Finance

New tax rates are typically available in early December.

We begin calculating tax rates when three major items are finalized:

• final overall assessment values, typically complete in mid-November.
• certified tax levies from each taxing jurisdiction, typically complete in late November.
• tax credit information from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, complete by November 20.

1. By Mail
2. Online
3. 24 Hour Secure Payment Deposit
4. In Person at City Hall

Learn more about tax collection and payment options on our tax collection webpage.

Yes, visit our Property Tax Web Portal for this information.

Complete a Change of Address Form at the City Assessor’s office. If you make your change before November 15 it will be effective on the tax bills that are mailed out in December. If you make it after that date, it will be effective the following year.

The night deposit is located on the southwest end of city hall near the employee entrance.

There are three credits available:

• school tax levy credit
• first dollar credit
• lottery credit

School Tax Levy Credit

This credit direct relief to taxpayers by reducing the amount owed on their property tax bills. The school levies credit is allocated to municipalities based on their share of statewide school levies during the previous three years. Municipalities allocate the credit to individual taxpayers in proportion to the taxpayer’s share of the municipality’s total assessed value.

First Dollar Credit

This credit is paid to the owner of any real estate parcel on which at least one improvement owned by the land owner is located. The credit equals the school property tax on a certain amount of the value of the improvements. The credit value is calculated every year by the Department of Revenue. If the value of the parcel exceeds the credit value, a full credit is paid. If the value of the parcel is less than the credit value, the credit is paid on the actual value of the parcel.

Lottery Credit

This credit provides direct property tax relief to homeowners as a credit on their property tax bills.

You must establish ownership and residence of a property as of January 1 of the tax year. If you purchase a home after January 1, you must attest to the best of your knowledge that the property was the primary residence of the previous owner(s).

To receive the lottery credit, an eligible property owner must file an application with our Treasurer’s Office by January 31 following the issuance of the person’s property tax bill. If you miss this date and are eligible for the credit, you may file a late claim application with the Department of Revenue by October 1.

Once you receive the lottery credit on your tax bill it will be issued each year and you do not need to reapply for it. If you become ineligible for the lottery credit, you need to fill out a lottery and gaming credit removal request. Lottery Credit Form

The assessed value of a property is the dollar amount assigned to taxable real (by parcel) and personal (by owner) property by the assessor for the purpose of taxation. The assessed value for a property is shown on the yearly tax bill.

The assessment was established at the last valuation of the property by the Assessor’s Office. The estimated fair market value is calculated by taking the assessment and dividing it by the city wide assessment ratio. This ratio is determined by the Department of Revenue and the same ratio shows up on all tax bills within Wauwatosa. The estimated fair market value is displayed on the tax bill so property owners can see if their assessment is in line with the overall market; however, it is important to note that this value is just an estimate.

The City of Wauwatosa collects taxes from December through July 31 each year. If a tax bill becomes delinquent prior to July 31, it is paid to the City of Wauwatosa Treasurer’s Office. After July 31, delinquent taxes should be paid to the Milwaukee County Treasurer, 901 N. 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233. The phone number for the Milwaukee County Treasurer is (414) 278-4033.

Contact the Water Utility Business office at (414) 479-8963.

Yes, visit our online payment center to complete this transaction.

• Owner address information
• Animal information
• Verification of current rabies immunization–if rabies vaccination is not current, you must have your pet vaccinated by your veterinarian and provide a current rabies certificate.
• Payment of licensing fee

Where to purchase:

• Treasurer’s Office
• Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission office located at 3839 W Burnham St., West Milwaukee, WI 53215.
• You may apply for licenses online through the MADACC website (www.madacc.com)
• Mail in a Pet License Application to MADACC. The City of Wauwatosa does not issue licenses through mail.

For more information, please contact the treasurer’s office at (414) 479-8960.

Yes.