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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Burnett County
Property Tax Guide

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

6 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.5-2.5% of assessed value (varies by taxing districts and location within county)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Burnett County, Wisconsin operates under the state's property tax system with a base rate of approximately 1% of assessed value. Property taxes in Burnett County fund essential local services including county operations, school districts, municipal services, and various special districts such as fire protection, library services, and lake districts. The effective tax rate varies significantly by location within the county due to the overlay of multiple taxing jurisdictions and special assessment districts.

Property tax rates in Burnett County typically range from 1.5% to 2.5% of assessed value depending on your specific location and the combination of taxing districts that serve your property. Rural properties may have different rate structures than those in incorporated municipalities, and lakefront properties often carry additional special assessments. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue requires annual reassessment, and Burnett County conducts property assessments to reflect current market values without a statutory assessment cap.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County Levy0.35% - 0.45%Basic county services, administration, law enforcement
School Districts0.80% - 1.20%Local school district operations and debt service
Municipal/Town0.15% - 0.35%City, village, or town services
Technical College0.10% - 0.15%Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Special Districts0.05% - 0.30%Fire, library, lake, sanitary districts (varies by location)
Total Effective Rate1.45% - 2.45%Combined rate depending on location

Rates shown are for levy year 2024 (payable in 2025). Actual rates vary significantly based on your property's specific taxing districts. Contact the Burnett County Clerk's office for your exact tax rate calculation.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Burnett 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 Burnett County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that occur after the January 1 assessment date. When these events happen, the county assessor determines the additional assessed value and applies the current year's tax rate to calculate the supplemental tax due.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in June after the January assessment, and your total tax rate is 2.0%, you would owe approximately $2,000 in supplemental taxes ($100,000 × 0.02). The supplemental tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year, so a June completion would result in 7/12 of the annual amount, or about $1,167. Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular property tax bills and have their own due dates, typically 30 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,200 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,800
  • Tax Rate: 2.0% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $5,976
  • Monthly Escrow: $498

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,200 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,800
  • Tax Rate: 2.2% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $13,174
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,098

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,200 (requires application)
  • Additional Lottery Credit: -$150 (automatic)
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,650
  • Tax Rate: 2.3% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $22,969
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,914

Note: All credits shown require annual application except where noted. Homestead credit also caps assessment increases. Contact Burnett County Assessor for current credit amounts and applications.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Burnett County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Burnett County on the January 31 and July 31 due dates.

You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing how your payments are calculated and any adjustments needed. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will adjust accordingly. Property owners can verify that taxes were paid correctly by checking with the Burnett County Treasurer's office or viewing payment records online. If you pay off your mortgage, you'll need to make arrangements to pay property taxes directly to the county.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Burnett County? A: Property taxes are due in two installments for fiscal year 2025: first installment by January 31, 2025, and second installment by July 31, 2025. Pay the first installment to your town or village treasurer, and the second to the Burnett County Treasurer.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Wisconsin offers several tax credits including Homestead Credit (income-limited), Veterans Credit, and Disabled Veterans Credit. Most credits REQUIRE ANNUAL APPLICATION by March 31. Contact the Burnett County Assessor's office for applications and eligibility requirements.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides both a tax credit (reducing your tax bill) AND caps your assessment increases to 10% annually once enrolled. This is NOT automatic - you must file an application annually by March 31 with income documentation to maintain this benefit.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Burnett County? A: Wisconsin law requires annual assessment. Burnett County assesses all properties yearly to reflect current market values. Property owners can appeal assessments through the Board of Review process, typically held in May.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. After July 31, unpaid taxes become delinquent and are subject to additional collection procedures including potential tax deed proceedings. Contact the County Treasurer immediately if you cannot make payments on time.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Burnett County offers online payment options through their website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments may include processing fees. Check the county website for current payment portal information.

Q: Why did my taxes increase if I didn't improve my property? A: Tax increases can result from: higher assessed values due to market conditions, increased tax rates from local governments or school districts, loss of previous tax credits, or new special assessments in your area.

Q: What special district taxes might apply to my property? A: Burnett County properties may be subject to fire district taxes, library district taxes, lake district assessments, sanitary district fees, and other special purpose district levies depending on location. Your tax bill will itemize all applicable districts and their rates.

Verified Sources

Backed by 6 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
County Treasurer | Burnett County, WI - Official Websiteburnettcountywi.gov
02
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQburnettcountywi.gov
03
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQburnettcountywi.gov
04
State
0100.10 - Signed Final Report and Financial Statements ( ...burnettcountywi.gov
05
County
Burnett Countyrevenue.wi.gov
06
County
BURNETT COUNTY, WISCONSIN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ...burnettcountywi.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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