Iowa, Old Age Tax Assistance Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection includes records from 55 counties within Iowa of land-owner taxes compiled by county tax assessors. The records show who paid the tax (not people who received pensions). The records include the years 1934 through 1958.

The information can include the tax payer’s name, date the tax was paid, place of birth, parents’ names, and home address.

The records can include Iowa settlers who may not appear in other birth records.

In March 1934, Iowa passed the “Old Age Assistance Program” law. Its purpose was to provide financial assistance to citizens over the age of 65 who had no relative to provide for them. The program was funded through a tax collected from citizens of at least 21 years of age (the tax was one dollar for the first year and then two dollars per year thereafter). The tax assessors of the counties within Iowa prepared the tax lists. Persons over the age of 65 could apply for financial aid through applications sent to the Old Age Assistance Board.

What Can these Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:
 * Name
 * Gender
 * Birth Date
 * Birth Place
 * Father’s Name
 * Mother’s Name
 * County of Residence
 * Post Office Address
 * Township
 * Street Address

Collection Content
There are several types of records that can be found in this collection:
 * Iowa Old Age Assistance Cards
 * Iowa Old Age Assistance Registers
 * Iowa Old Age Assistance List

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your relative
 * The place where your relative lived

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * Use the ages listed to determine approximate birth dates and find the family in census records
 * Search for vital records such as birth, baptism, marriage, and death records
 * Use the information found in the record to find land, probate and immigration records

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you find possible relatives
 * If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching records of a nearby town or county
 * Try different spellings of your ancestor’s name
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names, or even initials

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Iowa.
 * US Military Basic Search Strategies
 * Beginning United States Civil War Research
 * Locating a Union Civil War Soldier (1861-1865)
 * Iowa Guided Research
 * Iowa Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research

Citing this Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.