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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Adams County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Adams County, WI. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1.0% effective rate (varies by municipality and taxing districts within Adams County)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Adams County, Wisconsin operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, including public schools, county operations, municipal services, and various special districts. Property owners in Adams County can expect effective tax rates that generally align with Wisconsin's statewide average of approximately 1.0%, though actual rates vary significantly based on your specific location within the county due to different combinations of taxing jurisdictions.

The county uses a fair market value assessment system without assessment caps, meaning your property is assessed at its estimated market value each year. Your final tax bill depends on the mill rates set by multiple overlapping taxing authorities, including Adams County, your local municipality (city, town, or village), school district, and any applicable special districts such as technical college districts, lake districts, or other local improvement districts. This layered approach means that two properties of identical value in different parts of Adams County may have substantially different tax bills based on their specific mix of taxing jurisdictions.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The specific tax rates for Adams County vary by taxing jurisdiction and are not specified in the available 2025 data. Property owners should check with the Adams County Treasurer's office for current levy year rates.

ComponentRateDescription
County LevyContact CountyAdams County general operations, sheriff, courts, social services
School DistrictContact DistrictK-12 education funding, varies by school district
MunicipalityContact Local GovCity, town, or village services and operations
Technical CollegeContact CountyWisconsin Indianhead Technical College or similar
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, lake districts, other local improvements

Note: These rates apply to the current tax levy year and are expressed as mill rates (per $1,000 of assessed value). For current specific rates, contact the Adams County Treasurer at the Adams County Courthouse or visit their official website. Rates are finalized annually during the budget process and can vary significantly between different areas of the county.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Adams County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Wisconsin typically arise from significant changes to property ownership, major improvements, or new construction that occurs after the annual assessment date but before the tax year ends. In Adams County, supplemental assessments may be triggered when new construction is completed, when property undergoes substantial renovation that increases its value, or when previously exempt property becomes taxable.

When a supplemental tax is assessed, it represents the additional tax owed on the increased assessed value for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in June and your total effective tax rate is 2.0%, you would owe approximately $1,000 in supplemental taxes ($100,000 × 0.02 × 0.5 years remaining). The supplemental bill is typically issued separately from your regular property tax bill and has its own payment deadline, usually within 30 days of issuance.

Example Calculation

The following examples are estimates based on Wisconsin's average effective rates, as specific Adams County rates for the current levy year are not available. Actual taxes will vary based on your specific location and applicable tax credits.

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Varies by income
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$295,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.0%
  • Annual Tax: ~$5,900
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$492

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Available Tax Credits: Varies by qualification
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$590,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.0%
  • Annual Tax: ~$11,800
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$983

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Limited Tax Credits: Minimal at this level
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$998,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.0%
  • Annual Tax: ~$19,960
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,663

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and have specific eligibility requirements and deadlines.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Adams County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment, though some borrowers choose escrow even when not required. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to approximately 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law. These funds are held in a separate account and used to pay your property taxes when they become due.

Lenders typically pay the first installment by the January 31 deadline and the second installment by the third Monday in December. Your lender should provide annual escrow statements showing the activity in your account, and any shortage or surplus is usually addressed through adjusted monthly payments or refund checks. If you pay your own taxes rather than using escrow, ensure payments are postmarked by December 18 for mailed payments, or delivered by January 31 for the first installment to avoid penalties and 18% annual interest charges (1.5% per month).

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Adams County? A: The first installment is due January 31, and the second installment is due by the third Monday in December. If mailing payments, they must be postmarked by December 18 to avoid penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Wisconsin offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit for qualifying homeowners, Veterans Disability Credits, and others. All credits require separate applications with specific deadlines. Contact the Adams County Assessor's office for available credits and application procedures.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your property's assessed value but provides a credit against your tax bill based on your income level. You must apply annually, and qualification depends on income limits and residency requirements. This credit helps limit assessment increases for qualifying homeowners.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Adams County? A: Wisconsin requires reassessment to maintain properties at fair market value, but the specific schedule varies. Contact the Adams County Assessor's office for the current assessment cycle and procedures for appealing assessments if you believe your property is overvalued.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Delinquent taxes begin accruing interest and penalties on February 1 at a rate of 18% per year, prorated at 1.5% per month. This can add significant costs, so timely payment is essential.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Adams County Treasurer's office or your local municipal treasurer to inquire about online payment options, as availability varies by jurisdiction within the county.

Q: Why do special district taxes vary across the county? A: Adams County includes multiple special taxing districts such as school districts, fire protection districts, and lake districts. Your specific combination of districts determines part of your total tax rate, which is why rates vary by location within the county.

Q: How do I find my current tax rate and bill information? A: Contact the Adams County Treasurer's office at the Adams County Courthouse for current rates and bill information. Your local municipal treasurer may also have information for taxes collected at the local level.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Property Taxes - Adams County, WIco.adams.wi.us
02
County
Tax Lien Sale | Adams County, COadamscountyco.gov
03
Local Government Revenue Optionsdocs.legis.wisconsin.gov
04
County
Town Of Adams Jackson County Wisconsin | Official Website ...townofadamsjacksoncowi.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tax Payment Informationromewi.gov
06
County
20241218 Approved Minutes - Google Docs - In Adams County ...prestonadamscountywi.gov
07
DOR Homestead Credit - Wisconsin Department of Revenuerevenue.wi.gov
08
Carole D. Paulman v. Jeannine Pembertonwicourts.gov
09
Tax Doc
DOR Property Tax Exemption Formsrevenue.wi.gov
10
Tax Doc
DOR Tax Rates - Wisconsin Department of Revenuerevenue.wi.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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