The timing of tax bill preparation and the due dates of resident payments, while set by statutes and generally the same on an annual basis, works backwards from the deadline for the mailing of tax bills. According to Wisconsin State Statute 74.09(5), the statutory deadline for the mailing of tax bills is no later than the third Monday in December. The Village of Fox Point budget process starts as early as July and is in full swing by October and November. Understanding the methodology behind calculating the annual tax roll is important in realizing the tax bill deadline.
Property tax bills are due January 31st of each year. If your tax bill qualifies, you may pay your taxes in installments. You must pay each installment on or before five working days after the due date. Failure to do so will result in paying the remaining balance of your taxes in full, in addition to interest and penalties dated back to February 1st of the payment installment year. Please note: THE VILLAGE HAS NO AUTHORITY TO WAIVE ANY FEES OR PENALTIES. THESE ARE SET BY STATE LAW.
Prior to the calculation of the tax roll, the Village must adopt their own levy, along with finalized levies from all other taxing entities (MMSD, schools, college, county and state). Once all the other taxing entity’s certifications have been received, the Village can begin the preparation of the tax roll.
When tax bills are prepared and the tax roll is ready, the tax bills include the following: PDF of the tax backers, tax bill, tax inserts and a letter prepared by the village president and village board explaining the tax levy. PDF’s of the tax bills are sent to a Village designated printing company to be produced and mailed out to Village tax payers. It is the responsibility of the tax payer to be sure annual property taxes are paid.
Additionally, according to Wisconsin State Statute 74.09(6), the effect of failure to receive a property tax bill does not affect the validity of the general property taxes, special taxes, and special assessments levied or the collection of delinquent general property taxes, special taxes, special charges and special assessments.
Although the annual tax roll preparation is extensive, relying on several processes, Wisconsin State statute deadlines assist in keeping the Village on track by organizing the practice. The tax roll preparation is a complex practice, one that takes considerable time and cooperation with all of the working components.