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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Sawyer County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Sawyer 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
$24.60 per $1,000 assessed value (county average, varies by taxing district)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Sawyer County, Wisconsin operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public education, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and county administration. Property owners in Sawyer County can expect effective tax rates that vary significantly based on their specific location within the county, as multiple overlapping taxing jurisdictions create different rate structures across communities.

The estimated property tax rate for Sawyer County for the 2025 levy year is approximately $24.60 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, though this represents a county-wide average. Your actual tax rate will depend on the specific combination of taxing districts that serve your property, including school districts, municipal governments, technical college districts, and any special assessment districts for services like fire protection or sanitary districts. Sawyer County utilizes the Novus online system for property tax searches and information, allowing residents to research tax records by name, address, or tax identification number.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County General$3.20Basic county services, administration, sheriff
School District$12.50K-12 education (varies by district)
Technical College$1.85Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Municipal$4.80City/town services (varies by municipality)
Fire District$1.25Fire protection services (where applicable)
Special Assessments$1.00Varies by location and services
Total Estimated$24.60Average for FY 2025 levy year

Note: These rates are estimates for the 2025 levy year and vary significantly by location within Sawyer County. Properties may be subject to additional special district taxes not reflected in this table. Contact the Sawyer County Assessor for specific rates applicable to your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Sawyer 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 property taxes in Sawyer County are additional tax bills issued when there are significant changes to property ownership, value, or use during the current tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, major renovations that increase assessed value, or changes in property classification from exempt to taxable status. Wisconsin's state-imposed limits on county property tax levies, implemented beginning with the 2006 budget year, affect how supplemental taxes are calculated and distributed.

When a supplemental tax is triggered, the county assessor determines the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, then applies the current tax rate to calculate the additional tax owed. For example, if new construction adds $100,000 in assessed value to your property mid-year, and your total tax rate is $24.60 per $1,000, you would owe approximately $2,460 in supplemental taxes, prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. These supplemental bills are typically issued within 60-90 days of the triggering event and have separate due dates from your regular property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,200 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,800
  • Annual Tax ($24.60 per $1,000): $7,351
  • Monthly Escrow: $613

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,200 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,800
  • Annual Tax ($24.60 per $1,000): $14,731
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,228

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • No Credits Available (income limits exceeded)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax ($24.60 per $1,000): $24,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,050

Note: Homestead Credit requires annual application and has income limitations. Credits shown are estimates and actual amounts may vary based on individual circumstances and current program parameters.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Sawyer County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, typically calculating 1/12th of your annual property tax bill plus a small cushion for potential increases. Since Sawyer County property taxes are due January 31st annually, lenders typically make the full payment to the county treasurer in late January using funds accumulated in your escrow account throughout the year.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing deposits, payments made on your behalf, and any surplus or shortage in the account. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly. You can verify that your lender has made proper payment by checking the Novus online system or contacting the Sawyer County Treasurer's office directly. If you pay your own property taxes, remember that payments after January 31st must be made directly to the Sawyer County Treasurer rather than local municipalities.

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 Sawyer County? A: Property taxes for the current fiscal year are due by January 31st. Any payments made after January 31st must be paid directly to the Sawyer County Treasurer and will be subject to penalties and interest.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary tax credit available is the Homestead Credit, which requires annual application and has income limitations. This credit caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Applications must be filed annually - credits are NOT automatic and require qualifying income levels.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases (typically to around 10%) rather than reducing your property's market value. You must apply annually and meet income qualifications. This is a tax credit that reduces your final tax bill, not an exemption from assessed value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Sawyer County? A: Wisconsin law requires properties to be assessed annually, though not all properties receive full reassessment each year. Major reassessments typically occur on rotating cycles, with market value adjustments made based on recent sales data and property improvements.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners can appeal assessments through the Board of Review process, typically held in May. You must provide evidence that your assessment exceeds fair market value compared to similar properties or recent sales.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Properties with unpaid taxes after January 31st are subject to interest charges and penalties. The exact penalty structure is set annually by the county treasurer and compounds over time until paid in full.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check the Sawyer County Treasurer's website for current online payment options. The county uses the Novus system for tax information searches, which may include payment capabilities.

Q: Why did my taxes increase when I didn't improve my property? A: Tax increases can result from rising property values in your area, increased municipal or school district budgets, new special district assessments, or changes in state funding that shift costs to local property taxes. Even without improvements to your specific property, market conditions affect assessed values.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Property Tax Search | Sawyer County, WIsawyercounty.gov
02
County
Property Tax Payment Information | Sawyer County, WIsawyercounty.gov
03
2026 Budget Hearing Notice.xlsxsawyercounty.gov
04
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQsawyercounty.gov
05
County
Treasurer | Sawyer County, WIsawyercounty.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Bills Were Mailed 12/14/2024basslakewi.gov
07
Wisconsinirs.gov
08
DOR Homestead Credit - Wisconsin Department of Revenuerevenue.wi.gov
09
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Credit (Informational Paper 13)docs.legis.wisconsin.gov
10
State
2021 Financial Statementsawyercounty.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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