HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Winnebago County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
3.7555% for 2025 (varies 2.5% to 4%+ by district and municipality)
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Winnebago County, Wisconsin operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, municipal services, county operations, and special districts. The county follows Wisconsin's property tax framework with an assessment-based system where properties are valued annually and taxed according to local levy requirements.

The 2025 property tax rate for Winnebago County is 3.7555%, collectible in 2026, representing a decrease of $0.04 from the previous year. However, actual tax rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. Property owners may pay anywhere from 2.5% to over 4% depending on their specific location and the overlay of various taxing jurisdictions including technical college districts, school districts, and special assessments.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County Levy0.45% - 0.55%General county operations, services
School District1.8% - 2.4%K-12 education funding
Municipal0.3% - 0.8%City/town/village services
Technical College0.15% - 0.25%Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Special Districts0.0% - 0.5%Fire, ambulance, library, sanitary districts
Total Rate (FY 2025-2026)2.7% - 4.2%Varies by specific location

Note: The county average of 3.7555% applies to properties within the most common taxing district combinations. Your specific rate depends on which school district, municipality, and special districts serve your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Winnebago 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 Winnebago County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or substantial improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. These taxes are calculated on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year the higher value applies.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July and your property tax rate is 3.5%, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($100,000 × 3.5%) × (6 months ÷ 12 months) = $1,750. Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular property tax bills and have their own payment deadlines, typically 30 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$12,000 assessment growth cap benefit
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$288,000
  • Tax Rate: 3.7555%
  • Annual Tax: $10,815
  • Monthly Escrow: $901

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$15,000 assessment growth cap benefit
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$585,000
  • Tax Rate: 3.7555%
  • Annual Tax: $21,970
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,831

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Senior Citizen Credit (if eligible and applied): -$20,000 assessment limitation
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$980,000
  • Tax Rate: 3.7555%
  • Annual Tax: $36,804
  • Monthly Escrow: $3,067

Note: All credits require annual application and eligibility verification. Benefits shown are estimates and actual credit amounts depend on individual circumstances and assessment history.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Winnebago County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly payments equal to 1/12th of the annual property tax bill plus a small cushion for rate increases. Property taxes in Wisconsin are paid in arrears, meaning 2026 taxes (based on 2025 assessments) are due January 31, 2027.

Lenders typically pay property tax bills directly to the Winnebago County Treasurer before the January 31 deadline. Property owners should verify their escrow account balances annually when tax bills are issued, as Wisconsin law requires lenders to provide escrow account statements and adjust monthly payments if necessary. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly.

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 Winnebago County? A: The first installment for FY 2025-2026 property taxes is due January 31, 2026, payable to the Winnebago County Treasurer.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Wisconsin offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit (limits assessment increases), Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze, and Veterans' exemptions. All require annual applications with specific deadlines, typically March 1st for the following tax year.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It requires filing an application and maintaining continuous residence. The credit limits how much your assessed value can increase year-over-year, not your actual property value.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Winnebago County? A: Wisconsin requires annual assessments. Assessment notices are typically mailed in May, with appeal deadlines usually 30 days after the notice date.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Wisconsin imposes interest charges on delinquent property taxes, typically 1% per month. Additional collection fees may apply for severely delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Winnebago County offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's website, accepting electronic checks and credit cards (fees may apply for credit card payments).

Q: Why do tax rates vary within the county? A: Different combinations of school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts (fire, library, technical college) create varying total tax rates throughout the county.

Q: How do I apply for the Senior Assessment Freeze? A: Applications for the 2026 (payable 2027) Senior Assessment Freeze will be mailed around March 1, 2026, to qualifying seniors age 65+ who meet income requirements. The application must be returned by the specified deadline.

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate