Understanding Milwaukee County tax foreclosure and your options.
Understanding the property tax cycle is crucial for Wisconsin homeowners:
In rem (Latin for "against the property") tax foreclosure is a simplified process where the lender (the municipality) seeks to recover unpaid property taxes directly from the property rather than from the homeowner personally. Key differences from judicial foreclosure:
Milwaukee County can initiate in rem tax foreclosure after property taxes are delinquent for approximately 2 years. The process involves:
Important: In Wisconsin, if your property sells at tax sale for more than the amount owed, the surplus proceeds may belong to you (the former owner). This is different from many other states.
Selling your property before tax foreclosure allows you to potentially receive any equity in the property, rather than losing it to the county.
Pay all back taxes, penalties, and interest to stop the foreclosure process.
Sell before tax sale to pay off taxes and keep any remaining equity.
Contact Milwaukee County Treasurer to explore payment options.
Consult an attorney for options specific to your situation.
Contact Information:
Milwaukee County Treasurer:
county.milwaukee.gov/en/Treasurer
City of Milwaukee Treasurer:
milwaukee.gov/treasurer
We can evaluate your situation and explain what's possible.