What to Do When Someone Dies in Iowa
A complete guide to death certificates, probate, estate taxes, and funeral costs in Iowa. Everything you need to know about handling a death in the state of Iowa.
Quick Facts: Iowa
Death Certificates in Iowa
Cost Per Certified Copy
The first certified copy costs $20. Additional copies cost $20 each.
How Many to Order
We recommend ordering 10 to 15 copies. Banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, the DMV, employers, and other institutions typically require original certified copies. Ordering extras upfront saves time and money compared to requesting more later. Ten copies in Iowa would cost approximately $200.
Where to Order
Death certificates in Iowa are issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Health Statistics. Your funeral home will typically order the initial copies for you as part of their services.
Visit Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Health StatisticsFiling Deadline
In Iowa, a death must be registered within 3 days. The funeral home or attending physician typically handles the filing.
Probate in Iowa
Small Estate Threshold
Estates valued under $25,000 may qualify for simplified probate or a small estate affidavit. Small estates under $25,000 in personal property may use affidavit after 40 days.
Probate Court
Probate in Iowa is handled by the District Court (Probate).
Visit District Court (Probate) websiteTypical Timeline
Probate in Iowa typically takes 6-12 months. The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the estate, whether anyone contests the will, and the court's caseload.
Small Estate Affidavit
If the estate is valued below the small estate threshold of $25,000, you may be able to use a small estate affidavit instead of going through formal probate. This is a simplified process that allows heirs to collect assets by presenting a sworn statement to banks and other institutions. Waiting periods and specific requirements vary, so check with the District Court (Probate) in your county for exact procedures.
Estate and Inheritance Tax in Iowa
State Inheritance Tax
Iowa has an inheritance tax. Iowa is phasing out its inheritance tax; it was fully repealed effective January 1, 2025 Unlike estate tax (which is paid by the estate), inheritance tax is paid by the individual beneficiaries. The rate usually depends on the relationship between the beneficiary and the deceased. Spouses are typically exempt, and close relatives usually pay lower rates than more distant relatives or non-relatives.
Federal Estate Tax
Regardless of state taxes, the federal estate tax applies to estates exceeding $13.61 million (2024 threshold). The federal estate tax return (Form 706) is due 9 months after the date of death. Most estates fall well below this threshold and owe no federal estate tax.
Key Things to Know in Iowa
State-Specific Notes
Iowa fully repealed its inheritance tax effective January 1, 2025. Deaths occurring after that date are not subject to the inheritance tax. The state still requires probate for most estates with real property.
Funeral Costs in Iowa
These are median costs in Iowa. Actual costs vary significantly based on the funeral home, location within the state, and services selected. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must provide itemized pricing when you ask. You are not required to purchase a package and can choose individual services.
Major Cities in Iowa
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Probate Guide
How probate works, when you can skip it, and what it costs in your state.
Estate Tax
Federal and state estate tax thresholds, exemptions, and filing deadlines.
Funeral Costs
Average funeral costs by type and practical ways to reduce expenses.
Master Checklist
Track every task from day one through closing the estate.