Iowa Local Business, Insurance, and Government Resources

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Business Resources - Anything from getting a business license to finding funding

Local Insurance directory - Find local insurance brokers, agents, or companies

Government Contacts - Get in contact with each level of local government

Iowa Local Business Resources

If you want to start a business in Iowa, you need to register it with the state and local government so you can operate legally.

Step one is to choose your business idea and write a business plan. For step two, you must identify your business structure and registration. The cost for filing each type of business structure will vary along with its corresponding requirements.

Step three is to register your business for local, state, and federal taxes. The tax requirements will vary according to the type and nature of your business. If you're not sure, you must consult with the Iowa Department of Revenue to know about the tax requirements for your type of business within the state. The DOR website has complete information on the different types of taxes you must comply with as a business.

Step four is to check if you need additional licensing. Depending on your business, you might need to secure additional licensing to operate. For example, there are additional licensing needs for financial and insurance businesses, alcohol and beverages, food services, and professional services.

Step five is to find a funding source for your business so you can get started. The state government can also provide loans and other forms of funding.

Local Insurance Info, Agents, & Companies in Iowa

Local Homeowner Resources

Government Contacts

Iowa State has 99 counties and 948 municipalities. Each county and its corresponding borders are codified in the state's constitution and can only be revised through a constitutional amendment.

Counties are overseen by boards of supervisors. Generally, elected county officials include an auditor, sheriff, recorder, and treasurer. All serve in a four-year term. The county officials enforce state laws, supervise welfare activities, collect taxes, and manage the roads and bridges in their county.

Most municipalities in Iowa follow the mayor-council government system. Larger cities, however, use a commission system or council-manager. Towns and cities in this state develop their local powers from the state constitution, while the general assembly is the one authorized to tax.

As of 2002, there are a total of 386 public school districts in the state, along with 542 special districts. Despite the small size of the state, Iowa plays a major role in national politics. The political tradition of the state has largely been Republican until the onset of the 20^th century when it became predominantly Democrat.

See the main Iowa Page for county links.