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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Pepin County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Pepin County, WI. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by taxing district, approximately 1% base rate plus additional levies for schools and special districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Pepin County operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, law enforcement, road maintenance, and fire protection. Property taxes are levied annually based on the assessed value of real estate and are the primary source of revenue for local government services in the county.

The effective tax rate in Pepin County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing jurisdictions, including the county levy, school districts, municipalities, and special purpose districts. While Wisconsin's statewide average property tax rate is approximately 1%, actual rates in Pepin County depend on which special taxing districts serve your specific property location. The 2025 tax rates are determined annually by the county board and local taxing authorities, with final rates typically set in late fall for the following tax year.

Property owners should note that tax bills reflect multiple layers of local government, and rates can vary significantly between different areas of the county based on school district boundaries, municipal limits, and special assessment districts for services like fire protection or library services.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated Rate RangeDescription
County Levy0.25% - 0.35%General county operations, law enforcement, courts
School District0.65% - 0.85%Local school district operations and debt service
Municipal/Town0.10% - 0.25%City, village, or town government services
Technical College0.05% - 0.08%Chippewa Valley Technical College district
Special Districts0.02% - 0.15%Fire, library, sanitary, or other special purpose districts
Total Estimated1.07% - 1.68%Combined effective rate varies by location

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 tax levy year (payable in 2026). Final rates are determined annually by each taxing jurisdiction and vary significantly based on your property's specific location within Pepin County. Properties in different school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts will have different total effective rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Pepin 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 Pepin County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements or additions, ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, or corrections to previous assessment errors.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed and assessed in July, supplemental taxes would be calculated on that $50,000 increase for the remaining six months of the tax year.

Property owners receive a separate supplemental tax bill in addition to their regular annual tax statement. According to Wisconsin Statutes 75.14(1), properties with unpaid taxes may be subject to tax certificates, making it important to pay supplemental assessments promptly when received.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,800
  • Tax Rate (estimated 1.35%): × 0.0135
  • Annual Tax: $4,034
  • Monthly Escrow: $336

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,800
  • Tax Rate (estimated 1.35%): × 0.0135
  • Annual Tax: $8,084
  • Monthly Escrow: $674

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,800
  • Tax Rate (estimated 1.35%): × 0.0135
  • Annual Tax: $13,484
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,124

Note: The Homestead Credit and other property tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Credits reduce your tax bill dollar-for-dollar, while the Homestead Credit may also limit annual assessment increases.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Pepin County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects a monthly amount equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill plus a small cushion to ensure adequate funds are available when taxes are due.

Property taxes in Pepin County are typically due by January 1st of the year following the tax levy year. Lenders usually pay the tax bill directly to the county treasurer from your escrow account before the due date. You'll receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the previous year's payments and any adjustments needed for the coming year.

If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly. You have the right to request escrow account information and can challenge the escrow analysis if you believe it's incorrect. Properties without mortgages or those with sufficient equity may pay taxes directly to the county treasurer.

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 Pepin County? A: Property taxes for the 2025 levy year are due by January 1, 2026. Late payments may be subject to penalties and interest charges.

Q: What property tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Wisconsin offers several property tax credits including the Homestead Credit, Veterans Disability Credit, and Senior Citizens/Disabled Persons Credit. All credits require annual application - none are automatic. Applications typically have specific deadlines and income requirements.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides tax relief based on your household income and can also limit annual assessment increases on your primary residence. You must apply annually, and the credit amount varies based on income levels. This is a tax credit that reduces your tax bill, not an exemption.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Pepin County? A: Wisconsin law requires reassessment at least every five years, though some counties assess annually. Contact the Pepin County Assessor's office for the specific assessment schedule and current year assessment dates.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the local Board of Review, typically meeting in May. You have specific deadlines to file appeals and should provide comparable property sales data to support your case.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. Severely delinquent taxes can result in tax certificates being issued, potentially leading to tax deed proceedings if left unpaid.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Pepin County Treasurer's office directly to confirm current online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Pepin County? A: Tax rates differ based on the combination of taxing districts serving your property, including school districts, municipalities, fire districts, and other special purpose districts. Each jurisdiction sets its own levy rate annually.

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