health to protect and promote the health of all people in all communities. To achieve optimal health for all, the Essential Public Health Services actively promote policies, systems, and services that enable good health and seek to remove obstacles and systemic and structural barriers, such as poverty, racism, gender discrimination and other forms of oppression, that have resulted in health inequities. Everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to achieve optimal health and well-being.
Assessment
- Assess and monitor population health.
- Investigate, diagnose, and address health hazards and root causes.
Policy Development
- Communicate effectively to inform and educate.
- Strengthen, support and mobilize communities and partnerships.
- Create, champion, and implement policies, plans and laws.
- Utilize legal and regulatory actions.
Assurance
- Enable equitable access.
- Build a diverse and skilled workplace.
- Improve and innovate through evaluation, research, and quality improvement.
- Build and maintain a strong organizational infrastructure for public health.
Recorder
DNR
Yes.
No, you must have the original in your possession. If you are operating a sailboat or canoe without a motor or a commercial vessel, you are not required to have the registration in the boat.
Yes, your boat will only need to be registered if it is being used on public water.
Yes, the registration must be signed on the back by the current owner. (Owner's name on front of registration.)
Yes, a paddle boat must be registered if it is going to be used on public water at any length.
Yes, you will be required to have a habitat stamp until you reach the age of 65.
It isn’t required but it is generally a good idea to get boat insurance.
No, boat trailers are licensed in the Keokuk County Treasurer's Office.
Age 65
No, if your boat was purchased out of state and it is titled, you only need a bill of sale and the title signed by the last registered owner.
No, if the boat has a HIN or registration number the DNR can search to see if the last owner can be located so they can be notified. If there is no registration number, all unidentified or unclaimed abandoned boats should be reported to the county sheriff or police department.
You can use your boat in Iowa for 60 non-consecutive days if your boat is registered in another state. If your boat is not registered in your home state, you must register in Iowa before using your boat on public water.
No, inflatable canoes and kayaks are only registered if they over 13 ft in length.
December 15.
Land Records
No, abstracts are not filed in our office.
No.
A Century Farm is officially recognized as a farm that has been continuously owned by a single family for 100 years or more.
Articles recorded after December 1987 can be obtained from the Secretary of State.
Other Questions
No. Passports are handled by the post office.
Yes. Although, we do not notarize documents that will be recorded in our office.
No.
No, applications for these tax credits are available in the Keokuk County Assessor's office.
No, tradename forms are only for a person or co-partnership conducting a business. Corporation and LLC information can be obtained from the Secretary of State.
Please see the list of Identity Documents for Notarization for a full list of documentation that is acceptable for notarization.
A certified copy has a raised seal on it and states that the copy is a true and correct reproduction of the original record. An non-certified copy (plain paper copy) does not have a seal and doesn't indicate authenticity. Plain paper copies will also be stamped with "Not for legal purposes".
Vital Records
No, divorce records are kept in the Clerk of District Court.
Keokuk County Historical Society
PO Box 123
East & Elm Streets
Sigourney IA 52591
641-622-3005
Hours:
Wednesday & Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Due to limited staff, Keokuk County Recorder's Office does not offer Genealogical Search Services. Plain paper copies of Vital Records cannot be mailed per Iowa State law. We welcome visitors to do on site searches. To receive a certified copy of vital record, see the Recorder's Vital Records link.
Des Moines Genealogical Society: 515-276-0287
State Historical Society of Iowa: 515-281-6200
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, Library Archives Bureau & State Historical Museum
600 E. Locust St.
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Yes, the license is valid in any county in the state of Iowa.
No, there is no requirement to register at this time. For more information please review the Officiant Pamphlet.
Please see a list of documentation that is acceptable for notarization.
Sheriff
Civil
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.
You will need to contact the clerk of court in the appropriate county to find out the next step in the process in order to receive the wages/funds that were collected.
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.
Service fees are $30.00 along with mileage and copy fees. No prepayment is required as you will be invoiced. Please note that your affidavit (Return of Service) will not be e-filed to the court or delivered to you until the fees are paid.
The Civil Division is responsible for receiving, processing and serving civil and criminal court orders and legal documents.
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.
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 Keokuk County Sheriff’s Office. We do not accept personal checks for sheriff’s sales.
Make checks payable to: Keokuk 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 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 Keokuk 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: Keokuk County Sheriff, PO Box 306, Sigourney, IA 52591.
- 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: sheriff@keokukcounty.iowa.gov
It will need to be recorded at the Keokuk County Recorder’s Office. Contact your attorney or the Recorder’s Office with questions.
Weapon Permits
Yes, as of July 1st, 2017, you can 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 with the seller if your ID and permit information do not match.
- Bring your current permit from the county
- Must have Driver's License or state issued ID with current Keokuk County address
- Complete the Permit to Carry Application form - marked "duplicate"
- Must pass a 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.
Additionally:
- A person must be:
- 21 years of age to obtain a Permit to Acquire
- As of July, 1st, 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 Licenses (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.
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 Keokuk 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 Keokuk 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 Keokuk address
- Complete a new application form: marked duplicate
- Must pass new background check
- $25.00 for remainder of permit term
- Lost or damaged permit, address change or name change request
- Must have Driver's License or State issued ID with current Keokuk County address
- Complete a new application form - marked "duplicate"
- Must pass a new background check
- Fee: $25.00 for remainder of permit term
- Must have a certification class within the past 24 months, from one of the following:
- NRA Certificate 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 photo ID or proof of current Keokuk County residency (You must live in the county in which you get your permit)
- Complete Permit to Carry application form - marked "new"
- Must pass a background check
- Fee: $50 for 5-year Permit to Carry
Please fill out the Permit to Acquire Application form. This type of permit is to only purchase or acquire a weapon.
Fee: $25.00 for a 5-year permit.
- 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 1/1/2021.
- Must have Driver's License or State issued ID with current Keokuk County address.
- Complete Permit to Carry Application Form - marked "Renewal"
- Must pass background check.
- Fee: $25.00 for 5-year Permit to Carry.
The state is now printing all permits. See fees below:
Permit to Acquire:
- Permit to Acquire: $25.00 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
We accept cash or check only.
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.
Weapon permit applications are accepted 7 days a week between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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 KEOKUK COUNTY 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.