Dane County Property Tax Appeal — Wisconsin

Rob Hartley·Updated February 16, 2026

Dane County, home to Wisconsin's state capital Madison, is one of Wisconsin's largest counties. In 2023, homeowners in Dane County paid some of the highest property taxes in Wisconsin, with a median annual property tax of $6,170 to $6,494, significantly higher than both the state median of $3,680 and the national median of $2,400. Dane County has the second highest effective tax rate in Wisconsin at 1.57% to 1.81%, well above the national average of 0.89%.

Notable cities: Madison, Middleton, Fitchburg, Sun Prairie, Verona

Median Home

$304,700

Tax Rate

2.02%

Annual Tax

$7,324

Population

560,000

2026 Appeal Deadline: After Board of Review

Property owners can appeal assessments during Open Book (discussing with assessor) and Board of Review (quasi-judicial setting). After Board of Review, it would normally be too late for the property owner to appeal the assessed property value for the given year.

Property in Dane County, Wisconsin — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Dane County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: The property tax process begins with assessments, which are conducted by the local municipal assessor for the City, Town, or Village

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: Spring (April-May)

In Wisconsin, properties are assessed at 100% of their market value, meaning your assessed value equals your market value unless exemptions apply. If your home's market value is $304,700 (the median in Dane County), at Wisconsin's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $304,700, resulting in approximately $6,155 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 2.02%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Review. Board of Review is a quasi-judicial setting where property owners can appeal assessments. Purchase price is usually the best evidence of market value if you recently purchased the property.

Step 1: Receive your Notice of Assessment from the local assessor (typically March or later)

Step 2: Attend Open Book to discuss assessments informally with the assessor

Step 3: If not satisfied, file an appeal to appear before the Board of Review

Step 4: Submit sufficient proof that property is overassessed, including valuations of similar homes nearby as evidence

Step 5: If Board of Review denies appeal, you may appeal to circuit court under certiorari or to Wisconsin Department of Revenue

Required form: Property tax appeal form (call assessor's office)

Filing Methods

phone:Call the Dane County Assessor's Office at(608) 266-4151 and ask for a property tax appeal form

in-person:Dane County Treasurer - Property Lister, City County Building, Room 114, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Madison, WI 53703

Evidence to Bring

Recent purchase priceSale prices of comparable propertiesProfessional appraisal

Dane County Assessor Contact

Dane County Treasurer - Property Lister

Phone: (608) 266-4266

Address: 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., City County Building, Room 114, Madison, WI 53703

Website: https://accessdane.danecounty.gov/

Online Portal: https://accessdane.danecounty.gov/

Tax Exemptions in Dane County

Homestead Credit

Varies based on income

The Dane County Homestead Exemption can reduce the appraised valuation of a primary residence before calculating the property tax owed, resulting in a lower annual property tax rate for owner-occupied homes.

Eligibility: Primary residence of the taxpayerDeadline: Contact assessor for details

Property Tax Exemptions

Varies by exemption type

Property taxes are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.

Eligibility: Varies by exemption typeDeadline: Contact assessor for specific deadlines

Official Resources

Access Dane - Property Information Portal →

Search property records, view assessments, tax bills, and payment history for properties in Dane County

Dane County Treasurer's Office →

Official site for property tax payments, due dates, and treasurer services

Wisconsin Department of Revenue - Property Owner Guide →

Comprehensive guide explaining property assessment and the appeal process in Wisconsin

Dane County Planning & Development - Property Listing →

Contact information and resources for property listing and assessment questions

Check Your Dane County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your Dane County property is overassessed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Dane County?

In Dane County, property tax appeals must be filed during the Open Book period or at the Board of Review hearing, which typically occur in spring after assessment notices are mailed (usually March or later). After the Board of Review concludes, it's generally too late to appeal your assessed property value for that tax year. Property tax appeals are generally only accepted in a 1-3 month window each year. Contact your local municipal assessor for exact dates.

How much could I save by appealing my property taxes in Dane County?

Statistics show that about 25% of homes in America are unfairly overassessed, and pay an average of $1,346 too much in property taxes every year. With Dane County's median effective property tax rate of 2.02% and median annual tax bill of $7,324, which is $4,924 higher than the national median, even a modest reduction in your assessment could result in significant savings. Success depends on providing strong evidence that your property is overvalued.

What evidence do I need for a Dane County property tax appeal?

The best evidence for your appeal includes: your recent purchase price if you bought the property recently, sale prices of comparable properties in your neighborhood, and a professionally prepared appraisal. You'll need to submit sufficient proof that your property is overassessed, including valuations of similar homes nearby as evidence. The assessor will also consider the assessment level of your taxation district.

What happens at a Board of Review hearing in Dane County?

The Board of Review is a quasi-judicial setting where property owners can formally appeal their assessments. The Board operates like a court and acts only on evidence introduced orally. You'll present your evidence showing why your property is overassessed, and the assessor will present their valuation. If your appeal is denied at the Board of Review, you can still appeal to circuit court or the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

How do I file a property tax appeal in Dane County?

To file a property tax appeal in Dane County, call the Dane County Assessor's Office at(608) 266-4151 and ask for a property tax appeal form. You can first discuss your assessment informally with the assessor during Open Book, then formally appeal at the Board of Review if needed. The office is located at 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., City County Building, Room 114, Madison, WI 53703.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Dane County?

The Dane County Homestead Exemption can reduce the appraised valuation of a primary residence before calculating property tax owed, resulting in lower annual property taxes for owner-occupied homes. This exemption is one of several that can lower your tax assessed value below the actual market value. The exact amount varies based on income and other factors. Contact the Dane County Assessor's office at(608) 266-4151 for specific eligibility requirements and benefit amounts.

For state-wide appeal information including Wisconsin's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Wisconsin Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More Wisconsin Counties

Milwaukee County (Milwaukee)Waukesha County (Waukesha)

← All Wisconsin property tax appeal info

Sources: https://treasurer.danecounty.gov/property-tax | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/wisconsin/dane-county | https://smartasset.com/taxes/wisconsin-property-tax-calculator | https://www.tax-rates.org/wisconsin/dane_county_property_tax | https://www.taxassessors.net/wisconsin/danecounty.htm | https://www.danecountyplanning.com/Land-Records/Property-Listing-and-Assessments

Last verified: 2026-02-16