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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Brown County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Brown 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
$2.80 per $1,000 assessed value countywide (varies by municipality and school district)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Brown County, Wisconsin operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, municipal operations, county government, and various special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with the tax rate calculated by dividing the total property tax levy by the county's equalized assessed value. For 2025, Brown County achieved a historically low property tax rate of $2.80 per $1,000 of assessed value, representing the lowest rate on record following budget approval in 2024.

It's important to note that actual property tax rates vary significantly by location within Brown County due to special taxing districts such as school districts, municipal boundaries, technical college districts, and other local improvement districts. While the county-wide rate provides a baseline, property owners may pay additional assessments based on their specific location and the services provided in their area. The total levy for Brown County was approximately $94.5 million based on an equalized value of over $33.6 billion, reflecting strong property value growth of 8.38% year-over-year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County Levy$2.80Base Brown County property tax rate for FY 2025
School DistrictsVariesAdditional assessment based on local school district boundaries
Municipal TaxesVariesCity/town/village taxes based on municipality
Technical CollegeVariesNortheast Wisconsin Technical College district assessment
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, sanitary districts, library districts as applicable
Total Effective RateVaries by LocationTypically ranges from $15-25 per $1,000 assessed value

These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and are subject to annual changes based on budget approvals. Property owners should verify their specific total rate by reviewing their tax bill, as the combination of overlapping taxing jurisdictions creates unique rates for different areas within Brown County. Special assessments for improvements, debt service, or voter-approved referendums may create additional variations in effective tax rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Brown 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 property taxes in Brown County are triggered by significant changes to property ownership, improvements, or reassessments that occur after the annual tax roll is finalized. The most common triggers include new construction completion, major renovations that increase assessed value, subdivision of property, or ownership transfers that prompt reassessment. When supplemental taxes are issued, they represent the difference between the previous tax liability and the new tax liability based on the updated assessed value.

The calculation process involves determining the new assessed value, applying the current tax rate to find the annual tax liability, and then prorating the additional tax owed from the effective date of the change through the end of the tax year. For example, if a property owner completes a $100,000 home addition in March and the total effective tax rate is $20 per $1,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($100,000 ÷ $1,000) × $20 = $2,000 annual increase, then prorated for 10 months (March through December) = approximately $1,667 in supplemental taxes due.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (credit reduces tax, not assessed value)
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: $18.50 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax Before Credit: $5,550
  • Annual Tax After Credit: $5,050
  • Monthly Payment: $421

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Veterans Credit Applied: -$300 (if eligible, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: $19.25 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax Before Credits: $11,550
  • Annual Tax After Credits: $10,750
  • Monthly Payment: $896

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: $20.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax Before Credit: $20,000
  • Annual Tax After Credit: $19,500
  • Monthly Payment: $1,625

Note: All credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Tax rates are estimates and vary by specific location within Brown County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Brown County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, depositing these funds into a separate escrow account to pay property taxes on the borrower's behalf. Brown County's bi-annual payment schedule (January 31 and July 31) means lenders typically make two payments per year from the escrow account.

Property owners with escrow accounts should receive annual escrow statements from their lender showing the account balance, payments made, and any adjustments needed for the following year. Since Brown County mails tax bills around December 8-10, lenders usually receive and pay the first installment by the January 31 deadline. Property owners can verify their tax payments by checking Brown County's online payment system or contacting the county treasurer's office. If property values increase significantly, escrow payments may need adjustment to ensure adequate funds are available for the higher tax liability.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Brown County property taxes due for the current tax year? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: the first installment is due January 31, and the second installment is due July 31. Tax bills are typically mailed around December 8-10.

Q: What tax credits are available in Brown County and do I need to apply? A: Common tax credits include the Homestead Credit (reduces tax bill by up to $500+ annually), Veterans Disability Credit, and Senior Citizen Credits. All credits require annual application through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and are NOT automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work in Wisconsin? A: The Homestead Credit limits the increase in your property tax bill based on income qualifications, but does not reduce your home's assessed value. You must file an annual application with the state, and the credit amount varies based on your income and property tax liability.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. The first installment (due January 31) becomes delinquent February 1, and the second installment (due July 31) becomes delinquent August 1, with interest accruing from these dates.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Brown County? A: Wisconsin law requires properties to be assessed annually, but Brown County may conduct comprehensive revaluations every few years. Property owners receive assessment notices and have the right to appeal if they believe the assessed value is incorrect.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Brown County offers online property tax payments through their official website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments may incur processing fees.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if the county tax rate decreased? A: Even though Brown County's rate decreased to $2.80 per $1,000, your total tax bill includes multiple taxing jurisdictions (school district, municipality, special districts) whose rates may have increased, plus your property's assessed value may have increased.

Q: What special district taxes might apply to my property? A: Depending on your location, you may pay additional taxes for fire protection districts, sanitary districts, library districts, storm water management districts, or special improvement districts. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and vary by geographic location within Brown County.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Financial Summariesbrowncountywi.gov
02
County
Brown County passes 2025 budget with historic mill rate ...civicmedia.us
03
Tax Doc
Property Taxessuamicowi.gov
04
County
Brown County > Departments > Treasurer > General ...browncountywi.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Taxesvillageofbellevuewi.gov
06
County
THE BROWN COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY ...greenbaywi.gov
07
Local Court Rulesbrowncountywi.gov
08
DOR Homestead Credit - Wisconsin Department of Revenuerevenue.wi.gov
09
County
Brown County > Services > All > M - Pbrowncountywi.gov
10
County
Brown County > Services > All > A-Zbrowncountywi.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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