Taxes in Waukesha, Wisconsin
Complete tax guide for Waukesha, WI. State income tax up to 7.65%, 1.68% property tax, 5.1% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
7.65%
Wisconsin
Property Tax
1.68%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
5.1%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
High
Waukesha, WI Tax Overview
Affluent Milwaukee suburb
Population
72,489
Median Income
$66,818
Cost of Living
96.3 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
7.65%
Median Home Price
$265,000
Waukesha Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Waukesha median: $66,818
Total Tax Burden in Waukesha
$16,537
Take-Home: $50,281 · Effective Rate: 24.75%
Federal Tax
$6,314
9.45% eff.
WI State
$5,112
7.65% eff.
FICA
$5,112
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$50,281
75.25% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $66,818.00 | $5,568.17 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$6,313.96 | -$526.16 |
| Wisconsin State Tax | -$5,111.58 | -$425.96 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$4,142.72 | -$345.23 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$968.86 | -$80.74 |
| Take-Home Pay | $50,280.89 | $4,190.07 |
Property Tax in Waukesha
Median Home
$265,000
Annual Tax
$4,452
Monthly Tax
$371
Effective Rate
1.68%
Sales Tax in Waukesha
Combined Rate
5.1%
State Portion
~2.6%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Waukesha is 5.1%, which is below the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $5.10 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Waukesha | Wisconsin Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 7.65% | 7.65% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 1.68% | ~1.68% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 5.1% | ~5.1% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | High | — | Moderate |
Tax Saving Tips for Waukesha Residents
- Wisconsin's income tax rate of 7.65% is above average. Maximize pre-tax retirement contributions (401k up to $23,500, IRA up to $7,000) to reduce both federal and state taxable income.
- Property tax in Waukesha (1.68%) is above the national average. Check if you qualify for homestead exemptions or assessment appeals to reduce your property tax bill.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,300 individual, $8,550 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
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ModerateCalculate Your Full Wisconsin Tax Burden
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Waukesha, WI?
Waukesha, Wisconsin has a state income tax rate up to 7.65%. The property tax rate is 1.68% and the combined sales tax rate is 5.1%. Affluent Milwaukee suburb
How much is property tax in Waukesha?
The effective property tax rate in Waukesha is 1.68%. On the median home price of $265,000, this equals approximately $4,452 per year or $371 per month. This is above the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Waukesha?
The combined sales tax rate in Waukesha is 5.1%, which includes both state and local components. This is below the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Waukesha's tax burden compare to other cities?
Waukesha has a high overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 32.3%. The combination of 7.65% state income tax, 1.68% property tax, and 5.1% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 96.3 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Waukesha?
Waukesha does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 7.65%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare). Affluent Milwaukee suburb