Property Tax Relief Credits

Sec. ​79.10, Wis. Stats.

1. What property tax credits are available in Wisconsin?


2. What credits are directly applied to my property tax bill?


3. What credits can I claim on my income tax return?


4. Are there other programs that help with paying property taxes?

1. ​ What property tax credits are available in Wisconsin?
   
   

   A property owner may qualify for several different types of credits:

   • Wisconsin has credits that are applied directly to a property tax bill if the property or owner qualifies and/or applies for the credit (see question 2)
   • Wisconsin also has income tax credits designed to help offset property taxes. These credits are available for qualifying property owners when they complete their Wisconsin income tax return. (see question 3)
   • Some homeowners may qualify for special loans to help pay property taxes (see question 4)
   
   


2. What credits are directly applied to my property tax bill?
   
   

   Lottery and Gaming Credit

   • If you are a Wisconsin resident, own your property and it is your primary residence, the property may qualify for this credit
   • For more information, visit: revenue.wi.gov/Pages/FAQS/slf-lottcr.aspx
   • This credit amount (if provided) is listed on the property tax bill below the "First Dollar Credit" line
   
   

   First Dollar Credit

   • If there is a real property improvement on the land, the property qualifies for the First Dollar Credit
   • For more information, visit: revenue.wi.gov/Pages/FAQS/slf-fdolcred.aspx
   • This credit amount (if provided) is listed on the property tax bill above the "Lottery and Gaming Credit” line
   
   

   School Levy Tax Credit

   • All taxable real property in Wisconsin qualifies for the School Levy Tax Credit
   • This credit amount is listed on the property tax bill below the "Net Assessed Value Rate" box
   
   

   For more information on property tax credits listed on the property tax bill, contact us at "Submit a Question" or (608) 266-9457.



3. What credits can I claim on my income tax return?
   
   

   If you qualify, you may claim the tax credits listed below on your Wisconsin income tax return. To determine if you qualify, first review the applicable Wisconsin income tax return instructions and the common questions for these credits. If you have additional questions, contact the agency responsible for the credit.

   Homestead Credit

   • Common questions - revenue.wi.gov/Pages/FAQS/ise-home.aspx
   • Credit information - revenue.wi.gov/Pages/Individuals/homestead.aspx
   • Email - dorhomesteadcredit@wisconsin.gov
   
   

   Farmland Preservation Credit

   • Common questions - revenue.wi.gov/Pages/FAQS/ise-farm.aspx
   • Wisconsin Department of Agriculture
     Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
     PO Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-8911
   • Email - dorfarmlandpreservationcredit@wisconsin.gov
   
   

   Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit

   • Common questions - revenue.wi.gov/pages/faqs/ise-vetprop.aspx
   • Email - income@wisconsin.gov
   
   

   Renter's and Homeowner's School Property Tax Credit

   • For more information, contact income@wisconsin.gov.
   
   


4. Are there other programs that help with paying property taxes?
   
   

   Yes. The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) provides property tax deferral loans for the elderly. For more information, contact WHEDA:

   PO Box 1728
   Madison, WI 53701-1728
   (800) 755-7835
   Email - underwriting@wheda.com