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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Wood County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Wood 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
Approximately 1.85% effective rate (varies by municipality and taxing districts within Wood County)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Wood County, Wisconsin operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county government operations, municipal services, and special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with Wisconsin's statewide average effective tax rate around 1.85%. In Wood County, property owners can expect effective rates that generally align with this state average, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts.

Property tax bills in Wood County reflect levies from multiple jurisdictions: the county itself, school districts, municipalities (cities, towns, or villages), technical college districts, and various special purpose districts such as library systems or emergency services. Each property's total tax rate depends on which specific combination of these districts serves that location. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue oversees assessment practices, while the Wood County Treasurer's Office handles tax collection and administration.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available data for the 2025 tax year, specific mill rates have not yet been finalized as tax levies are typically set in late fall. Here's the general structure of Wood County property tax components:

ComponentEstimated Rate RangeDescription
County Operations3.5-4.5 millsGeneral county services, sheriff, courts, highways
School Districts8.0-12.0 millsK-12 education, varies by district
Municipal2.0-8.0 millsCity/town/village services, varies significantly
Technical College0.8-1.2 millsWisconsin Rapids area technical college district
Special Districts0.5-3.0 millsLibrary, fire, emergency services, other districts

Total Estimated Range: 14.8-28.7 mills (rates expressed per $1,000 of assessed value)

Note that 2025 levy year rates will be finalized in December 2024 and applied to 2025 tax bills. Properties in different areas of Wood County will have different total rates based on their specific combination of taxing jurisdictions.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Wood 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

Wisconsin does not typically issue supplemental tax bills during the tax year like some other states. Instead, Wood County follows Wisconsin's standard annual assessment and billing cycle. However, property tax adjustments can occur in specific situations:

New Construction: Properties with new construction or improvements completed after January 1st (the assessment date) may receive an adjusted assessment that affects the following year's taxes. The county assessor prorates the additional tax based on when the construction was completed and the property became habitable or usable.

Omitted Property: If previously untaxed property or improvements are discovered, the county can assess back taxes for up to four years, plus interest and penalties. For example, if a $50,000 addition was not previously assessed in a district with a 20-mill rate, the annual additional tax would be approximately $1,000 ($50,000 ÷ 1,000 × 20 mills).

Example Calculation

The following examples use estimated rates and common tax credits for Wood County properties in the 2025 tax year:

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Lottery/Gaming Credit: -$150
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: 18.5 mills (example district combination)
  • Annual Tax: $5,550
  • Monthly Escrow: $462.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Lottery/Gaming Credit: -$150
  • School Levy Credit: -$1,200
  • Net Tax After Credits: $10,750
  • Tax Rate: 19.2 mills
  • Monthly Escrow: $895.83

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Lottery/Gaming Credit: -$150
  • School Levy Credit: -$1,200
  • Net Tax After Credits: $18,150
  • Tax Rate: 19.5 mills
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,512.50

Note: All credits require application and eligibility verification. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts serving each property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Wood County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly payments equal to 1/12 of the annual property tax bill plus insurance premiums. These funds are held in escrow accounts and paid directly to the Wood County Treasurer's Office when taxes are due.

Wood County property taxes are payable in two installments: the first installment is due by January 31st, and the second by April 30th. Lenders typically pay the first installment in January and the second in April. Property owners should verify that their mortgage servicer has current tax information, as changes in assessed value or tax rates can create escrow shortages or surpluses.

Property owners can verify tax payments and balances through the Wood County Treasurer's website. If you're paying taxes directly (without escrow), you can pay online, by mail, or in-person at the Wood County Treasurer's Office. Always confirm your lender is making timely payments to avoid late fees and interest charges.

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 Wood County property taxes due for 2025? A: First installment is due by January 31, 2025; second installment by April 30, 2025. Late payments incur interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Wisconsin offers Lottery/Gaming Credit (automatic), School Levy Credit (automatic for qualifying properties), and Homestead Credit (requires application). The Homestead Credit limits assessment increases for qualifying homeowners and must be applied for annually.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps the increase in your home's assessed value used for school taxes, typically limiting annual increases. This is NOT a reduction in market value but a limit on taxable value growth. You must apply annually by March 1st to maintain eligibility.

Q: Are there property tax benefits for seniors? A: Yes, Wisconsin offers a Homestead Exemption Program for property owners 65 or older, or those who are permanently disabled. This requires application and income qualification. Contact the Wood County Assessor's Office for details.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Wood County? A: Wisconsin requires reassessment at least every five years, though many areas reassess more frequently. Wood County follows state guidelines with periodic revaluation cycles.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, assessment appeals must be filed by objection deadlines (typically in May). Contact the Wood County Assessor's Office for specific procedures and deadlines.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Interest charges apply to late payments. After April 30th, unpaid taxes become delinquent and are transferred to the county treasurer with additional penalties and fees.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Wood County offers online payment options through their treasurer's website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card (fees may apply for credit cards).

Q: Why did my taxes increase if my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax increases can occur even with stable assessments due to higher mill rates from increased municipal, school, or county budgets, or new debt service levies.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Properties may be subject to additional taxes from fire districts, library districts, or other special purpose districts. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and vary by location within Wood County.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Tax Data Files - Wood County Wisconsinwoodcountywi.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Taxescityofmarshfieldwi.gov
03
County
2025 Statement of Assessment for 5soawood Countyrevenue.wi.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Paymentwoodcountywi.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Taxeswirapids.gov
06
PUBLIC PROPERTY COMMITTEEwoodcountywi.gov
07
County
Tax Reduction | Wood County Auditorauditor.co.wood.oh.us
08
County
Wood County Full Reportwi.water.usgs.gov
09
H & H-EZ Wisconsin Homestead Creditrevenue.wi.gov
10
2024 adopted budgetwoodcountywi.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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