AppealDesk

Kenosha County Property Tax Appeal, Wisconsin

Travis BunnTravis Bunn·Updated July 22, 2026

Kenosha County is located in southeastern Wisconsin along the shore of Lake Michigan, with a county seat in the City of Kenosha. The county has an estimated population of approximately 169,000 residents and is part of the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Major population centers include the City of Kenosha (the fourth-largest city in Wisconsin), Pleasant Prairie, Twin Lakes, and Bristol. Property tax appeals matter significantly here because Kenosha County has one of the highest median property tax burdens in the United States, ranking 111th out of 3,143 counties nationwide. The median annual property tax bill in Kenosha County is $3,520, which is $1,120 higher than the national median of $2,400, placing considerable financial pressure on homeowners.

Notable cities: Kenosha, Pleasant Prairie, Twin Lakes, Bristol

Median Home

$182,400

Tax Rate

1.93%

Annual Tax

$3,520

Population

169,000

On the typical Kenosha County home, valued near $182,400 at the county’s effective tax rate of 1.93%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you appeal it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

2026 Appeal Deadline: 48 hours before the first Board of Review meeting; Open Book period typically May 4-22, 2026; formal objection deadline May 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM

Property owners must provide written or oral notice of intent to file an objection at least 48 hours before the Board of Review's first scheduled meeting. For 2026 in the City of Kenosha, the Open Book period runs May 4-22, 2026, with a deadline to file an appeal with the Assessor's office by May 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM. The Board of Review's first meeting is scheduled for June 3, 2026. You must file a completed Objection to Real Property Assessment form (PA-115A) prior to or during the first two hours of the Board of Review's first scheduled meeting.

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How Kenosha County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Municipal Assessors (City of Kenosha Assessor's Office, Village assessors, and Town assessors within Kenosha County)

Assessment cycle: Biennial (every two years in the City of Kenosha)

Notices typically mailed: April-May

Wisconsin law requires that all property be assessed at 100% of its fair market value. In Kenosha County, property is assessed at its full market value without any fractional assessment ratio. For example, if your home's market value is $182,400 (the county median), at Wisconsin's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be exactly $182,400, resulting in approximately $3,520 in annual property taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.93%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Review. The Board of Review is a quasi-judicial body that typically meets 4-8 mornings in June and July to hear property assessment appeals. You will have 5-15 minutes to present your case under sworn testimony, and board members will ask questions about your property value evidence.

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Step 1: Review your assessment notice during the Open Book period (typically early May). Contact the assessor's office if you have questions about your property's valuation or characteristics.

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Step 2: Provide written or oral notice of your intent to file an objection to the Board of Review clerk at least 48 hours before the Board of Review's first scheduled meeting. This notice can be informal but must indicate your intent to appeal.

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Step 3: Complete and file the Objection to Real Property Assessment Form (PA-115A) before the deadline. For City of Kenosha in 2026, this is May 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM. The form must be completed in full with all questions answered and supporting documentation attached.

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Step 4: Attend the informal review with the Board of Assessors if your municipality offers this intermediate step. In the City of Kenosha, property owners first file with the Board of Assessors. You will receive written notification of their decision within 15 days.

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Step 5: If you disagree with the Board of Assessors' decision, notify the City Assessor's office in writing within 15 days to continue your appeal to the Board of Review. Attend your scheduled Board of Review hearing (typically held in June-July) and present your evidence, including comparable sales, photographs, repair estimates, and appraisals.

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Step 6: Receive the Board of Review's written decision. If you are dissatisfied with their determination, you may appeal to the Wisconsin Circuit Court within 90 days of receiving the Board of Review's notice.

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Step 7: As a final option, appeal to the Wisconsin Tax Appeals Commission if the Circuit Court decision is unfavorable. Court appeals require filing within statutory deadlines and may benefit from legal representation.

Required form: Objection to Real Property Assessment Form (PA-115A)

Filing Methods

online:Submit forms through the City of Kenosha Assessor's website at https://www.kenosha.org/departments/city_assessor/
in-person:City of Kenosha Assessor's Office, 625 52nd Street, Room 107, Kenosha, WI 53140
mail:Mail to City of Kenosha Assessor's Office, 625 52nd Street, Room 107, Kenosha, WI 53140
email:assessor@kenosha.org

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable sales of similar properties in your neighborhoodProfessional appraisal completed within the last 12 monthsPhotographs showing property defects or conditions affecting valueRepair estimates for significant defectsPurchase records if you bought the property recentlyListing history if the property was recently on the market

Kenosha County Assessor Contact

City of Kenosha Assessor's Office

Website: https://www.kenosha.org/departments/city_assessor/

Online Portal: https://www.kenosha.org/departments/city_assessor/

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Tax Exemptions in Kenosha County

Wisconsin Homestead Credit

Up to $1,168 for tax year 2025

A refundable state income tax credit for eligible homeowners and renters with limited income

Eligibility: Wisconsin residents with household income under $24,680; age 62 or older, or disabled, or have earned incomeDeadline: File Schedule H with your Wisconsin state income tax return by the tax filing deadline (typically April 15)

Lottery and Gaming Credit

Typically $150-$350 per parcel, varies by school district

A direct property tax credit applied automatically to owner-occupied primary residences, funded by state lottery and gaming revenue

Eligibility: Owner-occupied primary residences; applied automatically if property is coded as homesteadDeadline: Applied automatically; file with municipal clerk only if home is not coded as homestead

First Dollar Credit

Varies by municipality; automatically applied to tax bills

A direct property tax credit applied to all improved residential property including owner-occupied homes and rental properties

Eligibility: All improved residential properties in WisconsinDeadline: Applied automatically to property tax bills

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Credit

Can effectively eliminate property taxes on primary residence for 100% service-connected disabled veterans

A refundable property tax credit for qualifying disabled veterans and surviving spouses through the Wisconsin Veterans Affairs program

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans who are Wisconsin residents with 100% VA service-connected disability rating or qualifying unemployability status; must own and occupy property as primary residenceDeadline: Contact Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs or county assessor for application deadline

Kenosha County Appeal Packet — $49

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Kenosha County for 2026?
For property owners in the City of Kenosha, you must provide written or oral notice of intent to appeal at least 48 hours before the Board of Review's first meeting. For 2026, the Open Book period runs from May 4 to May 22, and you must file your completed Objection to Real Property Assessment Form (PA-115A) by May 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM. The Board of Review's first meeting is scheduled for June 3, 2026. Missing this deadline means you must wait an entire year to appeal your assessment, so it's critical to act quickly once you receive your assessment notice in the spring.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Kenosha County online?
To file a property tax appeal online in Kenosha County, visit the City of Kenosha Assessor's website at kenosha.org/departments/city_assessor and complete the Objection to Real Property Assessment Form (PA-115A). You can fill out the form online and submit it electronically, though some municipalities may require a signed copy. Make sure to first provide notice of your intent to appeal at least 48 hours before the Board of Review's first meeting, which can be done verbally or in writing. You can also email completed forms to assessor@kenosha.org or submit them in person at 625 52nd Street, Room 107 in Kenosha during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM).
What evidence do I need for a successful Kenosha County property tax appeal?
To win your property tax appeal in Kenosha County, you need strong evidence showing your property's assessed value exceeds its fair market value. The most compelling evidence includes recent comparable sales of similar properties in your neighborhood (ideally sold within the past 12 months), a professional appraisal completed within the last year, and photographs documenting property defects or conditions that reduce value. You should also bring repair estimates for any significant defects, your recent purchase records if you bought the property recently, and listing history if the home failed to sell at a certain price. The Board of Review will evaluate your evidence under sworn testimony, so organize your materials clearly and be prepared to explain why your property is overvalued compared to similar homes.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Kenosha County?
The savings from a successful property tax appeal in Kenosha County depend on how much your assessment is reduced and the local tax rate. With Kenosha County's effective tax rate of 1.93%, a typical successful appeal that reduces your assessed value by 10% on the median home worth $182,400 would save you approximately $352 per year. A 20% reduction would save around $704 annually. Over 10 years, these savings compound to $3,520 to $7,040 in total tax savings. Given that the median annual property tax bill in Kenosha County is $3,520, significantly higher than the national median of $2,400, even modest assessment reductions can result in meaningful savings for homeowners struggling with the county's high property tax burden.
What happens at a Board of Review hearing in Kenosha County?
At a Board of Review hearing in Kenosha County, you will present your case before a quasi-judicial board composed of five residents appointed by the Mayor. The board typically meets 4-8 mornings in June and July to hear property assessment appeals. You will have approximately 5-15 minutes to present your evidence under sworn oral testimony, explaining why your property's assessed value is incorrect. Board members will ask questions about your evidence and may challenge your comparable sales or appraisal. The Municipal Clerk arranges the meeting, prepares the agenda, and records the proceedings. After hearing your case, the board can adjust your assessment if you prove it is incorrect, correct errors on the assessment roll, or uphold the assessor's valuation. You will receive written notification of the board's decision, which you can further appeal to Circuit Court if unsatisfied.
Can I appeal my Kenosha County property taxes if I just bought my home?
Yes, you can appeal your Kenosha County property tax assessment even if you recently purchased your home, and your recent purchase price may actually be strong evidence for your appeal. If you bought your property within the last 10 years in an arm's-length transaction (not a family sale or foreclosure), your purchase price can demonstrate the fair market value on that date. When completing the Objection to Real Property Assessment Form (PA-115A), you must disclose your acquisition date and purchase price in Section A. However, if market values have risen since your purchase, the assessor may argue your home is now worth more. For the strongest appeal, combine your purchase price with recent comparable sales, especially if you bought recently and your assessed value significantly exceeds what you paid. The Board of Review will consider your purchase evidence alongside other market data when making their determination.
What is the Open Book period in Kenosha County and do I need to attend?
The Open Book period in Kenosha County is an informal review opportunity when property owners can meet with the assessor to discuss their property's assessed value before filing a formal appeal. For 2026 in the City of Kenosha, the Open Book period runs from May 4 to May 22. While attending Open Book is not required, it's highly recommended because you can review your property's assessment card, ask questions about how your value was determined, point out errors in property characteristics, and potentially resolve disputes without a formal hearing. The assessor may correct factual errors during Open Book, such as incorrect square footage or number of bedrooms. If issues cannot be resolved informally, you must still file your formal appeal with the Board of Review by the May 22, 2026 deadline at 4:00 PM to preserve your appeal rights.
Are there property tax exemptions available for seniors in Kenosha County?
Yes, seniors in Kenosha County may qualify for property tax relief through Wisconsin's Homestead Credit program, though eligibility is income-based rather than age-based. Wisconsin residents age 62 or older with household income under $24,680 can receive a refundable income tax credit of up to $1,168 when they file Schedule H with their state income tax return. Additionally, all owner-occupied primary residences automatically receive the Lottery and Gaming Credit (typically $150-$350) and First Dollar Credit applied directly to property tax bills. Seniors age 65 and older may also qualify for the WHEDA Property Tax Deferral Program, which allows eligible low-income homeowners to defer property tax payments as a loan against their home equity. Unlike some states, Wisconsin does not offer a senior-specific homestead exemption or assessment freeze, so the income-tested Homestead Credit remains the primary property tax relief mechanism for seniors in Kenosha County.

Official Resources

City of Kenosha Assessor's Office →

Official city assessor website with assessment information, appeal forms, and exemption applications for Kenosha property owners.

Wisconsin Department of Revenue - Board of Review Guide →

Official state guidance on Board of Review procedures, filing requirements, and property tax appeal deadlines throughout Wisconsin.

Kenosha County Official Website →

Official Kenosha County government portal with links to municipal assessors, property tax payment information, and county services.

Wisconsin Property Tax Objection Form PA-115A →

Download the official Objection to Real Property Assessment form required to file a property tax appeal with the Board of Review in Wisconsin.

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

Dane County (Madison)Manitowoc County (Manitowoc)Milwaukee County (Milwaukee)St. Croix County (Hudson)Waukesha County (Waukesha)
← All Wisconsin property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.kenosha.org/departments/city_assessor/ | http://www.tax-rates.org/wisconsin/kenosha_county_property_tax | https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/ | https://www.revenue.wi.gov/DOR%20Publications/pb060.pdf | https://propertytaxrates.org/exemptions/wisconsin/

Last verified: 2026-07-22