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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Iron County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Iron 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
Approximately 1% base rate, varies significantly by municipality and special taxing districts within Iron County
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Iron County, Wisconsin operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and county government operations. Property taxes in Iron County are calculated based on the assessed value of real estate multiplied by the local tax rate, which varies by municipality and special taxing districts within the county.

The effective tax rate in Iron County typically ranges around Wisconsin's base rate of approximately 1%, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different municipal levies, school district assessments, and special purpose districts. Iron County experienced a substantial 17.77% increase in equalized property values for 2025, which was among the highest in the state. This increase reflects both rising market values and new construction activity, which will impact how tax levies are distributed among property owners.

Tax rates are determined annually and vary by specific location within Iron County based on the combination of county levy, municipal levy, school district levy, and any applicable special district assessments such as lake districts, fire districts, or technical college districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The property tax rate in Iron County varies by municipality and taxing district. Below is a general breakdown of tax rate components:

ComponentEstimated Rate RangeDescription
County Levy0.15% - 0.25%Funds county services, courts, sheriff, social services
Municipal Levy0.20% - 0.40%City/town services, roads, local government operations
School District Levy0.50% - 0.70%K-12 education, facilities, transportation
Technical College0.05% - 0.10%Northcentral Technical College district assessment
Special Districts0.00% - 0.15%Fire districts, lake districts, library districts (if applicable)
Total Estimated Range0.90% - 1.60%Combined effective rate varies by location

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025 levy year and are estimates. Actual rates vary significantly by specific location within Iron County due to different combinations of taxing jurisdictions. The 2025 tax rates are expected to increase approximately 3.7% from 2024 levels, though final rates are determined by local authorities.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Iron 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 Iron County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction after the regular assessment date. These taxes ensure that property tax obligations are properly allocated throughout the tax year based on actual property conditions and ownership.

Supplemental taxes are triggered by events such as: completion of new construction or major improvements, changes in property use or zoning classification, corrections to previous assessments, or when new property becomes taxable. The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the old assessment and new assessment, then applying the current tax rate to that difference, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining.

For example, if a property owner completes a $50,000 addition to their home in March, and the local tax rate is 1.2%, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: $50,000 × 1.2% = $600 annually, then prorated for approximately 9 months remaining in the tax year, resulting in a supplemental bill of about $450.

Example Calculation

Below are property tax calculations for three different assessed values in Iron County, assuming a combined tax rate of 1.1% (which varies by specific location):

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$400 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax (1.1%): $3,300 - $400 = $2,900
  • Monthly Escrow: $242

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$200 (phases out with higher values)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax (1.1%): $6,600 - $200 = $6,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $533

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Credits Applied: $0 (income typically exceeds homestead credit limits)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (1.1%): $11,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $917

Note: Homestead credits require annual application and are income-limited. Actual tax rates vary by specific location within Iron County. These examples use estimated rates for illustration purposes.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Iron County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. The lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of the estimated annual property tax bill along with your mortgage payment. These funds are held in an escrow account and the lender pays your property taxes directly to Iron County when due.

Property taxes in Iron County follow Wisconsin's split payment schedule: the first installment (or full payment) is due to your municipal treasurer by January 31st, and the second installment is due to the county treasurer by July 31st. Lenders typically make these payments on your behalf before the due dates to avoid penalties and interest charges.

Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing the account activity, payments made, and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If property values or tax rates change significantly, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted. You have the right to request information about your escrow account and verification of tax payments made on your behalf.

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 property taxes due in Iron County for the current fiscal year? A: The first installment or full payment is due to your municipal treasurer by January 31st. The second installment is due to Iron County by July 31st. These dates apply to the current tax year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit, which provides up to $1,168 in tax relief for qualifying homeowners. This credit requires annual application and is income-limited (maximum household income around $24,680). You must apply - credits are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit is a tax credit that reduces your tax bill, not your assessed value. It limits how much your property tax can increase year-over-year and provides direct tax relief. You must file an application annually to receive this credit, and it phases out based on household income levels.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Iron County? A: Wisconsin law requires municipal assessors to assess all property annually, though not all properties receive full inspections each year. Properties are reassessed when there are improvements, sales, or as part of periodic revaluation cycles.

Q: What penalties apply for late property tax payments? A: Delinquent taxes after December 1st incur penalties and interest charges. Specific penalty rates and collection procedures are established by Wisconsin statute and local ordinances.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact your municipal treasurer for first installment payments and Iron County Treasurer for second installment payments to determine available online payment options, as availability varies by municipality.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts like fire districts, lake districts, or library districts can add additional taxes to your bill. These appear as separate line items and vary by property location within Iron County.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with your municipal Board of Review, typically meeting in May. Contact your local municipal clerk for specific procedures, deadlines, and required forms for filing an appeal.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
2025-Final-Equalized-Values.pdfrevenue.wi.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Estimates Under 2025 Act 15docs.legis.wisconsin.gov
03
Treasurerironcountyut.gov
04
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQco.iron.wi.gov
05
News Flashco.iron.wi.gov
06
DOR Homestead Credit - Wisconsin Department of Revenuerevenue.wi.gov
07
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Credit (Informational Paper 13)docs.legis.wisconsin.gov
08
Tax Doc
DOR Property Tax Exemption Formsrevenue.wi.gov
09
County
Iron Countyrevenue.wi.gov
10
County
710 - Supplemental County and Municipal Aid -- Lac Courte ...docs.legis.wisconsin.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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