Wisconsin · Property tax exemptions for surviving spouses · Updated Oct 2026
Wisconsin property tax exemptions for surviving spouses (2026)
Every statewide property tax break in Wisconsin that our guide lists for surviving spouses: breaks made for them, and breaks a surviving spouse can keep or claim. What each is worth, who qualifies, the deadline and how to apply.
Short answer
The main property tax break for surviving spouses in Wisconsin is the Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit. A refundable state income tax credit equal to the property taxes you paid on your principal residence and up to one acre of land, so in effect your home's property tax comes back to you.
- Worth
- See the rules
- Income limit
- None listed in our sources
- Deadline
- Within four years of the unextended due date of the Wisconsin income tax return.
Property tax breaks for surviving spouses in Wisconsin
Disabled veteransVeterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit
A refundable state income tax credit equal to the property taxes you paid on your principal residence and up to one acre of land, so in effect your home's property tax comes back to you.
For surviving spouses: Also the unremarried surviving spouse of: a qualifying veteran; a service member who died on active duty; a Guard or reserve member who died in the line of duty; or a veteran whose spouse receives VA dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC).
- Who qualifies
- A veteran who served on active duty under honorable conditions, was a Wisconsin resident when entering service (or for any 5 straight years after), lives in Wisconsin now, and has a 100% service-connected disability rating or a 100% rating based on individual unemployability. Also the unremarried surviving spouse of: a qualifying veteran; a service member who died on active duty; a Guard or reserve member who died in the line of duty; or a veteran whose spouse receives VA dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC).
- How to apply
- First get a verification of eligibility from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (form WDVA 2097, with your DD-214 and a VA letter dated within 12 months). Then claim the credit on your Wisconsin income tax return, attaching the WDVA verification (first year only) and your property tax bills with proof of payment.
- Deadline
- Within four years of the unextended due date of the Wisconsin income tax return (for example, the 2022 credit by April 15, 2027).
- Renewal
- Every year on your tax return; the WDVA verification is needed only once unless eligibility changes.
- Law
- Wis. Stat. §71.07(6e)
Source: official page
How to apply, step by step
- First get a verification of eligibility from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (form WDVA 2097, with your DD-214 and a VA letter dated within 12 months).
- Then claim the credit on your Wisconsin income tax return, attaching the WDVA verification (first year only) and your property tax bills with proof of payment.
Form: WDVA 2097, request for verification of eligibility (in WDVA B0106 brochure)
Deadline: Within four years of the unextended due date of the Wisconsin income tax return (for example, the 2022 credit by April 15, 2027).
Renewal: Every year on your tax return; the WDVA verification is needed only once unless eligibility changes.
Savings estimate for Wisconsin
None of these breaks is one fixed dollar amount taken off your home's value, so we can't estimate the savings here. What each one is worth is on its card above.
Eligibility finder for Wisconsin
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Pre-set for surviving spouses: you own and live in the home and are a surviving spouse. Change any answer.
Document checklist for Wisconsin
Pick the breaks you plan to apply for. You get a checklist of forms, documents, steps and deadlines to print or keep on your phone.
Questions about surviving spouses property tax breaks in Wisconsin
Who qualifies for property tax breaks for surviving spouses in Wisconsin?
Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit: A veteran who served on active duty under honorable conditions, was a Wisconsin resident when entering service (or for any 5 straight years after), lives in Wisconsin now, and has a 100% service-connected disability rating or a 100% rating based on individual unemployability. Also the unremarried surviving spouse of: a qualifying veteran; a service member who died on active duty; a Guard or reserve member who died in the line of duty; or a veteran whose spouse receives VA dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC).
Is there an income limit for surviving spouses' property tax breaks in Wisconsin?
Our sources list no income limit for any of these breaks.
When is the deadline for surviving spouses to apply in Wisconsin?
Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit: Within four years of the unextended due date of the Wisconsin income tax return (for example, the 2022 credit by April 15, 2027).
Do surviving spouses have to reapply every year in Wisconsin?
Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit: Every year on your tax return; the WDVA verification is needed only once unless eligibility changes.
Where do surviving spouses apply for property tax breaks in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has no homestead exemption. The lottery and gaming credit is applied on your tax bill by your county or city treasurer (you apply to the treasurer, or late to the Department of Revenue). The homestead credit and the veterans credit are claimed on your state income tax return with the Department of Revenue; the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs certifies veteran eligibility. For the Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit: First get a verification of eligibility from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (form WDVA 2097, with your DD-214 and a VA letter dated within 12 months).
SourcesLast checked: Oct 2026.