This is the value used to calculate your annual real estate property tax bill in December.
What is the Assessment Ratio?
The assessment ratio is calculated by the DOR. The purpose for this ratio is to have the ability to compare all communities throughout the state. For example, municipalities can have revaluations at different times. In theory, the more recent the revaluated communities should be very close to 100% of market value. This ratio equates each municipality for comparisons.
Are there limits to the taxes I pay?
All municipalities are under levy limit restrictions. The amount of the levy from the previous year can only be increased by the Net New Construction (NNC) percentage, as calculated by the State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR). There are a few exceptions to this rule.
Do I qualify for the Lottery Credit?
To receive the Lottery Credit, you must…
OWN your home in Wisconsin, and
Your home in Wisconsin must have been occupied as a PRIMARY residence on January 1
NOTE: A primary residence is the home in which a property owner lives for more than six months of the year. If temporarily away, a primary residence is the home to which the owner returns.
Lottery Credits stay with the property until removed by the owner or the State Department of Revenue.
Wisconsin provides each county with completed applications on a monthly basis.
For a late Lottery Credit (after the 1st installment due date), you will need to upload a copy or photo of your most recent tax bill BEFORE October 1.
A late lottery credit claim will automatically add the credit to future tax bills.
After applying, verify by checking your next December tax bill.
How is my property tax bill calculated?
The assessed tax rate (a.k.a. mill rate) is per $1,000 of assessed value…
(total assessed value / 1000) x Assessed Tax Rate = Total Taxes
Total Taxes – Lottery Credit – First Dollar Credit = Net Property Taxes
Net Property Taxes + All Special Assessments and Special Charges = Tax Bill
I am a disabled veteran due to service. Is there assistance for me?
Disabled Veterans may be able to receive money to offset their property taxes through the Wisconsin Veterans & Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit. More information on that program can be found by contacting their County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) or online at Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Property Tax Credit
I disagree with the property value on my tax bill. How can I get it changed?
Unless the assessor’s office made an error, the amount cannot be changed after Board of Review closes for the year. Any disputes in value required the property owner to attend Open Book to discuss the value with the assessor. To further reconcile unresolved assessment differences after Open Book, the property owner would need to have filed an appeal and gone before the Board of Review.
Is the Fair Market Value (FMV) on the tax what I should be able to sell my property for?
No. The FMV is not what your property will sell for. An appraisal should be done to determine that value. The FMV on your tax bill is the equated value for comparing to other communities. This is a computer-generated value based on various Department of Revenue factors. This is not based on individual appraisals for each property.
What are special assessments or charges, and why are they on my bill?
Your tax bill may contain a special assessment for some type of public work (e.g. curb, alley). These special purpose costs are based on the cost of the improvement or the repair and billed only to the properties benefiting from the work. If you have a question about a special assessment, please contact your local clerk.
What happens if I do not receive my property tax bill?
If you do not receive your tax bill by December 21, please contact the treasurer and verify that your mailing address on file is correct. Per state statute 74.09(6), failure to receive a property tax bill does not relieve taxpayers of their obligation to pay their taxes in a timely manner, nor does it negate interest and penalty charges that may accrue.
When are my property taxes due?
Your entire real estate tax bill, or AT LEAST your first installment, is due by January 31. If you choose to pay installments, make note that the amount due for your installments may vary. Not paying AT LEAST the installment amount by the due date and to the correct place will cause you to incur additional charges.
Where do I pay?
Paymentsmust be paid to your County Treasurer as noted on your tax bill.
Why do assessment revaluations occur?
Over time a disparity occurs between properties within areas of a community. The revaluation equalizes the property values throughout the municipality. The assessor accomplishes this by reviewing the area properties.
