Property Taxes in Wisconsin
Wisconsin landlords face more than just the day-to-day of managing tenants; they’re also up against some of the highest property taxes in the country. Ranked in the top 10 nationwide, Wisconsin’s property tax rates can significantly impact your rental income if you’re not planning ahead or have a locked-in rental property accounting strategy in place.
While they can feel like just another bill, these taxes help power the communities your tenants call home, funding public schools, safety services, road maintenance, and other essential services. Knowing how assessors calculate property taxes and when they’re due can help you stay compliant, avoid surprises, and make smarter financial decisions as a property owner.
In this TurboTenant guide, we’ll break down how Wisconsin property taxes work, when they’re due, what they fund, and what cost-saving options are available to landlords.
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Calculating Property Taxes in Wisconsin
The method for calculating property taxes varies by state. In Wisconsin, local governments determine your tax bill based on your property’s assessed value and the total millage (tax) rate applied by multiple taxing entities, including counties, school districts, and municipalities.
Property tax calculation: In Wisconsin, property taxes are calculated by multiplying your property’s assessed value by the combined local mill rate (expressed per $1,000 of value).
Assessed value ÷ 1,000 × total mill rate = property tax owed
New and recent laws: Wisconsin has not seen major statewide overhauls to property tax calculations in recent years. However, local mill rates and school referendums can shift annually, impacting the total tax bill. Legislative proposals occasionally surface to reform how local levies are applied or to expand tax relief programs, especially for seniors and veterans, but as of 2025, the core formula and assessment process remain consistent.
National comparison: Wisconsin’s average effective property tax rate is 1.59%, placing it well above the U.S. average of 0.90%.
County/Municipality-Specific Rates
While Wisconsin’s average effective property tax rate is 1.59%, the actual rate you pay depends heavily on your property’s location, including school districts and municipal levies.
Milwaukee County: As the state’s most populous county, Milwaukee carries one of the highest effective tax rates, around 2.16%, driven by city services, school funding, and county infrastructure needs.
Dane County: Home to Madison and the state capital, Dane County’s rate sits close to 1.78%, reflecting robust public services and education funding.
Waukesha County: Located just west of Milwaukee, Waukesha averages around 1.27%, striking a balance between strong suburban services and moderate tax pressure.
Brown County: Including Green Bay, Brown County has an effective rate near 1.54%, reflecting investments in schools, roads, and municipal services.
Racine County: As Wisconsin’s fifth-largest county by population, Racine County has an effective property tax rate of about 1.76%, reflecting its mix of urban and suburban needs.
Reassessments and Increases
Reassessment frequency: In Wisconsin, local assessors reassess property values at least once every 5 years, but many municipalities conduct annual assessments to reflect market trends.
Renovations and improvements: Significant changes like new construction, additions, or major renovations can trigger a reassessment and increase your property’s taxable value.
Reassessment impact: Even without renovations, your taxes may rise if the local market increases, a transfer of ownership occurs, or tax levies change. Keeping up with assessment notices is crucial for managing costs effectively.
Reducing Taxes and Exemptions
Wisconsin offers several programs and options to reduce your property tax liability. While many of these apply primarily to owner-occupied residences, they’re still important for landlords to understand, especially if you’re managing mixed-use properties or exploring long-term investment strategies.
Appeals: If you believe your property has been over-assessed, you can appeal the valuation to your local Board of Review (BOR). Under state law (sec. 70.47(7)(a), Wis. Stats.), you must provide the BOR clerk with written or oral notice of your intent to appeal and submit a completed objection form to your municipal clerk.
Homestead Credit: Wisconsin also offers a Homestead Credit program for senior residents. If you’re 62 or older, a full-year Wisconsin resident, and meet certain income limitations, you may qualify as an eligible person for this credit.
Veterans and surviving spouse exemption: Wisconsin offers a property tax exemption for veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities and their surviving spouses. This applies to primary residences.
Nonprofit or religious use: Properties owned and used exclusively by nonprofit, religious, or educational organizations may be exempt from taxation.
Property Tax Deductions
Tax deductions: Wisconsin landlords can deduct property taxes as a rental business expense when filing federal income taxes. You can also deduct mortgage interest, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation. These deductions fall under standard rental property accounting practices.
Accurate bookkeeping is key to maximizing deductions and staying audit-ready. Learn more about rental property accounting.
Forms: Most landlords will use Schedule E (Form 1040) to report rental income and expenses. If you provide substantial services to tenants, you may need to file Schedule C instead.
How Often You Pay Taxes
Payment frequency: In Wisconsin, property taxes are billed annually but paid in two installments unless the total due is under $100.
Due dates: The first installment is due by January 31. The second installment is due by July 31. If paying in full, the entire amount must be paid by January 31.
Late payments: Delinquent taxes accrue interest and penalties. Each month overdue typically adds a 1% penalty plus 0.5% interest.
How to pay: Make payments through your municipal treasurer’s office, online portals, by mail, or through your mortgage lender’s escrow account.
What do property taxes pay for in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin property taxes support essential public services that maintain and enhance your property’s value. They play a vital role in making your rental units attractive to tenants.
Education: Local property taxes fund public K-12 education, including teacher salaries, school buildings, and operational expenses. Landlords benefit from quality schools that attract tenants.
Public safety: Your tax dollars help fund police, fire, and EMS services. These services protect your rental assets and influence neighborhood desirability.
Infrastructure: Property taxes fund roads, bridges, sewer systems, and water services — all of which are essential for tenant satisfaction and long-term asset value.
Government services: Taxes support services like waste removal, public libraries, parks, and health departments, enhancing livability for your tenants.
Resources and Contacts
Wisconsin Property Tax FAQs
Does Wisconsin have property tax?
Yes. Property tax is levied on real estate in Wisconsin and administered at the municipal level based on assessed value and local tax rates.
How much is property tax in Wisconsin?
The average effective property tax rate in Wisconsin is 1.59%, among the highest in the nation.
When are property taxes due in Wisconsin?
Property taxes are due in one or two installments: either full payment by January 31 or two-part payments due January 31 and July 31.
What is the property tax rate in Wisconsin?
Property tax rates vary by municipality, but most landlords pay between 1.2% and 2.5% of the property’s assessed value, depending on the location and applicable levies.
