Home› State Guides› Iowa› Written Contract

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Breach Of A Written Contract in Iowa?

In Iowa, the statute of limitations for breach of a written contract is generally 10 years under Iowa Code § 614.1(5)(a).

10 YEARS
Written Contract · Iowa
✓ Verified Checked Sep 2026

Breach of a written contract Deadlines in Iowa

How long do you have to file a breach of a written contract claim in Iowa?

In Iowa, the statute of limitations for breach of a written contract is generally 10 years under Iowa Code § 614.1(5)(a).

When does the clock start for breach of a written contract in Iowa?

Ten years from breach — among the longest contract windows in the country, alongside Illinois and Missouri.

Can the Iowa deadline for breach of a written contract be extended?

Paragraph (b) cuts claims for RENT to five years. Judgments of courts of record run twenty years under subsection (6). Sale-of-goods claims run five years under Iowa's UCC provision.

Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in Iowa?

Often, yes. Generally 2 years; no short universal notice under Iowa Code §§ 670.5, 669.13. Iowa Code ch. 670 governs tort liability of governmental subdivisions, with § 670.5 setting a two-year period. Claims against the State run under ch. 669 with a two-year period in § 669.13 and a requirement to present the claim to the State Appeal Board first…

How does Iowa compare to other states for breach of a written contract?

Iowa's 10 years is among the longest in the country. Across the 49 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for breach of a written contract ranges from 3 years to 10 years, and 6 years is the most common. Compare all states →

What Does Written Contract Cover?

Situations that typically fall under the breach of a written contract deadline in Iowa:

01 Breach of a signed business agreement
02 Non-payment under a service contract
03 Broken lease or purchase agreements
04 Failure to deliver goods as contracted
05 Breach of a settlement agreement
Advertisement
Legal Forms

Other Filing Deadlines in Iowa

Statutes of limitations have exceptions, and courts apply them to specific facts. This page states the general rule. A licensed Iowa attorney can tell you the deadline that applies to your situation.
See every filing deadline in Iowa, or compare breach of a written contract across all states.
Case Evaluation

Get Help in Iowa

Fill out the form below and a legal resource in Iowa may be able to assist with your situation.

* Required. Phone, text and email consent are optional.