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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lafayette County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Lafayette 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% effective rate (varies by municipality and school district within county)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lafayette County, Wisconsin operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, municipal services, county operations, and special districts. Property owners in Lafayette County pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the local tax rate, which includes levies from multiple jurisdictions including the county, municipalities, school districts, and any applicable special districts.

The effective property tax rate in Lafayette County is estimated around the state base rate of approximately 1%, though actual rates vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different municipal and school district boundaries. For the 2025 tax year, Lafayette County has projected a 4.3% increase in property tax rates compared to 2024. Property taxes are the primary funding mechanism for local government services, with collections supporting everything from road maintenance and public safety to education and library services.

It's important to note that your actual tax rate depends on which taxing districts serve your property location, as rates can vary considerably between different municipalities, school districts, and special service areas within Lafayette County.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County LevyVariesBasic county services, sheriff, courts, social services
Municipal LevyVaries by city/townLocal government services, police, fire, roads
School District LevyVaries by districtK-12 education, transportation, facilities
Technical College LevyVariesSouthwest Wisconsin Technical College district
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, library districts, drainage districts

Note: Exact rates for FY 2025-2026 vary by specific location within Lafayette County due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions. The assessment ratio used for calculating Fair Market Value is 0.842426625. Contact the Lafayette County Clerk's office or your local municipal clerk for your specific combined tax rate.

Rate Variations: Properties in different areas of Lafayette County may have significantly different total rates depending on which school district, municipality, and special districts serve that location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lafayette 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 Lafayette County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction that occur after the annual assessment date but during the current tax year. These supplemental bills ensure that property taxes reflect current property values and ownership throughout the year.

Common Triggers:

  • New construction or major improvements completed after January 1
  • Property ownership transfers
  • Changes in exemption status
  • Discovery of previously unassessed improvements

Calculation Method: Supplemental taxes are calculated by taking the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplying by the current tax rate, and prorating for the remaining months in the tax year.

Example: If you complete a $100,000 home addition in July, and your total tax rate is 2.0%, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $1,000 ($100,000 × 0.02 × 6/12 months remaining) due within 30 days of the supplemental bill date.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,800
  • Annual Tax (at estimated 2.0% rate): $5,976
  • Monthly Payment: $498

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,800
  • Annual Tax (at estimated 2.0% rate): $11,976
  • Monthly Payment: $998

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,800
  • Annual Tax (at estimated 2.0% rate): $19,976
  • Monthly Payment: $1,665

Note: Homestead Credit amounts are estimates and require annual application. Actual tax rates vary by specific location within Lafayette County. Credits shown are tax bill reductions, not assessed value reductions.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lafayette County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment and pays your property taxes directly to the appropriate tax collector when due.

Escrow Timeline: Lenders typically pay your Lafayette County property taxes by the January 31 deadline to avoid penalties. They receive tax bills directly from the Town Treasurer or County Treasurer and make payments on your behalf. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing how your monthly escrow payment is calculated based on projected tax amounts.

Verification: Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes on time by checking with the Town of LaFayette Treasurer (for payments before January 31) or Walworth County Treasurer (for payments after January 31). You can also verify payments online through the county's property tax portal. If you have questions about escrow calculations or payments, contact your mortgage servicer directly.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Lafayette County for the current tax year? A: Property taxes are due January 31, 2025. Payments made by this date should be made to the Town of LaFayette Treasurer. After January 31, 2025, payments transfer to the Walworth County Treasurer.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Wisconsin offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit for qualifying homeowners based on income and age. Most credits require annual application and are not automatic. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Revenue or Lafayette County Assessor for current application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit is designed to limit property tax increases for qualifying homeowners, particularly seniors and those with lower incomes. This credit requires annual application through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and provides tax bill reduction, not assessed value reduction.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Lafayette County? A: Wisconsin law requires properties to be assessed annually, but not necessarily inspected annually. The county assessor reviews market trends and sales data to ensure assessments reflect fair market value as of January 1 each year.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the local Board of Review, typically meeting in May. Contact the Lafayette County Assessor's office for specific dates, procedures, and required documentation for assessment appeals.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. Once taxes transfer to Walworth County Treasurer after January 31, additional fees apply. Contact the appropriate treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Town of LaFayette Treasurer or Walworth County Treasurer for available online payment options. Many Wisconsin counties offer online payment systems for property taxes.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, special districts such as fire districts, library districts, or drainage districts can add to your total tax rate. Your specific tax rate depends on which combination of taxing jurisdictions serve your property location within Lafayette County.

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 5soalafayette County - Wisconsin ...revenue.wi.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Estimates Under 2025 Act 15docs.legis.wisconsin.gov
03
Tax Doc
2025 Tax Bill, Town of LaFayette, Parcel KA471600001ascent.co.walworth.wi.us
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Billslafayettewcwi.gov
05
City of Darlington! – Wisconsindarlingtonwi.gov
06
Tax Doc
DOR Property Tax - Wisconsin Department of Revenuerevenue.wi.gov
07
Tax Doc
DOR Property Tax Exemption Formsrevenue.wi.gov
08
Tax Doc
The Homestead Tax Credit Program Summaryrevenue.wi.gov
09
2014 Guide for Property Ownerswfbvillage.gov
10
5-01-RECYCLING-AND-SOLID-WASTE-DISPOSAL. ...lafayettewcwi.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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