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1. When are property tax bills mailed out and the payment(s) due?

Property tax bills are mailed out by the Town, Village, and City Treasurers in mid- to late-December.

Payment of the first installment or “full” payment is due to the County Treasurer by January 31st, unless you reside in the Townships of Highland or Dairyland. The first installment or “full” payment is due to the Municipal Treasurer for that Township by January 31st. All second installment payments are due by July 31st, and payable to the Douglas County Treasurer.

FYI: If you miss paying the first installment by January 31st, then the second installment option for July is lost and interest begins accruing at 1% per month on the “entire” balance due, beginning February 1st, until paid in full.

2. Can I pay property taxes by credit/debit card?

Yes. All first half payments due to Douglas County (excluding the Towns of Dairyland and Highland), and all second half installment and delinquent payments may be paid by credit card or E-check. There will be a convenience fee charged for each transaction by our servicing provider, Value Payment Systems. The credit card and debit card fee is 2.39%; the minimum card fee is $2.00. E-check is a flat fee of $1.50 per entry. Payments can be made online through the Douglas County website. 

3. Am I able to make payments on my property taxes?

Yes! If paying your current taxes, to avoid interest charges, you must pay the first installment required by January 31st. Once that installment has been met, you may continue to make payments towards your second installment until the due date of July 31st. However, if you are unable to make your installments on time, payments will be accepted with interest accruing on the unpaid balance, at 1% per month, until paid in full beginning February 1st.

4. Where do I pay personal property taxes?

All personal property tax must be paid to the municipal treasurer of the township, village, or city where your property resides. PLEASE DO NOT SEND PAYMENT TO THE DOUGLAS COUNTY TREASURER.

5. Do I qualify for the Lottery and Gaming Credit and how do I apply?

You may claim a Lottery and Gaming Credit if, on January 1st, you are a Wisconsin resident, you are the recorded owner of the property, and the property is your primary residence. You may only claim “one” primary residence. Rental or other properties do not qualify for lottery credit. To apply for the Lottery and Gaming Credit, you may access the form through the Douglas County website. Please fill in the form and mail it to the Real Property Lister. If you have any questions please call the County Treasurer's Office at (715) 395-1632 or (715) 395-1348.

6. How long do I have before my unpaid taxes are up for tax deed by Douglas County?

By State Statute (74.57 (2) (b), the county is entitled to take tax deed after two (2) years, but is currently using a four (4) year cycle, which could be subject to change at any time. You should also be aware that not only does interest accrue on the balance due, but extra charges are added for abstract searches, publication fees in the newspaper, and certified letters mailed to all parties holding an interest in the property. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you implement a “payment plan” after two years of delinquency. Please feel free to contact the Douglas County Treasurer for any further information.