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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Dodge County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Dodge 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
$19.056 per $1,000 assessed value (base county rate, varies by district with school and municipal additions)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Dodge County, Wisconsin operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, municipal services, county operations, and various special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these governmental entities, with tax bills reflecting a combination of county-wide levies and location-specific assessments based on your property's taxing districts.

The effective tax rate in Dodge County varies significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts. For 2025, the base county mill rate is $19.056 per $1,000 of assessed property value, but your total rate will be higher when combined with school district, municipal, and other local assessments. Most properties see total effective rates ranging from approximately $15-25 per $1,000 of assessed value, depending on their specific taxing district combination.

Property assessments in Wisconsin are based on fair market value as of January 1st of the tax year, with no assessment cap limiting annual increases. However, various tax credits are available to qualifying property owners to help reduce their tax burden, though most require annual application and have specific eligibility requirements.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
Dodge County Base$19.056County operations, services, and debt service for levy year 2025
Proposed County Rate$3.5008Alternative rate structure referenced in 2025 budget documents
School DistrictsVariesK-12 education funding (varies by specific school district)
MunicipalVariesCity/town/village services (varies by municipality)
Technical CollegeVariesVocational education funding
Special DistrictsVariesFire, library, sanitation, other local services

Note: The total tax rate for your property depends on which taxing districts serve your location. Rates shown are for levy year 2025. The county levy increased by $944,250 (4.3% overall increase) with a total countywide property tax levy of $38,083,472. Contact the Dodge County Assessor's office for your specific combined tax rate based on your property's location and applicable taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Dodge 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 Dodge County are typically triggered by new construction, major improvements, or changes in property ownership that result in a reassessment during the tax year. When property value increases due to these changes after the January 1st assessment date, a supplemental tax bill may be issued to collect the additional tax owed for the remainder of the fiscal year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, multiplying by your property's total tax rate, then prorating for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $50,000 addition is completed in April and your total tax rate is $20 per $1,000, the additional annual tax would be $1,000 ($50,000 ÷ 1,000 × $20), prorated for 9 months (April-December) resulting in a supplemental bill of approximately $750.

Supplemental tax bills are mailed separately from regular tax bills and have their own due dates. Property owners should budget for potential supplemental taxes when planning major improvements or purchasing newly constructed properties.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $297,000
  • Tax Rate: $20.00 per $1,000 (example combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $5,940
  • Monthly Payment: $495

$600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $597,000
  • Tax Rate: $20.00 per $1,000 (example combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $11,940
  • Monthly Payment: $995

$1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $997,000
  • Tax Rate: $20.00 per $1,000 (example combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $19,940
  • Monthly Payment: $1,662

Important Notes: Tax credits shown require annual application and eligibility verification. Actual tax rates vary by specific location within Dodge County. Senior citizens and veterans may qualify for additional credits with separate application requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for Dodge County properties, collecting monthly payments along with your mortgage payment to ensure taxes are paid on time. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of your annual tax bill each month, plus a cushion amount (usually 2 months' worth) to cover potential increases.

Property tax bills are mailed in mid-December, with the first payment due in December and the second payment due by July 31st of the following year. Lenders usually pay the December installment from your escrow account, then pay the July installment from continued monthly collections. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing collections, payments made on your behalf, and any required adjustments to your monthly payment.

If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for making both payments directly - the first to your local municipality (due in December) and the second to the Dodge County Treasurer at the County Administration building (due by July 31st). Contact your lender if you notice discrepancies between your tax bill and escrow payments, as errors can result in duplicate payments or missed deadlines.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Dodge County property taxes due for the 2025 tax year? A: The first payment is due in December 2025, and the second payment is due by July 31, 2026. Tax bills are mailed in mid-December.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Wisconsin offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit, Senior Citizen/Disabled Person Credit, and Veterans Credits. Most credits require annual application and are NOT automatic - you must apply through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue or your local assessor's office.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit helps limit property tax increases for eligible homeowners, but it doesn't reduce your property's assessed market value. You must file an application annually with income documentation. The credit amount varies based on income and property value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Dodge County? A: Wisconsin law requires properties to be assessed annually as of January 1st. However, not all properties receive physical inspections each year unless there have been changes or improvements.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. The county retains a 6% penalty on delinquent payments. Contact the Dodge County Treasurer for specific penalty calculations.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Dodge County Treasurer's office or visit the county website for current online payment options and accepted methods. Payment options may vary between the December and July installments.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the local Board of Review, typically meeting in May. Contact your municipal assessor's office for specific deadlines and procedures for the current tax year.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if tax rates stayed the same? A: Tax increases can result from higher assessed values, new special district assessments, or changes in available tax credits. Even with stable rates, rising property values increase tax bills.

Q: What happens if I don't receive my tax bill? A: Property owners remain responsible for taxes even if bills aren't received. Contact the Dodge County Treasurer's office immediately if you don't receive your bill by late December to obtain payment information and avoid penalties.

Q: Do I need to notify anyone when I sell my property? A: Yes, notify the local assessor's office of ownership changes. The buyer should also verify that all property taxes are current and understand any upcoming payment obligations.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Property Taxes | Waupun Wisconsincityofwaupunwi.gov
02
2025 Adopted Budget Bookco.dodge.wi.gov
03
County
Taxpayers - Dodge County, Wisconsinco.dodge.wi.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Taxes | Juneau, WIcityofjuneauwi.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Taxes | Beaver Dam, WIci.beaverdam.wi.gov
06
County
Delinquent Tax Foreclosure - Dodge County, Wisconsinco.dodge.wi.gov
07
Wisconsinirs.gov
08
DOR Homestead Credit - Wisconsin Department of Revenuerevenue.wi.gov
09
2026 Budget Bookco.dodge.wi.gov
10
County
County of Dodgeco.dodge.wi.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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