Oneida County Treasurer Kris Ostermann is working to clear up questions surrounding incorrect information reported by some local media regarding property tax due dates, and sent out the following press release:

Due to the inclement weather and the U.S. Postal Service delays, treasurers have received many calls inquiring whether the postmark date would be moved and if timely payments would be accepted if they are postmarked in February. The Wisconsin Department of  Revenue issued guidance to all treasurers concerning this issue.

“Under state law, property tax payments are not delinquent if received within five working days of the Jan. 31, 2019 payment deadline. (secs 74.11(7), and 74.12(7), Wis. Stats.)”

This information is also on the back of the tax bill.

Regardless of the postmark, if the payment is not received by Feb. 7, the property taxes would be considered delinquent. Walk-in payments are being accepted in all county treasurer’s offices without penalty and interest if received by Feb. 7. Payments can still be mailed but if not received by then they will be considered delinquent.

Neither the treasurers (both municipal and county) nor their boards have the authority to move the due dates or change the tax law. The county board has the authority to waive penalty and interest charges if a written request is filed with the county treasurer within 10 days of the interest or penalty payment-no later than Dec. 1, 2019. Tax payers can only ask for this waiver under two statutory provisions:

1. If they can prove that the payment was not timely due solely to a U.S. Postal Service delay or administrative error (sec. 74.69(2), Wis.Stats.)
2. If they are on federal active military duty for a period of 90 days or more over the payment due date (sec. 321.62, Wis.Stats.)

Contact your county treasurer for further information or questions.

Kris Ostermann
Oneida County Treasurer