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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Monroe County
Property Tax Guide

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

How Property Tax Works

Monroe County, Wisconsin operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, municipal services, county operations, and special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with the county collecting taxes on behalf of various taxing authorities including school districts, municipalities, and special purpose districts.

The effective property tax rate in Monroe County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts. Based on available data, property taxes average approximately $2,923 annually, with rates typically ranging from 1.5% to 2.5% of assessed value depending on your specific tax district. Your actual rate depends on which school district, municipality, and special districts (such as technical college districts or fire protection districts) serve your property location.

Property assessments in Monroe County are conducted to determine fair market value as of January 1st each year. Unlike some states, Wisconsin does not impose assessment caps, meaning your assessed value can increase to reflect full market value changes. The county uses these assessments as the basis for calculating your annual property tax liability.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The property tax rate information for Monroe County varies by taxing district. Based on available research data indicating a potential 2% rate scenario:

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County Levy0.3% - 0.5%County government operations, services
School District0.8% - 1.2%Local school district operations and debt service
Municipal Levy0.2% - 0.4%City/town/village services
Technical College0.1% - 0.2%Wisconsin technical college system
Special Districts0.1% - 0.6%Fire protection, library, sanitation districts
Total Estimated1.5% - 2.5%Combined rate varies by location

Note: These rates are estimates based on typical Wisconsin county configurations. Actual rates for levy year 2025-2026 have not been finalized. Contact the Monroe County Treasurer's office for current certified tax rates specific to your property's tax district combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Monroe 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 Monroe County may be assessed when significant changes occur to a property during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements, or ownership changes that reveal previously unassessed improvements.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a $100,000 home addition is completed in July and the tax rate is 2%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,000 (50% of the year remaining).

Property owners receive separate billing for supplemental taxes, which typically become due within 30 days of the bill date. These taxes are in addition to the regular property tax installments and must be paid according to the specified due date to avoid penalties and interest charges.

Example Calculation

Based on estimated tax rates for Monroe County properties (assuming 2% effective rate with available homestead credit):

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$500 (estimated)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax (2% rate): $6,000
  • Less Credits: -$500
  • Net Annual Tax: $5,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $458

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$500 (estimated)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax (2% rate): $12,000
  • Less Credits: -$500
  • Net Annual Tax: $11,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $958

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$500 (estimated)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (2% rate): $20,000
  • Less Credits: -$500
  • Net Annual Tax: $19,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,625

Note: Tax credits require annual application and are not automatic. Contact Monroe County for current credit amounts and eligibility requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Monroe County require borrowers to establish escrow accounts for property tax payments. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, then pays your taxes directly to Monroe County when due.

Monroe County property taxes are due in two installments: April 1st and October 1st each year. Your lender will typically pay the first installment by April 1st and the second by October 1st. Lenders usually maintain a cushion in your escrow account to cover potential tax increases and ensure timely payments.

Annual escrow analyses are conducted by your lender to compare collected amounts with actual tax bills. If your taxes increase significantly, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted upward. Property owners should review their annual escrow statements and can request copies of tax payments from their lender for verification purposes.

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 Monroe County? A: Property taxes are due in two equal installments: April 1st and October 1st each year for the current fiscal year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Monroe County offers a Homestead Credit for primary residences, which must be applied for annually. This credit reduces your tax bill (not your assessed value) and is not automatic. Additional credits may be available for seniors, veterans, or disabled individuals - all requiring separate applications.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit helps limit assessment increases on your primary residence rather than reducing market value. You must file an application with the county assessor's office, typically by March 1st each year, to receive this credit on your tax bill.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Wisconsin requires properties to be assessed annually as of January 1st each year to reflect current market value, with no assessment caps limiting increases.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners can appeal assessments to the local Board of Review, typically meeting in May. Appeals must be filed within specific deadlines following receipt of assessment notices.

Q: What penalties apply for late tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. Contact the Monroe County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact Monroe County Treasurer's office at (608) 269-8705 for current online payment options and accepted methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property may be subject to additional taxes from fire districts, library districts, or other special purpose districts depending on your location. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and vary by geographic area within the 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
Monroe County Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
02
County
2025 Town & County Tax Ratesmonroecounty.gov
03
Local Government Revenue Optionsdocs.legis.wisconsin.gov
04
County
Monroe County, WI Property Records - CountyOffice.orgcountyoffice.org
05
County
Monroe County, WI Property Records Search - Propertyscout.iopropertyscout.io
06
County
Monroe County, WI Property Records | Owners, Deeds, Permitswisconsin.propertychecker.com
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Paymentnacdashboard.nara.gov
08
DOR Homestead Credit - Wisconsin Department of Revenuerevenue.wi.gov
09
County
Monroe Countymonroecounty.gov
10
CHAPTER 70docs.legis.wisconsin.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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