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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Vernon County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Vernon 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
Varies by district due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions (county levy: $12,092,055 for 2025)
1st Due
Jan 31
2nd Due
Jul 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Vernon County, Wisconsin operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including county government operations, public safety, road maintenance, and various special districts. Property taxes in Vernon County are assessed annually and collected in two installments, with due dates of January 31 and July 31. Property owners have the option to pay the full annual amount by January 31 or split payments between the two due dates.

The county's 2024 tax levy for the 2025 budget year was set at $12,092,055.00, though the final effective tax rate varies significantly by location within Vernon County due to overlapping special taxing districts including school districts, town governments, fire districts, and other municipal services. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ from the base county rate depending on which special districts serve their specific property location. Wisconsin's property tax system generally operates around a 1% base rate, but total effective rates including all taxing jurisdictions typically range higher when accounting for local district assessments.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate/Levy AmountDescription
County Base Levy$12,092,055.00 (FY 2025)Core county services, administration, public safety
School DistrictsVaries by districtK-12 education funding, varies significantly by school district boundaries
Municipal/TownVaries by municipalityLocal government services, varies by town or village
Special DistrictsVaries by locationFire districts, library districts, sanitary districts as applicable
Technical CollegeVaries by districtWestern Technical College or applicable district

Note: The final tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value will be calculated once the total assessed value for Vernon County is finalized for 2025. Rates vary significantly within the county based on which combination of special taxing districts serve each property. Property owners should contact the Vernon County Treasurer's office for location-specific rate information once 2025 rates are published.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Vernon County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Jan 31
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Jul 31
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 Vernon 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, property improvements exceeding permit thresholds, changes in property ownership that trigger reassessment, or corrections to previous assessments. These supplemental assessments are prorated based on the portion of the tax year remaining when the change becomes effective.

For example, if a homeowner completes a $50,000 home addition in September that increases their assessed value, they would receive a supplemental tax bill covering the additional tax liability from September through the end of the tax year. The calculation would take the increased assessed value, multiply by the applicable tax rate, then prorate for the remaining months of the fiscal year. Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 60 days of the assessment change and follow the same payment schedule as regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$3,000 assessment increase limit
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.0% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: ~$6,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$500

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$3,000 assessment increase limit
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.0% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: ~$12,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,000

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Tax Credits: Varies (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.0% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: ~$20,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,667

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary significantly by special taxing district location within Vernon County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Vernon County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, typically calculating 1/12th of the annual tax bill plus a small cushion for potential increases. Escrow payments are held in a separate account and disbursed directly to the Vernon County Treasurer on the January 31 and July 31 due dates.

Property owners with escrowed taxes should receive an annual escrow analysis from their lender showing the previous year's tax payments and any adjustments needed for the coming year. When Vernon County tax bills are issued, property owners should verify that their lender received the correct bill amount and will make timely payments. Any discrepancies should be reported immediately to both the lender and county treasurer's office to avoid late payment penalties or tax delinquency issues.

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 Vernon County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due January 31 and July 31. You can pay the full amount by January 31 or split into two installments with the second payment due July 31.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Wisconsin offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit for qualifying homeowners, Veteran Disability Credits, and Senior Citizen Credits. All credits require separate applications filed with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, typically by the March 31 deadline following the tax year.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits the annual increase in your property's assessed value for tax purposes, not the market value. This requires filing an annual application and meeting income eligibility requirements. It does not automatically reduce your property value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Vernon County? A: Wisconsin requires property reassessment to maintain assessments at fair market value. Vernon County follows state guidelines for periodic revaluation, with some areas reassessed annually and others on multi-year cycles.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties as specified in Wisconsin state law. Contact the Vernon County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options for delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Vernon County Treasurer's office directly for current online payment options and accepted payment methods, as these services may vary.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase when my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax increases can occur even with stable assessments due to increased levy amounts from the county, school district, or other special taxing districts serving your property.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the local Board of Review during their annual meeting period, typically in May. Contact the Vernon County Clerk's office for specific dates and appeal procedures for the current year.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
vernon county board of supervisorsvernoncountywi.gov
02
State
2025 Real Estate Equated Assessment Roll for Vernon ...revenue.wi.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Tax Estimates Under 2025 Act 15docs.legis.wisconsin.gov
04
Tax Doc
2025 PROPERTY TAX BILLS NOW AVAILABLEmtpleasantwi.gov
05
County
Welcome to Vernon County, WIvernoncountywi.gov
06
County
Tax due dates | Waukesha Countywaukeshacounty.gov
07
County
Vernon County Full Reportwi.water.usgs.gov
08
County
DOT Vernon County, Wisconsin Searchtrust.dot.state.wi.us
09
Tax Doc
DOR Property Tax Exemption Formsrevenue.wi.gov
10
County
Wisconsin Legislature: Vernon Countydocs.legis.wisconsin.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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