Taxes in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Complete tax guide for Wauwatosa, WI. State income tax up to 6.27%, 1.74% property tax, 5.96% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
6.27%
Wisconsin
Property Tax
1.74%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
5.96%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
High
Wauwatosa, WI Tax Overview
Population
48,143
Median Income
$56,600
Cost of Living
85.7 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
6.27%
Median Home Price
$225,000
Wauwatosa Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Wauwatosa median: $56,600
Total Tax Burden in Wauwatosa
$12,632
Take-Home: $43,968 · Effective Rate: 22.32%
Federal Tax
$4,754
8.40% eff.
WI State
$3,549
6.27% eff.
FICA
$4,330
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$43,968
77.68% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $56,600.00 | $4,716.67 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$4,753.50 | -$396.13 |
| Wisconsin State Tax | -$3,548.82 | -$295.73 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$3,509.20 | -$292.43 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$820.70 | -$68.39 |
| Take-Home Pay | $43,967.78 | $3,663.98 |
Property Tax in Wauwatosa
Median Home
$225,000
Annual Tax
$3,915
Monthly Tax
$326
Effective Rate
1.74%
Sales Tax in Wauwatosa
Combined Rate
5.96%
State Portion
~3.5%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Wauwatosa is 5.96%, which is below the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $5.96 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Wauwatosa | Wisconsin Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 6.27% | 6.27% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 1.74% | ~1.74% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 5.96% | ~5.96% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | High | — | Moderate |
Tax Saving Tips for Wauwatosa Residents
- Wisconsin's income tax rate of 6.27% 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 Wauwatosa (1.74%) 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 Wauwatosa, WI?
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin has a state income tax rate up to 6.27%. The property tax rate is 1.74% and the combined sales tax rate is 5.96%.
How much is property tax in Wauwatosa?
The effective property tax rate in Wauwatosa is 1.74%. On the median home price of $225,000, this equals approximately $3,915 per year or $326 per month. This is above the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Wauwatosa?
The combined sales tax rate in Wauwatosa is 5.96%, which includes both state and local components. This is below the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Wauwatosa's tax burden compare to other cities?
Wauwatosa has a high overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 30.2%. The combination of 6.27% state income tax, 1.74% property tax, and 5.96% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 85.7 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Wauwatosa?
Wauwatosa does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 6.27%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare).