How do I pay my property taxes?

Municipal Treasurer (city, village, or town - first installment) / County Treasurer (second installment and delinquent taxes)

Details

What you need to know

Online Option

Many Wisconsin municipalities and counties offer online payment; check your municipal or county website

Where to Go

FIRST: Municipal Treasurer (city, village, or town hall); SECOND: County Treasurer

County-specific variations apply

All WI counties and municipalities follow the January 31 / July 31 schedule. In Milwaukee County (Milwaukee City), Dane County (Madison), Waukesha County, Brown County (Green Bay), and others, the counties and cities have active online payment portals. Many smaller Wisconsin municipalities have in-person or mail payment only. Note: the FIRST installment goes to the MUNICIPALITY (city/village/town), not the county.

Wisconsin Notes

Important state-specific details

TWO DIFFERENT PAYMENT OFFICES: First installment to municipal treasurer; second to county treasurer - don't confuse.
Wisconsin assessed at 100% of fair market value.
LOTTERY CREDIT: Wisconsin provides a Lottery and Gaming Credit applied directly to your tax bill on owner-occupied primary residences; automatic if qualifying; verify it appears on your bill; no application needed once established; significant annual credit.
HOMESTEAD CREDIT: Wisconsin income tax credit for lower-income residents (62+ or disabled) with property taxes exceeding a percentage of income; up to approximately $1,168; filed on WI state income tax return; does NOT appear on your property tax bill directly.
VETERAN/SURVIVING SPOUSE EXEMPTION: 100% service-connected disabled veterans (and their surviving spouses) exempt from property taxes on primary residence; apply with municipal assessor.
Wisconsin's effective property tax rate (~1.59%) is above the national average - one of the higher rates in the Midwest.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

WI Department of Revenue, Property Tax Unit - revenue.wi.gov | (608) 266-0772; Municipal Treasurer (first installment - varies by city/village/town); County Treasurer (second installment - varies by county)