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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ozaukee County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Ozaukee 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
$0.219 per $1,000 assessed value for county portion, varies significantly by municipality and school district
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ozaukee County, Wisconsin operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including education, public safety, infrastructure, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated by applying various tax rates to your property's assessed value, minus any applicable tax credits. The effective tax rate in Ozaukee County varies significantly by location within the county due to different municipalities, school districts, and special taxing districts.

For the 2025 tax levy year, the county portion of the property tax rate is $0.219 per $1,000 of assessed value. However, your total property tax bill includes additional components from your local municipality, school district, technical college district, and any special districts that serve your property. This means residents in different areas of Ozaukee County will see varying total tax rates depending on their specific location and the combination of taxing jurisdictions that apply to their property.

Property tax bills are mailed before the third Monday of December each year, with two installment payment options available. The assessment process is ongoing throughout the year, with properties reassessed periodically to reflect current market values.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
Ozaukee County$0.219County operations, library services, public safety
School DistrictVaries by districtK-12 education funding (largest component)
MunicipalityVaries by city/townLocal government services, infrastructure
Technical CollegeVariesVocational and technical education
Special DistrictsVariesFire, sanitary, lake districts as applicable

Rates shown are for the 2025 levy year. Total effective rates typically range from $15-25 per $1,000 of assessed value countywide, but vary significantly based on your specific location within Ozaukee County. School district levies generally represent the largest portion of your total property tax bill. Properties in areas served by metropolitan sewerage districts, lake management districts, or special fire districts will have additional assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ozaukee 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 Ozaukee County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase assessed value, or changes in property classification (such as converting agricultural land to residential use).

When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the increased assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July and the total tax rate for your area is $20 per $1,000, you would owe approximately $1,000 in supplemental taxes (($100,000 ÷ 1,000) × $20 × 0.5 years remaining).

Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular property tax bills and typically have different due dates. Property owners receive notice of the supplemental assessment and have the right to appeal the valuation through the same process as regular property assessments.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home Example:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,000
  • Tax Rate: $18.50 per $1,000 (example total rate)
  • Annual Tax: $5,532
  • Monthly Escrow: $461

$600,000 Home Example:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,000
  • Tax Rate: $19.75 per $1,000 (example total rate)
  • Annual Tax: $11,830
  • Monthly Escrow: $986

$1,000,000 Home Example:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $999,000
  • Tax Rate: $21.25 per $1,000 (example total rate)
  • Annual Tax: $21,228
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,769

Tax credits shown require annual application and are not automatic. Actual tax rates vary by specific location within Ozaukee County based on local taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ozaukee County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically 1/12th of your annual property tax bill plus a cushion amount allowed by federal law.

Lenders receive tax bills directly from Ozaukee County and make payments on your behalf before the January 31st and July 31st due dates. However, as the property owner, you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid on time. You should verify that your lender has received your tax bill and review the escrow analysis provided annually to ensure adequate funds are being collected.

If your property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may require an escrow shortage payment or increase your monthly escrow amount. Conversely, if an escrow analysis shows overpayment, you may receive a refund or see reduced monthly payments. Property owners can request to pay taxes directly if they meet certain criteria, such as having 20% equity and a good payment history.

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 Ozaukee County for 2025? A: The first installment is due January 31, 2026, and the second installment is due July 31, 2026. Payments postmarked by the due date are considered timely.

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, which must be filed annually with your state income tax return. Veterans may qualify for additional credits. Most credits require annual application and are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit helps limit property tax increases for qualifying Wisconsin residents. It doesn't reduce your home's market value but provides a credit on your tax bill. You must file annually with your Wisconsin tax return to receive this credit.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Ozaukee County? A: Properties are reassessed on a cyclical basis. You'll receive notice if your assessment changes, and you have the right to appeal through the Board of Review process, typically in May.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Interest charges accrue on unpaid taxes after the due dates. Contact the Ozaukee County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Ozaukee County offers online payment options. Check the county treasurer's website for available payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Ozaukee County? A: Different municipalities, school districts, and special districts (fire, lake, sanitary) serve different areas of the county, each with their own tax rates that combine to create your total tax bill.

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'll need to provide evidence supporting your position, such as recent comparable sales or property condition issues.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
OZAUKEE COUNTY 2025 EXEMPTION FROM ...villageofgraftonwi.gov
02
County
Resolution RES.24-30 - 2025 County Tax Levy and Rateozaukeecounty.gov
03
County
Treasurer | Ozaukee County, WI - Official Websiteozaukeecounty.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Taxescityofcedarburg.wi.gov
05
In-Person Absentee Voting July 27th-August 7th @ Town Halltownofcedarburgwi.gov
06
Due Dates by Municipalitiesozaukeecounty.gov
07
Wisconsinirs.gov
08
HOUSING ELEMENTozaukeecounty.gov
09
Tax Doc
DOR Property Tax Exemption Formsrevenue.wi.gov
10
County
OZAUKEE COUNTY WISCONSIN 2017 PROPOSED BUDGET ...ozaukeecounty.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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