Iowa tax filing season begins with new flat rate

DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Revenue began processing individual income tax returns Monday, coinciding with the start of the federal tax filing season.

Iowa income tax returns are due April 30. Taxpayers must provide their federal returns with their Iowa returns.

The state implemented a new flat tax rate of 3.8% for tax year 2025, one of several changes affecting this year's filings.

The department's website at revenue.iowa.gov offers forms and answers to common tax questions. The site's Tax Guidance section allows taxpayers and tax professionals to search for information in a single location, while Expanded Instructions provides line-by-line details for completing the IA 1040 form.

A "What's New?" section addresses frequent questions about individual income tax changes, including the new flat tax rate. The Filing Made Easy section explains the filing process in three steps and includes information on avoiding common mistakes and checking refund status.

Last year, refund processing averaged 30 days or less throughout the tax season, according to the department.

The state also offers The Kernel, a virtual assistant available 24/7 through GovConnectIowa at govconnect.iowa.gov. The Kernel answers general tax and licensing questions but has limitations for detailed or situation-specific inquiries. Users with complex questions are encouraged to consult their tax preparer or contact the department directly.

Taxpayers needing additional assistance can contact the Department of Revenue by phone at 515-281-3114 or 800-367-3388, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., by email at idr@iowa.gov, or through the website at revenue.iowa.gov.