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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Forest County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Forest 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
1.5%-2.5% of assessed value (varies by taxing district combination)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Forest County, Wisconsin operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, schools, fire protection, and other essential community services. The county uses an assessment ratio of 0.897018595 to calculate estimated fair market value for tax bills, meaning properties are assessed at approximately 89.7% of their market value. Property taxes in Forest County typically range from 1.5% to 2.5% of assessed value, though this varies significantly based on your specific location within the county.

The actual tax rate you pay depends on which taxing districts serve your property, including the county, town or municipality, school district, and any special districts for services like fire protection or sanitation. Each district sets its own levy, which combines to create your total property tax bill. Forest County's rural nature means many properties are served by multiple small taxing districts, creating considerable variation in effective tax rates across different areas of the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County Levy0.3% - 0.5%Forest County general operations, sheriff, courts, social services
School District0.8% - 1.2%Varies by school district (Crandon, Laona, Wabeno-Laona, etc.)
Municipal/Town0.2% - 0.4%Town services, road maintenance, local administration
Technical College0.1% - 0.2%Nicolet Area Technical College assessment
Special Districts0.1% - 0.6%Fire districts, sanitary districts, lake districts (where applicable)
Total Effective Rate1.5% - 2.9%Combined rate varies significantly by location

Rates shown are estimates for FY 2025-2026 levy year based on assessment ratio of 0.897018595. Actual rates vary considerably depending on your specific taxing districts. Contact the Forest County Treasurer for exact rates applicable to your property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Forest 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 Forest County are rare but can occur when there are significant changes to property ownership or improvements that occur after the annual assessment date but before the end of the tax year. Common triggers include major new construction completed mid-year, property splits or combinations, or corrections to assessed values discovered after tax bills are issued.

When supplemental taxes apply, they are calculated by taking the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, multiplying by the applicable tax rate, and prorating for the portion of the tax year affected. For example, if a $50,000 addition is completed in January but wasn't included in the assessment, and your total tax rate is 2.0%, you might owe an additional $1,000 ($50,000 × 0.897018595 assessment ratio × 2.0% rate) for that tax year. The Forest County Treasurer's office will mail a supplemental tax bill with payment typically due within 30 days of the notice date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 × 0.897018595 = $269,106
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$10,000 assessed value reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $259,106
  • Annual Tax (at 2.0% rate): $5,182
  • Monthly Escrow: $432

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000 × 0.897018595 = $538,211
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$10,000 assessed value reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $528,211
  • Annual Tax (at 1.8% rate): $9,508
  • Monthly Escrow: $792

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000 × 0.897018595 = $897,019
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$10,000 assessed value reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $887,019
  • Annual Tax (at 1.6% rate): $14,192
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,183

All credits shown require annual application and approval. Actual tax rates vary by location within Forest County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Forest County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender estimates your annual property tax bill and divides it by 12 to determine your monthly escrow payment, which is added to your mortgage payment. Lenders typically maintain a cushion of 2-6 months of tax payments in your escrow account to ensure sufficient funds are available when taxes are due.

Forest County property taxes can be paid in two installments - the first half due by January 31st and the second half due by July 31st. Your lender will typically pay each installment directly to the Forest County Treasurer when due. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the account activity and any adjustments needed for the following year. If your property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. Always verify with the Forest County Treasurer that your lender has made the required payments to avoid penalties.

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 Forest County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due January 31, 2026, for the full year, or you can pay in two installments: first half by January 31, 2026, and second half by July 31, 2026.

Q: What is the Homestead Credit and how do I apply? A: The Wisconsin Homestead Credit helps limit property tax increases for eligible homeowners. It requires annual application on your Wisconsin income tax return and is based on your income and property taxes paid. This credit goes directly to reduce your tax bill, not your assessed value.

Q: Are there property tax credits available for seniors or disabled individuals? A: Yes, Wisconsin offers several tax credits including the Senior Citizen/Disabled Property Tax Credit. These require separate applications with documentation such as physician statements or Social Security Administration verification. Contact the Forest County Assessor for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Forest County? A: Wisconsin requires properties to be assessed annually, but Forest County may conduct comprehensive revaluations every few years. You'll be notified if there are significant changes to your assessment.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment to the local Board of Review, typically meeting in May. You must file your appeal by the posted deadline and provide evidence supporting your position, such as recent appraisals or comparable sales.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Interest begins accruing on unpaid taxes after the due date, typically at a rate set annually by the county. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually be subject to tax deed procedures.

Q: Can I pay my Forest County property taxes online? A: Contact the Forest County Treasurer's office at (715) 478-3823 to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do my neighbors have different tax rates? A: Tax rates vary based on which taxing districts serve your property. Different school districts, fire districts, and municipal boundaries create different combinations of tax levies across Forest County.

Q: What services do my property taxes fund? A: Property taxes fund Forest County operations, local school districts, town services, fire protection, the technical college system, and various special districts depending on your location.

Q: How does forest cropland or Managed Forest Law affect my taxes? A: Properties enrolled in Wisconsin's forest programs may have special assessment and taxation rules. Contact the Forest County Assessor for specific information about forestry tax programs and their requirements.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
2025 Statement of Assessment for 5soaforest Countyrevenue.wi.gov
02
Tax Doc
Forest Tax Lawsrevenue.wi.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Tax Level in Wisconsindocs.legis.wisconsin.gov
04
Tax Doc
DOR Property Tax - Wisconsin Department of Revenuerevenue.wi.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Taxes | Waupun Wisconsincityofwaupunwi.gov
06
County
Dates to Remember | Marathon County, WImarathoncounty.gov
07
H & H-EZ Wisconsin Homestead Creditrevenue.wi.gov
08
2023 Wisconsin Act 12 – Personal Property Exemptionrevenue.wi.gov
09
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Credit (Informational Paper 13)docs.legis.wisconsin.gov
10
County
Forest Countyrevenue.wi.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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