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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Barron County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Barron 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
Varies by location (typically 1.5-2.5% of assessed value), depends on local taxing districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Barron County, Wisconsin operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, schools, and special districts. Property taxes in Barron County fund essential services including county operations, K-12 education, municipal services, fire protection, and various special districts. The county follows Wisconsin's assessment practices where properties are assessed annually based on market value as of January 1st of the assessment year.

Property tax rates in Barron County vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing jurisdictions. Each property may be subject to taxes from the county, school district, municipality or town, technical college district, and various special districts such as fire districts or lake districts. For the 2025 tax year, preliminary estimates indicate a net tax bill increase of approximately 4.3% for median-valued homes, though actual rates vary by specific location and applicable taxing districts. The effective tax rate typically ranges from 1.8% to 2.4% of assessed value depending on your specific tax districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated Rate RangeDescription
County Levy0.45% - 0.55%General county operations, services, debt service
School Districts0.85% - 1.15%Local school district operations and debt
Municipality/Town0.20% - 0.40%City, village, or town services
Technical College0.15% - 0.25%Chippewa Valley Technical College
Special Districts0.10% - 0.35%Fire districts, lake districts, other special assessments
Total Estimated Rate1.75% - 2.70%Combined rate varies by location

Rates shown are estimates for FY 2025-2026 and vary significantly by specific location within Barron County. Your actual tax rate depends on which combination of taxing districts apply to your property address. Contact the Barron County Clerk's office for exact rates by parcel.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Barron 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 Barron County are triggered when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure that tax obligations reflect current property conditions and ownership. Wisconsin's property tax levy limits under Wis. Stat. §§ 59.605 restrict growth in county property taxes (except debt service) to specific percentage increases, but new construction and improvements can still generate additional tax obligations.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March 2025, the county assessor will issue a supplemental assessment for the increased value. The supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($50,000 increase × your combined tax rate × months remaining in tax year ÷ 12 months). If your combined rate is 2.0% and 9 months remain in the tax year, your supplemental tax would be approximately $750 ($50,000 × 0.02 × 9/12).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: First Dollar Credit (estimated): -$1,200
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$1,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $297,300
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 2.1%
  • Annual Tax: $6,243
  • Monthly Payment: $520

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: First Dollar Credit (estimated): -$1,200
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$1,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $597,300
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 2.2%
  • Annual Tax: $13,141
  • Monthly Payment: $1,095

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: First Dollar Credit (estimated): -$1,200
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$1,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $997,300
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 2.3%
  • Annual Tax: $22,938
  • Monthly Payment: $1,912

Note: All credits require application and qualification. Homestead Credit caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Contact your municipal treasurer for current credit amounts and application requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Barron County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. Lenders collect monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill and hold these funds to pay your taxes when due. Your lender will pay the first installment by January 31st and the second installment (if applicable) by July 31st directly to your municipal treasurer.

Property tax bills are typically mailed in December for the following year's taxes. Your mortgage servicer should receive a copy, but you should also verify the correct amount is escrowed. If your taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may require an escrow shortage payment or increase your monthly payment. Wisconsin law requires lenders to provide annual escrow account statements showing all deposits, payments, and account balances for verification purposes.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are 2025 property taxes due in Barron County? A: The first installment or full payment is due January 31, 2026. The second installment (if you choose to split payment) is typically due July 31, 2026. Contact your municipal treasurer for specific due dates as some municipalities may vary.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Wisconsin offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit and First Dollar Credit. The Homestead Credit limits assessment increases for qualified homeowners and requires annual application through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. The First Dollar Credit provides automatic reduction but may require initial application. Contact your county assessor for available exemptions and application requirements.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing your home's market value. It requires filing Form HS-122 with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue annually. This credit helps protect longtime homeowners from dramatic tax increases due to rising property values.

Q: When are properties assessed in Barron County? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 1st. Assessment notices are typically mailed in late spring. If you disagree with your assessment, you can appeal to the local Board of Review, typically meeting in May or June.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments accrue interest according to Wisconsin state statutes. Interest begins accruing February 1st for the first installment. Contact your municipal treasurer for current interest rates and penalty information.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Payment options vary by municipality within Barron County. Many municipalities offer online payment through their websites or third-party services. Contact your municipal treasurer for available electronic payment options and any associated fees.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Barron County? A: Tax rates vary because different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, municipalities, and other special districts. Each taxing jurisdiction sets its own levy, creating different total rates across the county.

Q: Are there property tax benefits for farmers or agricultural land? A: Wisconsin offers programs like the Farmland Preservation Program and Agricultural Forest Program that can provide income tax credits for qualifying agricultural landowners. These require application and compliance with specific land use requirements. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture for details and applications.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
24 - resolution establishing 2025 barron county budget ...co.barron.wi.us
02
2025_BUDGET.pdfbarroncountywi.gov
03
State
Real Estate Taxes - Treasurer / Real Property Listerbarroncountywi.gov
04
County
Tax Payment Information - Barron County, WIbarroncountywi.gov
05
County
Town of Prairie Lake, Barron County, Wisconsin – Official ...townofprairielake.gov
06
Wisconsinirs.gov
07
Farmland Preservation Plan Update Draftbarroncountywi.gov
08
DOR Homestead Credit - Wisconsin Department of Revenuerevenue.wi.gov
09
State
Financial Statements and Supplementary Informationbarroncountywi.gov
10
State
Financial Statements & Supplementary Informationbarroncountywi.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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