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The County Recorder is responsible for recording and maintaining records related to real property located in Linn County.
Recording Fees
To record the first page of a deed, the fee is $12. Each additional page is $5.
When recording deeds, add $5 per parcel to the recording fee.
The Iowa Real Estate Revenue Tax Collection is $1.60 per $1,000, with the first $500 being exempt.
Note that recording fees are subject to change. Please verify the information with the local recorder's office.
Document Formatting Requirements
• A document should consist of one or more individual pages not bound or in a continuous form. There should not be any attachments stapled or otherwise affixed to any page. Individual pages may be stapled for presentation for recording.
• Paper should be white, 20-pound weight, and should measure 8.5x11 inches or 8.5x14 inches.
• The first page of the document should have a 3-inch top margin. This should be left blank for the recorder’s use. All other margins should be a minimum of ¾ of an inch. Nonessential information such as page numbers or customer notations can be placed in margins, except for in the top margin.
• All pre-printed text should be at least 8 point in size and not more than twenty characters and spaces per inch. All other typed or computer generated text, including but not limited to all names of parties to an agreement, should be at least 10 point and not more than sixteen characters and spaces per inch.
• All signatures in a document should be in dark blue or black ink and of sufficient color and clarity to ensure that the signatures can be reproduced. All names should be typed, written, or stamped beneath original signatures.
• Embossed or inked stamps should not cover or materially interfere with any part of the document.
• The grantor must sign the instrument, and must have his signature acknowledged.
• On the first page, below the 3-inch margin, the following information should be given: the name, address, and telephone number of the individual who prepared the document; the name of the taxpayer and a complete mailing address for any document or instrument of conveyance; a return address; the title of the document; all grantors’ names; all grantees’ names; any address required by statute; the legal description of the property(or a page number of the document where the complete legal description is located); and a parcel identification number. If insufficient space exists on the first page for the required information, the page reference of the document where the information is located shall be noted on the first page. A cover page can also be added to the document, which will result in extra fees.
Iowa law requires that a Declaration of Value statement reflecting the full consideration paid in certain non-exempt real estate conveyances be submitted to the county recorder at the time a deed, contract, or other instrument is presented for recording. Part I of the form is the “Declaration of Value†statement that must be completed by the buyer or seller (or either’s agent) for non-exempt transactions. Part II is to be completed by the assessor.
The Declaration of Value statement does not have to be completed for any document presented for recording which clearly indicates on such document that it is an exempt transaction. Refer to Iowa Administrative Code 701-79-5 for further details. If the transaction is exempt, but the reason for exemption is not stated on the actual document presented for recording, part I of the Declaration of Value must be completed.
If the form is not completed accurately for non-exempt transactions by the buyer or seller (or either’s agent), the county recorder is required by law to refuse to record the deed, contract, or other document conveying the affected property.
The transferor of real property shall fill out a Groundwater Hazard Statement and submit this statement to the County Recorder for any document of conveyance. The purpose of the statement is to satisfy legal requirements for filing instruments of conveyance of real property with the County Recorder. The Department of Natural Resources does not approve or disapprove of property transfers based off this statement. The statement must be signed by one of the persons transferring the property interest. This form can be found on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources webpage.