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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Waupaca County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Waupaca 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
$5.35 per $1,000 assessed value (varies by district and special taxing areas)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Waupaca County, Wisconsin operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, including schools, county operations, municipal services, and special districts. Property taxes in Waupaca County fund essential services such as education, public safety, road maintenance, parks, and emergency services. The county follows Wisconsin's property tax structure where properties are assessed at fair market value without assessment caps.

For the 2025-2026 tax year, the mill rate in Waupaca County is $5.35 per $1,000 of assessed property value, which represents one of the lower rates in the region. However, actual tax rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, school districts, municipal boundaries, and local improvement districts. Property owners should expect their total effective tax rate to differ based on their specific location and the overlay of various taxing jurisdictions that serve their property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $1,000Description
Base County Levy$5.35Core county services and operations (2025-2026)
School DistrictVariesLocal school district operations and debt service
Municipal/TownshipVariesCity, village, or town services
Special DistrictsVariesFire, ambulance, library, sanitary districts
Technical CollegeVariesFox Valley Technical College district

Note: The $5.35 rate applies to the 2025-2026 levy year and represents the county portion only. Total effective rates typically range from $8-15 per $1,000 of assessed value depending on your specific combination of overlapping taxing districts. School district levies often represent the largest component of your total property tax bill.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Waupaca 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 Waupaca County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that were not reflected in the original assessment. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessment, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in March and your total tax rate is $12 per $1,000, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $900 ($100,000 ÷ 1,000 × $12 × 75% of the year remaining). Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular property tax bills and have their own payment due dates, typically 30 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,200 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Annual Tax: $3,405 (at $12/$1,000 total rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $284

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$800 (phased out at higher incomes)
  • Net Annual Tax: $7,000 (at $11.67/$1,000 total rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $583

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Credits Applied: $0 (income limits exceeded)
  • Net Annual Tax: $11,000 (at $11/$1,000 total rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $917

Note: Tax credits shown are estimates and require annual application. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts in your location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Waupaca County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly tax payments along with your mortgage payment and maintains these funds in a separate escrow account. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Waupaca County when they become due, typically by the January 31st deadline.

Lenders perform annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, and you'll receive an escrow statement showing all deposits and payments. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners can verify that taxes were paid correctly by checking with the Waupaca County Treasurer's office or accessing online payment records using your tax parcel number.

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 Waupaca County? A: Property taxes for the 2025-2026 levy year are due by January 31st for full payment. First installment payment options may be available as specified on your tax bill.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit, which requires annual application and income qualification. This credit can provide up to $1,680 in tax relief but phases out at higher income levels. Applications must be filed annually and are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits the year-over-year increase in your property's assessed value for tax purposes, typically capping increases at 10% annually. It does not reduce your property's market value but provides tax relief by limiting taxable assessment growth. You must apply annually to maintain eligibility.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Wisconsin requires reassessment at least every 5 years, though Waupaca County may reassess more frequently. You'll receive notice of any assessment changes and have appeal rights through the Board of Review process.

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

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Waupaca County typically offers online payment options. Visit the County Treasurer's website and have your tax parcel number ready for payment processing.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within the county? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, municipalities, fire districts, and other special taxing jurisdictions, creating varying total tax rates across locations.

Q: How do I find my property's tax parcel number? A: Your tax parcel number appears on your property tax bill and is required for making payments. You can also find it through the County Assessor's online property search system.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Operational Referendum 2026waupaca.k12.wi.us
02
County
Waupaca County Treasurerwaupacacounty-wi.gov
03
JUST SEARCH BY ONE OF THE OPTIONSwaupacacounty-wi.gov
04
Tax Doc
Resolution NO. 11/14/16(2016) Collection of Property Taxesfarmingtonwaup.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Taxes | Clintonville, Wisconsinclintonvillewi.gov
06
Wisconsinirs.gov
07
DOR Homestead Credit - Wisconsin Department of Revenuerevenue.wi.gov
08
County
WAUPACA COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCEwaupacacounty-wi.gov
09
Chapter 51 - Agricultureal Performance Standards and ...co.waupaca.wi.us
10
05-20-2025 Draft 2 2025 Shoreland Protection Ordinance ...waupacacounty-wi.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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