Delinquent Property Tax Records in Wisconsin: What You Need to Know

Owning property comes with many responsibilities, one of which is paying property taxes on time. Failure to pay property taxes on time in Wisconsin can result in penalties, interest, and eventually delinquent property tax records. Understanding delinquent property tax records in Wisconsin is important for property owners who want to avoid financial and legal repercussions.

Delinquent Property Tax Records in Wisconsin

When a property owner fails to pay their property taxes in Wisconsin, their property becomes delinquent. The county treasurer’s office is responsible for collecting property taxes and maintaining delinquent property tax records. The treasurer’s office will begin sending out delinquent notices if taxes remain unpaid after the due date. If the taxes are still not paid after the delinquent notices have been sent, the treasurer may start foreclosure proceedings.

Unique Aspects of Delinquent Property Tax Records in Wisconsin

1. Tax Lien Sales In Wisconsin, tax liens can be sold to private investors. When a property owner fails to pay their property taxes, the county can sell the tax lien to a private investor at a tax lien sale. The investor pays the delinquent taxes, and the property owner is now indebted to the investor instead of the county. The investor can charge interest on the delinquent taxes until they are paid off. If the property owner fails to pay the investor, the investor can initiate foreclosure proceedings.

2. Redemption Period One unique aspect of delinquent property tax records in Wisconsin is the redemption period. The redemption period is the amount of time a property owner has to pay off their delinquent taxes and redeem their property before it is sold at a tax foreclosure sale. In Wisconsin, the redemption period is three years from the date of the tax sale. During this time, the property owner can pay off their delinquent taxes, interest, and any other fees and keep their property.

3. Tax Deed Sales If the property owner fails to pay their delinquent taxes during the redemption period, the property may be sold at a tax deed sale. At a tax deed sale, the property is sold to the highest bidder, and the proceeds are used to pay off the delinquent taxes, interest, and any other fees. The property owner loses all rights to the property after a tax deed sale.

4. Excess Proceeds If the property is sold at a tax deed sale for more than the amount owed in delinquent taxes, interest, and fees, the excess proceeds will go to the former property owner. The former property owner must submit a claim for the excess proceeds within three years of the sale date. If no claim is made, the excess proceeds will go to the county.

Conclusion

Understanding delinquent property tax records in Wisconsin is crucial for property owners. Failure to pay property taxes on time can result in penalties, interest, and eventually delinquent property tax records. Wisconsin has unique aspects to its delinquent property tax system, including tax lien sales, a redemption period, tax deed sales, and excess proceeds. Property owners who find themselves in delinquent status should contact their county treasurer’s office as soon as possible to avoid legal and financial consequences.