Wisconsin lottery credit exceeds estimates, eases property tax bills
MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin homeowners' Lottery and Gaming Credit found on property tax bills is 38% higher than last year, state officials announced on Wednesday, Dec. 2.
The estimated $229 average credit is due primarily to lottery sales exceeding estimates, which resulted in a higher opening balance for 2021. In 2020, the corresponding Lottery and Gaming Credit was $166.
Overall, the Lottery Credit has $343.6 million available for distribution to Wisconsin homeowners for property taxes levied in 2021. In 2020, that figure was $237 million.
Since 1988, the Wisconsin Lottery has provided over $4.8 billion in property tax relief to eligible Wisconsin homeowners. The amount of the credit varies throughout the state depending on the tax rate of the school district.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
The Lottery Credit is shown on tax bills as a reduction of property taxes due. If a taxpayer pays their taxes in two or more installments, the credit is applied to the first installment. The credit is paid by the state to counties or municipalities on the fourth Monday in March. The county or municipality receiving the payment settles with overlying taxing jurisdictions.