Wisconsin · Property tax exemptions · Updated Oct 2026
Wisconsin property tax exemptions
Homestead, senior, veteran, disability and surviving-spouse breaks in Wisconsin: what each one is worth, who qualifies, how to apply and the deadline, in plain English.
See the ruleshomestead exemption
Yessenior break
See the rulesdisabled veterans
See belowhomestead deadline
1.42%median tax rate
Exemptions by group
Every break for one group on one page, with step-by-step instructions and the tools set for that group.
Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit
Where to apply in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has no homestead exemption. The lottery and gaming credit is applied on your tax bill by your county or city treasurer (you apply to the treasurer, or late to the Department of Revenue). The homestead credit and the veterans credit are claimed on your state income tax return with the Department of Revenue; the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs certifies veteran eligibility.
A credit shown on your property tax bill for your primary residence. The amount changes every year and by place: the state sets a maximum credit value each November, and your credit is that value (or your home's value, if less) times your local school tax rate.
Who qualifies
Wisconsin residents who own a dwelling and use it as their primary residence on January 1 of the year the taxes are levied. Only one primary residence per owner; not for rentals, business property or vacant land.
How to apply
File a lottery and gaming credit application with the county treasurer (or the city treasurer in cities that collect their own taxes). If your bill does not show the credit, apply to your municipal treasurer, or file online through the Department of Revenue. Tell the county treasurer within 30 days (Form LC-400) if the home stops qualifying.
If the credit is missing from your bill: apply to the municipal treasurer by January 31 after the bill is issued, or file a late claim with the Department of Revenue by October 1.
Renewal
One-time; the credit stays on the property while it remains your primary residence.
A refundable state income tax credit for part of your property taxes (or rent). Maximum $1,168 for 2025; the amount depends on household income and property taxes.
Who qualifies
You owned (or rented) and lived in a Wisconsin home subject to property tax in 2025, were a Wisconsin resident all year, were 18 or older on December 31, 2025, could not be claimed as a dependent (unless 62 or older), and either had earned income, are disabled, or are 62 or older (you or your spouse). You cannot claim the veterans property tax credit or farmland preservation credit for the same year, or the retirement income subtraction.
Income limit
Household income under $24,680 for 2025 (includes taxable and some nontaxable income, minus $500 for each dependent)
How to apply
File Schedule H or H-EZ with your Wisconsin income tax return, or by itself, with your 2025 property tax bill.
Within four years of the unextended due date of that year's income tax return: the 2025 Schedule H or H-EZ is due by April 15, 2030 (2025 Schedule H instructions). Do not file it before January 1, 2026.
Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit
A refundable state income tax credit equal to the property taxes you paid on your principal residence and up to one acre of land, so in effect your home's property tax comes back to you.
Who qualifies
A veteran who served on active duty under honorable conditions, was a Wisconsin resident when entering service (or for any 5 straight years after), lives in Wisconsin now, and has a 100% service-connected disability rating or a 100% rating based on individual unemployability. Also the unremarried surviving spouse of: a qualifying veteran; a service member who died on active duty; a Guard or reserve member who died in the line of duty; or a veteran whose spouse receives VA dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC).
How to apply
First get a verification of eligibility from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (form WDVA 2097, with your DD-214 and a VA letter dated within 12 months). Then claim the credit on your Wisconsin income tax return, attaching the WDVA verification (first year only) and your property tax bills with proof of payment.
Wisconsin has no homestead, senior or disabled exemption on assessed value; relief comes as credits on your tax bill or your income tax return.
If you claim the veterans property tax credit, you cannot also claim the homestead credit or school property tax credit for that year.
New owners who buy a home after January 1 can get the lottery credit only if the previous owner used it as a primary residence on January 1.
Savings estimate for Wisconsin
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Wisconsin
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Document checklist for Wisconsin
Pick the breaks you plan to apply for. You get a checklist of forms, documents, steps and deadlines to print or keep on your phone.
Questions about property tax exemptions in Wisconsin
Is there a homestead exemption in Wisconsin?
Yes: the Lottery and Gaming Credit. A credit shown on your property tax bill for your primary residence. The amount changes every year and by place: the state sets a maximum credit value each November, and your credit is that value (or your home's value, if less) times your local school tax rate. Who qualifies: Wisconsin residents who own a dwelling and use it as their primary residence on January 1 of the year the taxes are levied. Only one primary residence per owner; not for rentals, business property or vacant land.
When is the deadline to apply for the homestead exemption in Wisconsin?
If the credit is missing from your bill: apply to the municipal treasurer by January 31 after the bill is issued, or file a late claim with the Department of Revenue by October 1.
Do I have to reapply for the homestead exemption every year in Wisconsin?
One-time; the credit stays on the property while it remains your primary residence.
Are there property tax breaks for seniors in Wisconsin?
Homestead Credit: A refundable state income tax credit for part of your property taxes (or rent). Maximum $1,168 for 2025; the amount depends on household income and property taxes.
Do disabled veterans get a property tax exemption in Wisconsin?
Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit: A refundable state income tax credit equal to the property taxes you paid on your principal residence and up to one acre of land, so in effect your home's property tax comes back to you.
Where do I apply for property tax exemptions in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has no homestead exemption. The lottery and gaming credit is applied on your tax bill by your county or city treasurer (you apply to the treasurer, or late to the Department of Revenue). The homestead credit and the veterans credit are claimed on your state income tax return with the Department of Revenue; the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs certifies veteran eligibility.
Think your home’s assessed value is too high? An exemption and an appeal are separate: you can do both.
Median effective tax rate: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2020–2024 5-year estimates, tables B25103 (median real estate taxes paid, owner-occupied homes) and B25077 (median value, owner-occupied homes). The rate is the median tax paid divided by the median home value.