Frequently Asked Questions

Assessors are required by law to update assessments and assessment records annually. State law also requires that each municipality update assessed values to reflect changes in market conditions as often as possible to maintain fair and equitable property taxation. A reassessment has no impact on the total amount of tax revenue collected but it might change the amount you owe.

There are four components to your property tax. 

• The tax levy is the amount of revenue needed to support entities such as your municipality, school district, county, and technical college.
• The tax base is the total assessed value of all the area’s properties and is the role of the assessor.
• The tax levy is divided by the tax base to get the tax rate (aka “mill rate”).
• This tax rate is then multiplied by your property’s assessed value. This calculation results in the amount of property taxes you owe.

A change in assessed value doesn’t always mean an increase or decrease in property taxes. During a year when all assessed values in your municipality are being increased to full market value, the tax rates will generally decrease proportionally. What matters is whether your assessment (on a percentage basis) has increased or decreased more than the municipality’s overall percentage change.

Assessors will consider all factors that may affect the value of your property, including size, construction type, age, amenities, location, and condition. They also must consider fair market value (which is what a typical buyer would pay for the property), as well as historical property data, home inspection findings and market trends. The best indication of your property’s value is a comparison to similar properties in your area that have been recently sold on the open market.

No, not all assessments change at the same rate. The recent activity of buyers and sellers in the community will dictate which types of property values are increasing more quickly than others. In one area, sales may have increased substantially while in another neighborhood, there may not be any change or even a decrease in property values. Different types of properties within the same neighborhood may also show different value changes. For example, one-story homes may be in more demand than two-story homes or vice versa, or older homes may be selling at a much higher rate.

It’s important to understand that assessors don’t determine tax rates or collect property taxes. An assessor also doesn’t create the assessed value of a property, but rather interprets what is happening in the marketplace through real estate sales.

In many cases, interior inspections aren’t needed. If your municipality has requested an interior inspection and you don’t allow access, the assessor will base your valuation on the next best information available, such as existing property records, building permits, etc. It’s generally in your best interest to allow the assessor to view the interior to make sure that your assessment is based on current and complete information about your home.

You have several rights as a Wisconsin property owner, including receiving notice of an inspection during a revaluation year, the right to say “no” to an inspection or speak with the assessor, and the right to appeal an assessment. However, agreeing to speak with assessors when requested, and allowing them to view the property, will ensure that they are using current and complete information when making a valuation.

Safety is a concern taken seriously; please know that AAC takes several precautions before entering your home.

• AAC sends a written notice to property owners of an inspection.  
• The AAC logo is clearly shown on our vehicles, the apparel the team wears, and their name tags. 
• When they arrive, AAC team members will identify themselves as working on assessments for your municipality and carry written identification.
• All AAC’s field appraisers are certified by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to perform assessment work and have undergone thorough background checks.