Waukesha County Property Tax Appeal — Wisconsin

Rob Hartley·Updated February 16, 2026

Waukesha County is a largely suburban county located outside of Milwaukee with tax rates significantly lower than those in neighboring Milwaukee County, featuring an effective tax rate of 1.34%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. The county has eight cities, 11 towns, and 19 villages, with Waukesha serving as the county seat. Property tax appeals matter here particularly because the median annual tax bill of $4,538 is $2,138 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400, representing a significant financial burden for homeowners.

Notable cities: Waukesha, Brookfield, New Berlin, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee

Median Home

$363,200

Tax Rate

1.34%

Annual Tax

$4,538

Population

~410,000

2026 Appeal Deadline: At least 48 hours before the first meeting of the Board of Review

You must file a written or oral 'notice of intent' with the municipal clerk at least 48 hours before the first meeting of the Board of Review, and complete an approved objection form and file it with the clerk prior to or within the first two hours of the Board's first scheduled meeting

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

How Waukesha County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Assessor's Office

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: Spring (typically mid-April)

In Wisconsin, property is assessed at 100% of its market value as determined by the assessor. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, while the assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws. If your home's market value is $363,200, at Wisconsin's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $363,200, resulting in approximately $4,867 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.34%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Review. The Board of Review conducts its hearings in a manner similar to a court. The Board will determine the market value of your property based on the evidence presented and mail a written notice of their decision after the hearing.

Step 1: Talk with the Assessor during an informal session to learn how your assessment was made and present evidence that your assessment differs from actual fair market value

Step 2: File a written or oral 'notice of intent' with the municipal clerk at least 48 hours before the first Board of Review meeting

Step 3: Complete the approved objection form fully and file it with the Board of Review clerk prior to or within the first two hours of the Board's first scheduled meeting

Step 4: Attend the Board of Review hearing and present your evidence as sworn oral testimony

Step 5: If unsatisfied with the Board's decision, appeal to the Circuit Court

Required form: Approved objection form (must be fully completed and signed)

Filing Methods

in-person:File with the municipal clerk at City Hall

online:Request for Property Review Application available online

Evidence to Bring

Recent sales prices for similar propertiesProfessionally prepared appraisalPhotos of property conditionRepair estimates

Waukesha County Assessor Contact

Waukesha County Treasurer's Office

Phone: (262) 548-7029

Address: 515 W. Moreland Blvd. RM AC 148, Waukesha, WI 53188

Website: https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/treasurer/

Online Portal: https://tax.waukeshacounty.gov

Hours: 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (Mon - Fri)

Tax Exemptions in Waukesha County

Homestead Credit

Based on income and property taxes paid

Designed to soften the impact of property taxes and rent on persons with lower incomes

Eligibility: Legal Wisconsin residents who are 18 years or older with household income less than $24,680 for 2024Deadline: With annual tax return

Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption

Varies based on income

Property tax relief for qualifying senior citizens

Eligibility: Age 62 or older with income restrictionsDeadline: Contact assessor for details

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Varies based on disability rating

Property tax exemption for qualifying disabled veterans

Eligibility: Veterans with service-connected disabilitiesDeadline: Contact assessor for details

Official Resources

Waukesha County Tax Portal →

Access property tax bills, payment options, and property information online

Waukesha County Treasurer's Office →

Official county treasurer page with tax payment information and office hours

Wisconsin Department of Revenue - Property Owner Guide →

Comprehensive state guide for property owners on assessments and appeals

Wisconsin Property Tax Exemption Forms →

Access state property tax exemption applications and eligibility information

Check Your Waukesha County Assessment

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

You must file a written or oral 'notice of intent' with the municipal clerk at least 48 hours before the first meeting of the Board of Review. Additionally, you need to complete an approved objection form and file it with the Board of Review clerk prior to or within the first two hours of the Board's first scheduled meeting. The Board of Review typically meets in the spring after assessment notices are sent out in mid-April.

How do I file a property tax appeal in Waukesha County online?

You can start the process online by filling out the Request for Property Review Application for properties being reviewed for the January 1, 2026 assessment date. However, the formal appeal still requires filing a notice of intent with the municipal clerk and completing the objection form. You can access property information and tax records at https://tax.waukeshacounty.gov to help prepare your appeal.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Waukesha County?

The homestead credit in Wisconsin is designed to soften the impact of property taxes on persons with lower incomes. To qualify, you must be a legal Wisconsin resident who is 18 years or older with household income less than $24,680. The credit amount varies based on your income and property taxes paid, and you can apply using Schedule H or Schedule H-EZ when filing your annual tax return.

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

The Board of Review conducts its hearings in a manner similar to a court, where all evidence must be given as sworn oral testimony. The Board is a five-member citizen panel appointed by the Mayor whose duty is to hear evidence from both the taxpayer and the Assessor. You or your agent must attend the hearing if you wish your evidence to be considered. After the hearing, you'll receive a written notice of the Board's decision by mail.

How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Waukesha 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. Given that Waukesha County's median annual tax bill is $4,538, a successful appeal could result in significant savings. The amount you save depends on how much your property is overassessed and the strength of your evidence showing comparable properties are valued lower.

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

State law puts the burden of proof on the property owner to show that the assessment is incorrect, and your evidence must be strong enough to prove the Assessor's value is wrong. The best evidence would be recent sales prices for properties similar to yours - the closer in proximity and similarity, the better the evidence. You can also use a professionally prepared appraisal as reliable evidence of market value, along with photos and repair estimates if applicable.

Can I appeal my property taxes if I just think they're too high?

The Board will consider only relevant testimony given at the hearing, and stating that property taxes are too high is NOT relevant testimony. You should establish in your own mind what you think your property is worth and provide concrete evidence such as comparable sales, appraisals, or documentation of property condition issues. Simply disagreeing with the tax amount without evidence of overassessment will not result in a successful appeal.

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)Milwaukee County (Milwaukee)

← All Wisconsin property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.waukeshahttps://-wi.gov/government/departments/assessment-appeals.php | https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/treasurer/ | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/wisconsin/waukesha-county | https://revenue.wi.gov/DOR%20Publications/pb060.pdf

Last verified: 2026-02-16