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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Trempealeau County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by location, approximately 1% base rate plus municipal, school district, and special district levies
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Trempealeau County, Wisconsin operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential county services including law enforcement, road maintenance, courts, and county administration. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for local government operations, with the county working in conjunction with municipalities, school districts, and special taxing districts to provide comprehensive public services to residents.

The effective tax rate in Trempealeau County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of municipal, school district, and special district levies that apply to each property. While Wisconsin's statewide average effective rate is approximately 1%, your actual rate will depend on the specific taxing jurisdictions where your property is located. The county follows Wisconsin's property tax calendar with payments typically due in two installments, and property assessments are conducted regularly to maintain current market valuations for tax calculation purposes.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentDescription
County LevyBase county operations, sheriff, courts, highway department
Municipal LevyCity/town/village services (varies by municipality)
School District LevyLocal school district operations and debt service
Technical College LevyWestern Technical College district assessment
Special DistrictsMay include fire protection, ambulance, library, or other local services

Note: 2025 tax rates are not yet finalized as the county budget process is ongoing. The most recent available budget data is from 2024. Final 2025 levy rates will be determined after the county adopts its annual budget. Rates vary significantly by location within Trempealeau County depending on which combination of municipalities, school districts, and special taxing districts apply to your specific property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Trempealeau 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 Trempealeau County are additional property tax assessments that occur outside the regular annual tax cycle. These are typically triggered by significant changes to a property such as new construction, major improvements, or changes in property ownership that affect the assessed value during the tax year.

When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, and prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $100,000 home addition is completed in April, and the total tax rate is 2.5%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $2,500 × 9/12 months = $1,875 for the remaining tax year.

Example Calculation

Example calculations are estimates pending 2025 final tax rates

$300,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax (2.5% rate): ~$7,500
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$625

$600,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax (2.5% rate): ~$15,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,250

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax (2.5% rate): ~$25,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$2,083

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the Trempealeau County Assessor for specific credit eligibility and application procedures.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for Trempealeau County properties. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to the county when due. The monthly escrow amount is calculated by dividing your annual property tax bill by 12 months, often with an additional cushion for potential tax increases.

Escrow accounts are analyzed annually by your lender to ensure adequate funds are collected. If taxes increase significantly, you may receive an escrow shortage notice requiring additional payments or increased monthly escrow amounts. The second installment of property taxes is due July 31st each year and should be paid to the Trempealeau County Treasurer. If you pay taxes directly rather than through escrow, ensure timely payment to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Trempealeau County? A: The second installment is due by July 31st each year. Contact the Trempealeau County Treasurer's office for first installment due dates and current payment schedule.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Various tax credits may be available including homestead credits for qualifying homeowners. All credits require separate applications and are NOT automatically applied to your tax bill. Contact the Trempealeau County Assessor's office for available credits and application requirements.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit typically limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. You must file an application to receive this credit - it is not automatic. Contact the county assessor for current application deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Wisconsin law requires properties to be assessed annually, though not all properties receive physical inspections each year. The county assessor maintains current market valuations for tax calculation purposes.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed during the designated appeal period, typically in the spring. Contact the Trempealeau County Assessor's office for specific deadlines and appeal procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. Contact the Trempealeau County Treasurer for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Trempealeau County Treasurer's office at the county courthouse for available payment methods including online options.

Q: Why did my taxes increase if I didn't improve my property? A: Tax increases can result from rising property values, increased municipal/county/school budgets, or changes in special district levies. Your total tax is based on assessed value multiplied by the combined tax rate from all applicable jurisdictions.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Trempealeau County 2025 Adopted Budgetco.trempealeau.wi.us
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Informationcityofgalesvillewi.gov
03
Tax Doc
Tax Collections | City of Osseocityofosseo.us
04
PAYMENT OF SECOND INSTALLMENT OF PROPERTY ...cityofgalesvillewi.gov
05
Wisconsinirs.gov
06
County
Trempealeau County Full Reportwi.water.usgs.gov
07
Tax Doc
DOR Property Tax Exemption Formsrevenue.wi.gov
08
State
Trempealeau, Wisconsin FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ...trempealeauwi.gov
09
County
TREMPEALEAU COUNTY 2020 ADOPTED BUDGETco.trempealeau.wi.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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