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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Rusk County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Rusk 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% of assessed value, varies by municipality and special districts within Rusk County
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Rusk County, Wisconsin operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, law enforcement, road maintenance, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated using assessed values and applied tax rates that vary by location within the county due to different special taxing districts and municipal boundaries. The county uses an assessment ratio of approximately 0.557 to determine fair market value estimates for tax calculation purposes.

Property tax rates in Rusk County typically align with Wisconsin's statewide average of around 1% of assessed value, though actual effective rates vary significantly based on your specific location within the county. Different municipalities, school districts, and special service districts each levy their own taxes, creating unique total tax rates for different areas. Property owners should expect variations in their tax rates depending on whether they're located within incorporated municipalities, specific school district boundaries, or special assessment districts for services like fire protection or lake management.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate/StatusDescription
County GeneralVariableFunds county operations, courthouse, sheriff, social services
School DistrictsVariableLocal school district operational and debt service levies
MunicipalVariableCity/village services (if applicable to property location)
Technical CollegeVariableWisconsin Indianhead Technical College district levy
Special DistrictsVariableFire districts, lake districts, sanitary districts as applicable
Total Effective Rate~1.0%Combined rate varies by specific property location

Note: Exact 2025 tax rates are pending final determination by state and local authorities. Rates shown are estimates based on historical data. Your actual tax rate depends on the specific combination of taxing jurisdictions where your property is located within Rusk County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Rusk 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 Rusk County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction after the main assessment roll has been completed. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: completing new construction or additions, removing deed restrictions, changing property use classifications, or correcting assessment errors. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July and your area's tax rate is 1.2%, you would owe approximately $300 in supplemental taxes (($50,000 × 0.012) × 0.5 years remaining). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued separately from regular property tax bills and have their own payment due dates.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$1,168
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,832
  • Annual Tax (at 1.0% rate): $2,988
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $249

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$1,168
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,832
  • Annual Tax (at 1.0% rate): $5,988
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $499

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (not applicable - exceeds income limits)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.0% rate): $10,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $833

Note: Homestead Credit requires annual application and has income limitations. Credit amounts and eligibility vary based on household income and property taxes owed.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Rusk County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Rusk County when they become due on January 31st each year.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, adjusting your monthly payment if property taxes increase or decrease significantly. You'll receive an escrow analysis statement showing the previous year's tax payments and any adjustments to your monthly escrow amount. If you pay your own property taxes, you're responsible for ensuring payment reaches the Rusk County Treasurer by January 31st to avoid penalties and interest charges. Property owners should verify their tax payments were received and properly credited to their account.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Rusk County? A: Property taxes are due January 31st annually. After January 31st, payments should be made to the Rusk County Clerk rather than the Treasurer.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary credit is the Wisconsin Homestead Credit, which can provide up to $1,168 annually. This credit REQUIRES annual application with your Wisconsin tax return and has income limitations. Most credits are not automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit helps limit property tax increases for qualifying homeowners based on income. It requires annual application through your Wisconsin income tax return and phases out at higher income levels. You must apply each year - it's not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Rusk County? A: Wisconsin law requires reassessment at least once every five years, though some municipalities reassess more frequently. You'll receive notice if your assessment changes significantly.

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. Contact the Rusk County Clerk for specific dates and procedures for your municipality.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest and penalties accrue on unpaid property taxes after January 31st. Contact the Rusk County Clerk for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Rusk County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Rusk County? A: Different combinations of school districts, municipalities, fire districts, and other special taxing districts create varying total tax rates throughout the county. Your location determines which districts tax your property.

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 5soarusk Countyrevenue.wi.gov
02
Tax Doc
1. This budget will raise more revenue from property taxes ...ruskcountytx.gov
03
2025-Final-Equalized-Values.pdfrevenue.wi.gov
04
County
Town of Willard – Rusk County, Wisconsinwillardwi.gov
05
WI 15163 - SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Wisconsin ...sba.gov
06
County
Property Taxes | Racine County, WIracinecounty.gov
07
Wisconsinirs.gov
08
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Credit (Informational Paper 13)docs.legis.wisconsin.gov
09
Tax Doc
The Homestead Tax Credit Program Summaryrevenue.wi.gov
10
“The Biden-Harris Border Crisis: Wisconsin Perspectives”congress.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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