Impact of the Penny on Property Tax Bills

December 1, 2025

To: Municipal and County Clerks and Treasurers

Due to recent inquiries, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) would like to share the following information. The U.S. federal government is no longer minting the penny. In result, there may be a shortage of pennies in circulation.

Rounding Up/Down

Property tax bill amounts cannot be rounded up or down:
  • Under state law, all taxes on real property and on improvements on leased land must be paid in full. Either in one payment, two equal installment payments, or multiple installments (secs. 74.11, and 74.12, Wis. Stats.).
  • As the imposed property taxes include the property tax levies from the municipality and each taxing jurisdiction (county, school, technical college), the municipal and county treasurer are required to settle the collected property taxes with the other taxing jurisdictions or be subject to interest and penalty charges (sec. 74.31, Wis. Stats.)

Cash Transaction Policies

DOR is aware of local governments that require exact change for cash transactions. Municipalities and counties should consult with their legal counsels on the process of developing and implementing such policies.

We hope the above information is helpful.

Questions?

Contact us at lgs@wisconsin.gov.​