The Homestead Exemption in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's owner-occupied relief on the tax bill is the Lottery and Gaming Credit, a direct reduction of property taxes for Wisconsin residents who own a dwelling and use it as their primary residence as of the January 1 certification date. Only one primary residence may be claimed. The credit equals the school tax rate multiplied by the Department's maximum credit value (or the property's value, if lower), which is set each November based on available lottery, pari-mutuel and bingo revenue. Business property, rental units, vacant land and properties vacant on January 1 do not qualify.

Apply for the Lottery and Gaming Credit with the county treasurer where the property is located (or the city treasurer in cities that collect their own taxes), on the Department's form or through its online lottery credit portal. When a qualifying property is sold, the credit stays with the property for the next bill; a new owner who uses it as a primary residence should file a new application, and one who does not should file Form LC-400 with the county treasurer. The homestead credit and the veterans and surviving spouses credit are claimed on the Wisconsin income tax return (Schedule H/H-EZ for the homestead credit).

If an eligible Lottery and Gaming Credit does not appear on the tax bill, apply with the municipal treasurer by January 31 after receiving the bill; a late claim may be filed with the Department of Revenue by October 1 after the bill is issued.