Des Moines Local Tax Guide (2026)
Des Moines does not levy a city income tax, so nothing is withheld from your pay for one.
In this guide
Last updated: October 1, 2026
- •Des Moines does not levy a city income tax, so nothing is withheld from your pay for one.
- •Iowa's local income taxes are school district surtaxes: a percentage of your Iowa income tax, set by the district you live in on December 31. In the latest list from the Iowa Department of Revenue, the Des Moines Independent Community School District's surtax is 0%.
- •Iowa state income tax still applies.
What applies in Des Moines
Des Moines does not levy a city income tax, so nothing is withheld from your pay for one.
Iowa's local income taxes are school district surtaxes: a percentage of your Iowa income tax, set by the district you live in on December 31. In the latest list from the Iowa Department of Revenue, the Des Moines Independent Community School District's surtax is 0%.
Iowa state income tax still applies.
Source: Iowa Department of Revenue: school district surtax rates, checked October 2026.
What it means for your paycheck
Take-home pay in Des Moines comes down to federal tax, Social Security and Medicare, and Iowa tax.
Our Iowa calculator covers federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare, Iowa income tax and any state payroll contributions. It adds no Des Moines line: what, if anything, applies there is set out above.