Iowa Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

Iowa Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

10 yrs

Judgment Lifespan

5 yrs

Debt SOL (Written)

Post-Judgment Interest

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COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

Iowa has a 10-year judgment lien with a modest 5% post-judgment interest rate. The state’s homestead exemption is unlimited in acreage for qualifying rural property. Wage garnishment is available but limited to lower percentage thresholds compared to many states.

Iowa Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type	Limitation Period	Statute
Written Contract	5 years	`Iowa Code §614.1(4)`
Open Account / Credit Card	5 years	`Iowa Code §614.1(4)`
Oral Contract	5 years	`Iowa Code §614.1(4)`
Promissory Note	5 years	`Iowa Code §614.1(4)`
Judgment Lien	10 years	`Iowa Code §626.1`

Iowa’s 5-year SOL for written contracts is standard. Iowa courts apply strict tolling rules — debtors must be physically absent from the state to toll the period.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

Iowa post-judgment interest accrues at 5% per annum under Iowa Code §535.3(1). Rate is simple and begins accruing on the judgment date.

Judgment Recovery Methods in Iowa

Wage Garnishment yes

Iowa permits wage garnishment of 25% of disposable earnings after a 30-day notice to the debtor (Iowa Code §642.21). Employer receives the garnishment order and withholds accordingly.

Bank Account Levy yes

Bank account garnishments are available via execution notice under Iowa Code §626.1. Financial institutions must hold non-exempt funds.

Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes

Judgments are entered as liens on real property in the county where docketed (Iowa Code §624.23). Abstract must be filed in each county where property is located.

Turnover Order limited

Iowa courts may issue orders supplemental to judgment under Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure compelling disclosure of assets and turnover of non-exempt property.

Writ of Execution yes

Executions on personal property are available under Iowa Code §626.1. The sheriff levies on non-exempt property and conducts a sale.

Vehicle Levy yes

Iowa exempts one motor vehicle up to $7,000 in equity under Iowa Code §627.6(9). Additional vehicles or equity above the cap may be executed upon.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type	Exemption Amount	Statute
Homestead	Unlimited (1/2 acre urban; 40 acres rural since 2023)	`Iowa Code §561.1`
Motor Vehicle	$7,000 equity	`Iowa Code §627.6(9)`
Wages	75% of disposable earnings	`Iowa Code §642.21`
Personal Property	$7,000 general	`Iowa Code §627.6`
Retirement	All ERISA-qualified plans	`Iowa Code §627.6(8)`

Judgment Value Calculator

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Official Iowa Resources

Iowa Courts Online – Case SearchCivil case records statewide Iowa SOS – Business Entity SearchEntity & registered agent search Iowa County Recorder – Property RecordsReal property & lien filings Iowa Legislature – Iowa CodeOfficial state statutes

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes change — verify current law with a licensed Iowa attorney before taking collection action.