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1. When can I expect to receive my tax bill?

Tax bills are typically mailed in mid December.

2. What can I do if I have concerns about my Real Estate Assessment?

Assessments for the City of Burlington are contracted by the City with an outside assessment firm. If you would like to schedule an appointment with the Assessor to discuss your concerns, please call City Hall at 262-342-1161 to schedule an appointment. Additionally, you may attend the Open Book review, which is held each year. Times and locations for Open Book Review are listed on this website and also posted in the local newspaper. You may also contact City Hall at the number above for more information on Open Book.

3. When is my real estate tax bill or personal property tax bill due?

The first installment of your tax bill is due no later than January 31. The payment must be made to "Treasurer - City of Burlington" and either mailed, dropped at City Hall, Paid at a local participating bank (check our website for bank locations and times), or paid online.

The second installment of your tax bill is due no later than July 31. This payment must be made payable to "Racine County Treasurer" and mailed, dropped off at the County offices in either Burlington or Racine, or paid online. The second installment payments should not be mailed to the City. This will delay the posting of your payment and may result in delinquent charges being applied to your bill.

In both cases above, if the due date falls on an official Holiday, a weekend, or a date that City Hall or the County Offices are closed, payments are due the first business day following those dates. If you are unsure, please call the Treasurers office at 262-342-1170.

4. How are the tax rates determined?

The City tax rate is determined by approved budgeted expenditures of the city for the upcoming year, then comparing those dollars to the total value of all property in the City. The tax rate, also called the MIL rate, is based on a per $1,000 of assessed value. The total tax rate for any given year is made up of several taxing districts: the State of Wisconsin, the Burlington School District, Gateway Technical College, Racine County and the City of Burlington. In addition, the overall Gross tax rates are reduced by State of Wisconsin credits and the total tax amount is reduced by the Lottery Credit and/or the First Dollar Credit.

5. How do I qualify for the Lottery Credit and/or the First Dollar Credit?

Lottery Credit: If you lived in your Wisconsin home in January of the taxing year, then you are eligible for the Lottery Credit. However, if you own multiple homes or properties in Wisconsin, such as a Primary Residence and Vacation Home, you may only claim this credit on one of the properties.

First Dollar Credit: If you own property that has improvements on the property, you will automatically receive the First Dollar Credit. A typical residential tax bill will have the First Dollar Credit applied to the bill. If you just own land, with no structures/improvements, you are not eligible for the First Dollar Credit.

6. What does all this tax money really pay for?

The proceeds from taxes are deposited in the General Fund of the City and used to support general operations such as police and fire protection, street maintenance, traffic control, parks and recreation, library services, engineering services, health and safety, and general finance and administrative services.

7. What should I do if I can’t pay my taxes?

If you cannot at least pay the first installment of your taxes by the January 31st due date, you should call the Racine County Treasurers Office at 262-636-3239 to make arrangements. Finance charges and late fees may apply.

8. What is the City Fiscal Year?

The fiscal year for the City of Burlington is January 1 through December 31 each year. The annual budget process for the upcoming year typically starts in August or September, with final Common Council adoption no later then the end of December.

9. Who do I contact to request a W-9 form?

Please contact the Accounts Payable department at 262-364-1177.

10. Is the City considered to be Sales Tax exempt?

From the standpoint of purchases and identity, the City of Burlington is exempt from State and County Sales tax. We can provide you with form 220 for billing purposes.

11. What is the City Fiscal Year, and how can I see the Budget?

The fiscal year for the City of Burlington is January 1 through December 31 each year. The annual budget process for the upcoming year typically starts in August or September, with final Common Council adoption no later then the end of December. The current annual adopted budget document is available on line. View the Budget