An Iowa (IA) Quitclaim Deed (sometimes mistakenly referred to as “quit claim deed,” “quit claims deed,” and “quick claim deed”) legally transfers one person’s or entity’s (grantor) interest in real property to another (grantee).
A commercial or residential real property seller conveys all interest the seller owns to the buyer by executing a quitclaim deed.
While a warranty deed guarantees that the grantor owns all rights and titles to real property, free and clear, a quitclaim deed does not. It gives a grantee or buyer whatever ownership rights and title the grantor seller has, which may not be the total or any interest.
Real estate buyers should use quitclaim deeds for transactions involving family or other trusted parties.
Important Laws & Requirements
Below are important laws and requirements for Iowa quitclaim deeds.
Laws
Iowa Code, Chapter 558 Conveyances
Signing
Per Iowa Code § 558.31, a quitclaim deed must be signed by the grantor or grantors before a notary public.
Format
Per Iowa Code § 331.606B, Iowa has adopted Document Formatting Standards summarized for your reference below.
- Use at least 8-point for preprinted text and at least 10-point for fill-in information
- Use at least a three-inch margin on the top of the first page
- Use at least three-fourths inch for all other margins
- All signatures must be originals in black or dark blue ink
Recording
To be valid against third parties, the Iowa quitclaim deed, like all deeds, must be recorded at the Office of the County Recorder where the real estate is.
Transfer Tax
The county assesses a transfer tax calculated on the total sale price over $500.00.
For each increment of $500.00, the tax is $.080 after the first $500. The document should state the exemption if no taxes are due because the transfer is exempt under Iowa Code § 428A.
Additional Documents
All documents that convey real estate, including the quitclaim deed, must be accompanied by a Declaration of Value, tax form 57-006 (form instructions), unless exempt, and a Groundwater Hazard Statement (and Attachment #1, when necessary) when filing with the County Recorder.
How to Write & File a Quitclaim Deed in Iowa
Follow the steps below to write and file an Iowa quitclaim deed.
Step 1 – Obtain Iowa Quitclaim Deed Form
First, download the Iowa quitclaim deed, and fill in the required information.
Step 2 – Write Preparer’s Details
In the top left corner of the document, fill in the document preparer’s name, street address, and phone number.
Step 3 – Fill in Receiver Information
Provide the name, mailing address, and phone number of the person who will receive the recorded document from the County Recorder’s office next to the “After recording Return To” section as prompted.
Step 4 – Note Property’s Legal Description and Consideration
Designate the county of the real property location, the name and address of the grantor and grantee,
Also, include the consideration or value in dollars to be paid (if any) to the grantor(s) by the grantee. The street address and legal description of the property to be transferred go in this section, using a separate attachment if the legal description is too long to fit into the allotted space and referring to the attachment in the area for the legal description.
Step 5 – Write Grantor’s Name
Print the name of the grantor(s) below the signature lines at the bottom of the deed.
Step 6 – Get Quitclaim Deed Notarized
You must notarize the document before sending it off to the Iowa County Recorder’s office where the property is. Verify with the County Recorder the requirements to record the deed in that county, including any fees due.
Remember to attach the Declaration of Value tax form and the Groundwater Hazard Statement unless exempt.
Sample Iowa Quitclaim Deed
Below is a sample Iowa quitclaim deed you can download to help you prepare your document.