Wisconsin Vacation Rental Tax Calculator

Estimate your property tax, lodging tax, federal & state income tax, and depreciation deductions for your Wisconsin vacation rental property.

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Tax Types

What Taxes Apply to Wisconsin Short-Term Rentals?

Wisconsin STR hosts are subject to several types of taxes. Understanding which ones apply — and who collects them — is the first step toward compliance.

Sales Tax

Wisconsin applies its state sales tax to short-term rental stays — currently at a base rate that contributes to combined lodging rates of 15.1%. Cities may add local sales tax on top.

Occupancy / Transient Lodging Tax

Wisconsin's lodging/occupancy tax is the primary STR-specific tax. Combined rates reach 15.1% in Milwaukee and 13% in Wisconsin Dells. This includes state, county, and city-level components.

Tourism / Convention Center Tax

While Wisconsin doesn't have a prominent statewide tourism tax, some cities and resort areas may levy additional tourism development or marketing district assessments of 1–3%.

Federal & State Income Tax

Net rental profit is subject to both federal income tax (10–37% in 2026) and Wisconsin's state income tax at 5.3%. Reported on Schedule E (Form 1040). Deduct expenses like mortgage interest, repairs, and depreciation.

Property Tax

Wisconsin's average effective property tax rate is 1.85% — among the highest in the U.S.. Assessed annually on market value. STRs may face higher assessments in some jurisdictions.

Important

Does Airbnb Collect and Remit Taxes in Wisconsin?

Airbnb has agreements to collect and remit taxes in Wisconsin — but coverage is not always complete.

Airbnb collects Wisconsin's state-level lodging tax in most jurisdictions.
In Milwaukee and Wisconsin Dells: Airbnb may or may not collect all county/city taxes.
Rural areas: You're often fully responsible for all local tax collection.
Even where Airbnb collects, you may owe additional local levies or special district taxes.

Bottom line: Never assume Airbnb handles all your Wisconsin tax obligations. Verify with your local tax authority.

Compliance

Do You Need a Tax Permit in Wisconsin?

In most Wisconsin jurisdictions, yes. Common permits and registrations required:

State sales tax permit / seller's permit
City or county business license
Short-term rental operating permit
Lodging tax registration certificate

Consequences of non-compliance

5–25% penalties on unpaid taxes in Wisconsin

Revocation of rental permit

Liens on your property

Tax Overview

Short-Term Rental Taxes in Wisconsin

Key tax facts every vacation rental host in Wisconsin should know.

State room tax: 5%

County room tax: 5.5%

City premier resort tax: 0.5–2.5%

State income tax: ~5.3%

Property tax rate: ~1.85%

City Breakdown

Lodging Tax Rates by City in Wisconsin

Combined lodging/occupancy tax rates for major vacation rental markets in Wisconsin.

CityCombined Rate

Milwaukee

5% state + 5.5% county + 2.5% city + 2.1% district

15.1%

Wisconsin Dells

5% state + 5.5% county + 2.5% premier resort

13%

Madison

5% state + 5.5% county + 3.5% Dane County

14%

Rates are estimates based on 2024-2025 data. Always verify with your local tax authority.

FAQs About Wisconsin Vacation Rental Taxes

Common questions about short-term rental taxes, permits, and compliance in Wisconsin.

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