State Summary

• Tax Collection Method: Deeds
• Primary Bidding Type: Premium
• Redemption Period: None
• Redemption Interest Rate/Flat Penalty: Not applicable

The following information summarizes the life cycle, requirements, and administering of tax liens in the state of Wisconsin. Please read this information carefully. There are tax collection laws that pertain to all counties in Wisconsin, but be aware that there are subtle differences between the counties as well. When the word "typical" is used in the FAQs below, it indicates that most counties use this procedure/follow this convention, but not all counties.

Is Wisconsin a tax lien or a tax deed state?
Wisconsin is a tax deed state.

What is the name of the county official whom typically collects property taxes in Wisconsin?
Treasurer.

When are property taxes due in the state of Wisconsin?
Typically, property taxes are paid in two equal installments. The first half bill is due on or before January 31 and the second half bill is due on or before July 31. If the tax bill is under $100, full payment is due on January 31.

When do property taxes become delinquent in the state of Wisconsin?
Property tax bills become delinquent after the due dates of January 31 and July 31. Interest on delinquent tax bills accrues at 12% per annum. In addition to the interest accrual, a county board may choose to impose a flat rate penalty of up to 0.5% per month or fraction of a month.

What is the name of the county official whom typically conducts tax foreclosure sales in Wisconsin?
Treasurer.

When does the typical Wisconsin county hold their annual tax foreclosure sale?
Many Wisconsin tax deed foreclosure sales occur in late spring through late summer, but sales can occur at any time of year.

What are the registration requirements for the typical Wisconsin tax foreclosure sale?
Most Wisconsin counties used the sealed bid method for purchasing tax deeds. With most sealed bid auctions, each bidder is required to submit 10% of their bid amount as a deposit and a bid form created by the county. Many counties have bid forms available for downloading and printing on their Web sites.

What is the bidding type used at a typical Wisconsin tax deed sale?
Most Wisconsin counties used the sealed bid method. In a Wisconsin sealed bid sale, bidders are given a time window to submit their sealed bid. The county makes the list of available tax deed properties public along with the minimum bid amount. Generally, the minimum bid amount is the assessed value of the property plus back taxes and administrative costs. The amount of the sealed bid must be at least equal to the minimum bid amount to be accepted. The sealed bid must be accompanied by a county-created bid form and a deposit equal to 10% of the bid amount. At the end of bid sale time window on a specified date, the county opens the bids and will award each tax deed to the bidder with the best (highest) valid bid. 

What are the general terms of payment for the typical tax deed purchased at a Wisconsin tax deed sale?
Once a bidder has won a bid, he/she usually has from 14 to 30 days after the sale to pay the balance of the bid. Accepted payment types vary by county, but most counties accept cashier's checks and money orders, and some counties accept cash. The 10% bid deposit is returned to unsuccessful bidders.

Are tax deeds offered "over the counter" in Wisconsin?
Yes, most Wisconsin counties sell investors over-the-counter tax deeds if there is an inventory of tax-foreclosed properties that did not sell at the annual tax foreclosure sale. Many counties will post lists of county-owned property on their Web sites, and then interested investors inquire and submit bids for the properties. Depending on the situation, sometimes investors can buy tax-foreclosed properties for less than assessed value. However, sometimes counties will advertise these properties, require sealed bids, and award the property to the highest bidder.

What is the name of the office or official that determines the values of properties on a annual basis?
Typically, local (municipal) assessors determine properties values in their jurisdiction.

Wisconsin County Reference