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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Pierce County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% of assessed value, varies by district due to overlapping municipal and school district levies
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Pierce County, Wisconsin operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, law enforcement, road maintenance, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated using an assessment ratio of 0.620305754 for the 2025 tax year, which helps determine the estimated fair market value shown on tax bills. The actual tax burden varies significantly depending on your location within Pierce County due to overlapping special taxing districts such as school districts, municipal services, and special assessment areas.

Property owners can expect effective tax rates that generally align with Wisconsin's statewide average of approximately 1% of assessed value, though individual rates may be higher or lower based on local levies and special district assessments. The county reassesses properties periodically, and property owners have appeal rights if they believe their assessment is incorrect. Most tax relief programs require annual applications and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate/Assessment RatioDescription
County Assessment Ratio0.620305754Base ratio used to calculate estimated fair market value on 2025 tax bills
County General LevyVaries by districtFunds county operations, courts, and services
School District LevyVaries by districtFunding for local school districts within Pierce County
Municipal LevyVaries by municipalityCity/town services, police, fire, public works
Technical College LevyVaries by districtWisconsin Indianhead Technical College funding
Special AssessmentsVaries by locationLibrary districts, sanitation, special improvement districts

Note: Actual mill rates vary significantly by location within Pierce County due to different combinations of taxing jurisdictions. Contact the Pierce County Treasurer's Office for your specific total mill rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Pierce 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 Pierce County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or property improvements completed after the annual assessment date. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in June and the annual assessment was completed in January, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering July through December for the increased assessed value. The supplemental tax amount would be calculated using the same tax rate as your regular property tax bill, applied only to the improvement value and only for the remaining months of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $186,092 (using 0.620305754 ratio)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$1,160
  • Net Taxable Value: $184,932
  • Annual Tax (estimated 1.8% effective rate): $3,329
  • Monthly Escrow: $277

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $372,184 (using 0.620305754 ratio)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$1,160
  • Net Taxable Value: $371,024
  • Annual Tax (estimated 1.8% effective rate): $6,678
  • Monthly Escrow: $557

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $620,306 (using 0.620305754 ratio)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$1,160
  • Net Taxable Value: $619,146
  • Annual Tax (estimated 1.8% effective rate): $11,145
  • Monthly Escrow: $929

Note: Homestead Credit requires annual application and eligibility depends on income limits. Actual tax rates vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Pierce County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law. The lender receives your tax bills directly and pays them on your behalf by the April 30 and October 31 deadlines.

Each year, your lender will provide an escrow analysis showing whether you have a shortage or surplus based on actual tax bills versus collected amounts. If taxes increase, your monthly payment will adjust accordingly. Property owners should verify that their lender receives current tax bills and makes timely payments, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow services.

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 Pierce County property taxes due for 2025? A: The first half payment is due April 30, 2025, and the second half is due October 31, 2025. Payments postmarked by these dates are considered timely.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The Wisconsin Homestead Credit is the primary tax credit available for eligible homeowners. This credit requires annual application with your Wisconsin income tax return and has income limitations. It is not automatic and must be claimed each year.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit helps limit property tax increases rather than reducing your home's market value. It requires annual filing with your Wisconsin tax return and has income eligibility requirements. The credit amount varies based on your income and property tax burden.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Pierce County? A: Wisconsin law requires property to be assessed annually, though not all properties are physically inspected each year. Assessment notices are typically mailed in spring, and property owners have appeal rights through the Board of Review process.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. Contact the Pierce County Treasurer's Office for current penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Pierce County Treasurer's Office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for property tax bills.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Pierce County? A: Different areas of Pierce County are served by different school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts (libraries, technical colleges, etc.), creating varying total tax rates depending on your property's location.

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 your municipal assessor's office for specific procedures and deadlines for assessment appeals.

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