Sturgeon Bay Property Tax rates this year reflect a 5% tax levy increase approved in the 2026 budget, pushing the city’s millage rate higher for both residential and commercial parcels. Homeowners can check the Door County property tax calculator on the City of Sturgeon Bay Assessor’s portal (https://www.apraz.com) to estimate their 2026 Sturgeon Bay tax bill, compare Wisconsin property tax rates, and explore available tax exemptions for homeowners. The assessor’s office (phone 920‑731‑1995, email info@apraz.com) offers weekday hours for in‑person questions about land value assessment, school district tax rate, and tax relief programs such as the homeowner tax credit. Recent data show Door County tax trends for 2026, and the city’s tax map outlines district boundaries that affect each bill.
Sturgeon Bay Property Tax delinquencies follow a clear process: notices are mailed, penalties accrue, and unresolved liens may lead to tax auctions listed on the city’s tax lien sale schedule. Property owners facing high assessments can file a tax appeals procedure through the assessor’s office during the designated appeal window. To avoid missed payments, note the Sturgeon Bay tax payment deadlines—first installment due July 1, second installment by December 15, with online, mail, and in‑person options available. For additional guidance, consult Wisconsin Department of Revenue tax resources and the municipal revenue overview posted on the city’s official website.
Search Sturgeon Bay City Property Tax
Property owners in Sturgeon Bay can locate their parcel data, assessed values, tax bills, and payment status through the city assessor’s public search portal at https://www.apraz.com. This system, managed by Associated Appraisal Consultants, hosts real-time property records for every parcel within city limits. Users can search by parcel number, property address, or owner name. The portal displays current assessments, equalized values, tax district codes, and prior-year tax payment history.
To begin a search, open the apraz.com homepage and click the property search link in the top navigation bar. Enter the parcel identification number for the most precise result, or use the address search field to locate a property by street name. Owner name lookups work best when the full legal name and last name combination is entered. Search results display a parcel summary page containing assessment details, lot size, building data, and links to tax history.
For residents who prefer telephone support, the assessor’s office can be reached through the contact information listed on the official city website. The City of Sturgeon Bay official site at https://www.sturgeonbaywi.org also links to assessment tools, tax payment portals, and the municipal budget archive. Door County deed and land record searches operate separately through the Door County official website at https://www.co.door.wi.gov.
Sturgeon Bay Property Tax Rates and Millage Structure
Sturgeon Bay Property Tax rates apply a millage figure against each parcel’s assessed value to produce the annual tax bill. Wisconsin municipalities express mill rates in dollars per $1,000 of assessed value. The city, school district, county, and technical college each levy separate portions that combine into one total mill rate. Because Sturgeon Bay sits within the Sturgeon Bay School District boundary, residents pay the district’s operating and debt service levies.
The Door County portion of the mill rate covers county services such as the sheriff’s office, highway department, and human services. Door County’s 2026 tax levy rose 2.7 percent from $32 million to $32.9 million, even as the countywide tax rate dropped slightly due to rising equalized property values. The total taxable value of all Door County property surpassed $15 billion after a 12 percent jump between 2026 and 2026.
Sturgeon Bay’s share of the combined rate reflects city services including police, fire, public works, library, and parks. City officials approved a 2026 budget with a tax levy of $8,832,205, representing an increase of $421,859 over the prior year. The operating levy dropped to $5,966,030 while the capital levy fell by $90,665. The new half-percent Premier Resort Area Tax that took effect July 1, 2026 will reduce future property tax levies by redirecting tourism revenue into city infrastructure.
| Taxing Authority | 2026 Levy | Year-Over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| City of Sturgeon Bay | $8,832,205 | +5.0% |
| City Operating Levy | $5,966,030 | -$254,736 |
| City Capital Levy | Refer to budget | -$90,665 |
| Door County | $32,900,000 | +2.7% |
| Sturgeon Bay School District | Refer to DOR | Refer to DOR |
2026 Tax Levy Increase and Budget Impact
The Sturgeon Bay Common Council approved the 2026 city budget on November 4, 2026 with a roughly 5 percent rise in the property tax levy. Council members debated the increase for several sessions before passing the final package. The levy supports expanded capital spending, road resurfacing, and emergency service equipment replacement. Residents saw the impact when tax bills arrived before Christmas 2026, showing higher totals for many parcels.
The 2026 citywide revaluation pushed total assessed value up by nearly 80 percent, redistributing the tax burden across parcels based on updated market values. Some properties saw only minor tax changes despite large assessment jumps, while others absorbed sharp increases tied to neighborhood price growth. Commercial parcels, lakefront homes, and recently renovated properties posted the largest value gains during the revaluation.
City leaders paired the 2026 levy increase with the Premier Resort Area Tax to soften future property tax growth. State law requires Sturgeon Bay to direct 50 percent of PRAT revenue toward reducing the property tax levy. The other half funds road and infrastructure projects. Door County also issued $7.44 million in general obligation promissory notes to finance 2026 capital improvements, with repayment scheduled through the general tax levy and stormwater utility.
- 2026 city budget approved November 4, 2026
- Total levy rose to $8,832,205 from $8,410,346
- Operating levy decreased by $254,736
- Capital levy decreased by $90,665
- 2026 revaluation increased total assessed value by nearly 80%
Door County Property Tax Calculator and Bill Estimate
Property owners can estimate their 2026 tax bill using the Door County property tax calculator available through the City of Sturgeon Bay Assessor’s portal. The calculator multiplies the parcel’s assessed value by the combined mill rate to produce a projected annual amount. Users enter either the parcel number or property address to retrieve current assessment data automatically.
The estimator factors in all overlapping taxing jurisdictions, including city, county, school district, and technical college levies. Each jurisdiction’s share displays separately, helping residents understand where their tax dollars flow. The portal also shows last year’s bill for direct comparison, making year-over-year changes easy to track. For the most accurate estimate, owners should verify that all assessment data, such as lot size and building classification, matches county records.
Door County’s median property tax bill of $3,251 runs $851 below the Wisconsin state median. The county’s effective tax rate also sits below the state average of 1.43 percent. These figures appear on the Ownwell trends portal for Door County, which breaks down tax bills by municipality and ZIP code. Property owners can use this information to compare local tax burden against neighboring communities in northeastern Wisconsin.
Sturgeon Bay Real Estate Tax Assessment Process
Real estate tax assessment in Sturgeon Bay follows Wisconsin’s requirement that each parcel be valued at fair market value as of January 1 each year. The City of Sturgeon Bay Assessor’s Office contracts with Associated Appraisal Consultants to perform field inspections, data collection, and valuation modeling. Assessors review property sales, building permits, and market trends to set the annual assessment roll.
The 2026 citywide revaluation marked the first full revaluation since 2019. Before the revaluation, average assessed values sat at just 62 percent of market value, a level that violates Wisconsin’s uniformity rule. Associated Appraisal Consultants inspected every parcel within city limits over a 12-month period to correct the imbalance. The city spent $265,000 on the revaluation project. New assessment notices mailed to property owners in late 2026 reflected the updated values.
Annual assessments between full revaluations use trend-based adjustments rather than physical inspections. The assessor applies neighborhood-level factors to each parcel based on recent arm’s-length sales. Property owners can request an interior inspection to verify building characteristics such as square footage, room count, and finish quality. Accurate data entry ensures that property tax bills reflect true market value rather than outdated records.
Sturgeon Bay Tax Exemptions for Homeowners
Wisconsin offers several property tax exemptions that reduce the assessed value subject to taxation for qualifying homeowners. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue administers state-level programs, while Door County processes local applications. Exemptions apply to specific categories such as primary residence, veteran status, disability, and income level. Each program carries its own eligibility rules, income thresholds, and application deadlines.
The homestead credit program provides direct relief to lower-income homeowners based on property taxes paid and household income. Eligible Wisconsin residents file for the credit through their state income tax return. Local exemptions for primary residents, often called the school levy tax credit, reduce the school portion of property tax bills for owner-occupied homes. Door County property owners can confirm current credit amounts using the Wisconsin DOR property tax credit calculator.
Veterans with service-connected disabilities qualify for additional property tax relief through the Wisconsin Veterans Property Tax Credit. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also claim the benefit. Income limits apply, and the credit amount depends on the assessed value of the property. Applications for most exemptions are submitted to the Door County Treasurer’s Office or the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, depending on the program.
- Verify primary residence status with the assessor’s office
- Collect income documentation for income-based credits
- Submit homestead credit application through state income tax filing
- Apply for veteran’s credit through Door County Treasurer
- Track filing deadlines on the Wisconsin DOR website
Tax Appeals Procedure in Sturgeon Bay
Property owners who disagree with their assessment may file a formal objection with the City of Sturgeon Bay Assessor’s Office. Wisconsin law requires appeals to be filed in writing within a specific window after the assessment notice is mailed. The 2026 revaluation triggered a high volume of objections, many targeting significant value increases. The assessor reviews each objection and may adjust the assessment based on supporting evidence.
Owners appealing an assessment should gather comparable sales data, recent appraisal reports, and documentation of property defects. Photographs of the structure, lot, and surrounding neighborhood help support claims that the value overstates market reality. Income-producing properties may also submit rent rolls, expense statements, and capitalization rate analyses. The assessor weighs all submitted evidence before issuing a revised assessment.
Owners who remain unsatisfied after the assessor’s decision can escalate the case to the Board of Review, a local panel that hears formal appeals. The Board of Review meets annually during a designated window each spring. Taxpayers must appear in person or send a representative to present their case. The Board can sustain, reduce, or increase the assessment based on testimony and evidence presented during the hearing.
Sturgeon Bay Tax Relief Programs and Homeowner Tax Credit
Wisconsin’s Homeowner Tax Credit, also called the homestead credit, helps lower-income residents offset property tax costs. The credit amount depends on household income, property taxes paid, and household size. Eligible residents apply through their Wisconsin income tax return, with the credit reducing tax liability or generating a refund. Door County homeowners can review eligibility rules on the Wisconsin DOR property tax resources page.
Sturgeon Bay seniors, disabled residents, and low-income families may also qualify for deferral programs that allow late property tax payments without triggering foreclosure. The Wisconsin Property Tax Deferral Loan Program covers delinquent taxes for eligible applicants, with the state placing a lien on the property until the owner dies, sells, or moves. Income limits and age thresholds apply to these relief programs.
City-level assistance programs occasionally supplement state credits during periods of economic stress. Sturgeon Bay residents struggling to pay property taxes should contact the Door County Treasurer’s Office to request payment plan options. Tax installment plans split the annual bill into monthly payments for qualified applicants, reducing the risk of delinquency and eventual tax lien sale. Refer to the county website for current program availability and qualification criteria.
Commercial Tax Rates and Land Value Assessment
Commercial properties in Sturgeon Bay face a separate assessment class under Wisconsin property tax law, resulting in higher effective tax rates than residential parcels. The assessor classifies each parcel as residential, commercial, agricultural, undeveloped, or personal property. Commercial assessments include both the land value and the depreciated value of improvements, applying income, cost, and sales comparison approaches.
Land value assessment separates the underlying lot from the buildings, allowing equalized valuation across a neighborhood. Sturgeon Bay’s commercial corridors along Third Avenue, Egg Harbor Road, and Michigan Street contain high-value land parcels that drive up total tax bills. The 2026 revaluation re-priced these commercial land components to reflect current market activity, pushing aggregate commercial assessments significantly higher.
Business owners seeking to reduce their commercial tax burden can apply for the Wisconsin Manufacturing Sales Tax Exemption on qualifying equipment, though this does not lower property taxes directly. Owners challenging commercial assessments should submit rent rolls, operating statements, and recent appraisals to support an appeal. The Board of Review hears commercial objections during the same spring window as residential cases.
Second Home Tax and School District Rate
Second homes in Sturgeon Bay do not qualify for the homestead credit, resulting in higher effective tax rates for non-primary residences. Wisconsin classifies vacation homes, rental cottages, and seasonal dwellings as non-homestead property, which carries a different school levy rate. Owners of second homes should verify their property classification with the assessor’s office to ensure accurate billing.
The Sturgeon Bay School District levy funds K-12 education, special education, transportation, and facility maintenance. School levies typically represent the largest single portion of a property tax bill. The district’s 2026 revenue limit, equalization aid, and per-pupil funding all influence the property tax rate for residents within district boundaries. Door County contains several school districts, each with a unique rate that affects tax bills.
Property owners relocating to Sturgeon Bay from out of state should confirm school district boundaries using the Door County tax map. Children residing in a different school district than the assessed parcel may trigger boundary dispute appeals. Accurate boundary data prevents misallocated tax payments and supports long-term budgeting for school-related expenses.
| Property Class | Typical Tax Treatment | Homestead Credit Eligible |
|---|---|---|
| Primary residence | Standard rate | Yes |
| Second home | Non-homestead rate | No |
| Commercial property | Commercial class rate | No |
| Agricultural land | Use-value assessment | Varies |
| Undeveloped land | Undeveloped class rate | No |
Sturgeon Bay Tax Payment Deadlines and Installment Schedule
Wisconsin allows municipalities to collect property taxes in one annual payment or split the amount into installments. Door County property owners typically receive two tax bills each year, with the first installment due in late January and the second installment due by July 31 each year. Tax bills for the 2026 tax year required payment of the second installment by July 31, 2026, per Door County Treasurer Ryan Schley’s public reminder.
Late property tax payments trigger interest and penalty charges at rates set by Wisconsin statute. The Door County Treasurer’s Office applies penalties to any installment received after the published deadline. Property owners who anticipate difficulty meeting deadlines can request installment payment plans or hardship deferrals before the due date. Contacting the treasurer’s office early prevents additional charges and protects against eventual tax lien proceedings.
Multiple payment options are available to Sturgeon Bay residents, including online payments, mail-in checks, and in-person transactions at the Door County Government Center. Online payments processed through the county’s tax portal accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Mail-in payments should be addressed to the Door County Treasurer at 421 Nebraska Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. Property owners should retain receipts and confirmation numbers for all tax payments.
Sturgeon Bay Tax Delinquency Process and Penalties
Delinquent property taxes in Sturgeon Bay follow a structured enforcement timeline defined by Wisconsin law. The Door County Treasurer’s Office mails delinquency notices shortly after each installment deadline passes. Interest accrues monthly on the unpaid balance, and a penalty may apply to the delinquent amount. Continued non-payment can result in a tax lien filed against the property by the county.
Wisconsin allows the Door County Treasurer to pursue tax lien certificates after a parcel’s taxes remain unpaid for a defined period. The county sells these certificates to investors at public auction, generating revenue while keeping the underlying property tax obligation attached to the land. Interest rates on tax lien certificates follow state-set maximums and continue compounding until the owner pays the full amount owed.
Property owners facing tax delinquency should contact the Door County Treasurer’s Office immediately to discuss payment plan options, deferral programs, or hardship waivers. Wisconsin’s Property Tax Deferral Loan Program offers a safety net for qualifying low-income seniors and disabled residents. Filing for bankruptcy protection can also temporarily halt tax foreclosure proceedings, though owners should consult a qualified attorney before pursuing this option.
- Initial delinquency notice mailed after installment deadline
- Interest accrues at the state-set monthly rate
- Penalty applied to the delinquent balance
- Tax lien certificate issued after extended non-payment
- Tax lien auction held publicly for unpaid certificates
Sturgeon Bay Tax Auction and Lien Sale Information
The Door County Treasurer conducts annual tax lien sales to recover unpaid property taxes. Winning bidders receive a tax lien certificate that represents a claim on the delinquent amount, plus interest. Investors purchase these certificates based on the interest rate they will accept, with the lowest rate typically winning the bid. Property owners can redeem their certificates by paying the delinquent taxes, interest, and fees before the redemption period expires.
Tax lien certificates that remain unredeemed after the redemption window may lead to tax deed applications. The certificate holder can petition the county for a tax deed, transferring ownership of the parcel to the lien investor. Door County publishes tax auction notices and bid instructions on the county website before each scheduled sale. Interested bidders should review eligibility rules and registration requirements prior to the auction date.
Sturgeon Bay property owners concerned about a potential tax auction should monitor their mail and Door County Treasurer communications carefully. Responding quickly to delinquency notices prevents the parcel from advancing to the lien sale stage. Taxpayers may also pay outstanding taxes up until the auction date to remove their property from the sale list. Refer to the Door County official portal for current auction schedules and redemption deadlines.
Sturgeon Bay Tax Refund Eligibility
Property tax refunds may be available to Sturgeon Bay residents who overpaid their taxes or qualify for retroactive credits. Common refund scenarios include duplicate payments, errors in assessment classification, and successful appeals that lowered the assessed value. Refund claims must be filed with the Door County Treasurer’s Office along with supporting documentation such as canceled checks, tax bills, and assessment notices.
Homeowners who receive a successful appeal decision from the Board of Review may be entitled to a refund of excess taxes paid. The assessor adjusts the assessment, and the treasurer recalculates the tax bill based on the new value. If the property owner already paid the full original bill, the county issues a refund for the difference, typically within 60 to 90 days. Interest on refunds may apply at the state-set rate.
Property tax credits claimed on Wisconsin income tax returns, such as the homestead credit, are processed separately by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. These refunds appear on the taxpayer’s state tax return rather than through the county. Residents should verify both county and state tax records when pursuing property tax relief to ensure that all eligible refunds are captured.
Sturgeon Bay Tax District Boundaries and Tax Map
Door County publishes GIS-based tax maps that show parcel boundaries, tax district codes, school district boundaries, and voting precincts. The Sturgeon Bay tax map assists property owners, real estate professionals, and title companies in determining the taxing jurisdictions that apply to each parcel. Boundary disputes occasionally arise when a parcel sits near a school district or municipal line, requiring careful map review.
The tax map also identifies special purpose districts such as lake districts, sanitary districts, and metropolitan sewer areas. Each district may levy a separate property tax or special assessment. Door County’s GIS portal allows users to overlay multiple layers, including zoning, floodplain, and wetlands, to fully understand a parcel’s characteristics. Property owners can access the GIS map through the Door County official website.
Boundary changes occur periodically through detachment petitions, annexation actions, and school district reorganization. Property owners who believe their parcel is incorrectly assigned to a taxing district can file a boundary dispute with the county clerk. The Door County Clerk’s Office, led by Jill Lau, processes these requests and forwards them to the appropriate review board. Accurate district assignment ensures that tax bills reflect the correct combination of levies.
Door County Tax Trends and Burden Analysis
Door County property tax trends show rising total levies paired with stable or declining effective rates as property values grow. The county’s 2026 budget raised the tax levy to $32.9 million, a 2.7 percent increase, while the equalized tax rate dropped due to higher property valuations. Sturgeon Bay followed a similar pattern, with a 5 percent levy increase offset somewhat by the 80 percent rise in total assessed value from the 2026 revaluation.
Tax burden analysis compares each municipality’s effective tax rate against the state median of 1.43 percent. Door County’s median tax rate runs below the state average, with a median property tax bill of $3,251. Within Door County, individual municipalities show wide variation in tax burden based on service levels, school district costs, and infrastructure spending. The 2026 revaluation shifted much of this variation within Sturgeon Bay itself.
Regional comparisons between Door County and neighboring Kewaunee, Brown, and Marinette counties show similar tax structures but differing service costs. Tourism-heavy Door County municipalities like Sturgeon Bay, Egg Harbor, and Baileys Harbor rely heavily on seasonal sales tax revenue to support municipal budgets. The new Premier Resort Area Tax in Sturgeon Bay will provide an additional revenue stream, potentially stabilizing future property tax levies.
Wisconsin Department of Revenue Tax Resources
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) oversees statewide property tax administration, publishes assessment manuals, and processes property tax credits. The DOR’s State and Local Finance Division posts annual assessment roll data, equalized value tables, and tax rate limits for every municipality. Property owners can access DOR resources at revenue.wi.gov to verify municipal compliance with state assessment standards.
The 2026 DOR assessment information and forms became available on the agency’s website in late 2026. Updated property owner guides, agricultural classification forms, and manufacturing exemption applications are posted each January. Local assessors rely on DOR guidance to maintain uniform assessment practices across all 72 Wisconsin counties. Door County assessors coordinate with DOR field representatives to ensure compliance.
Wisconsin DOR also maintains the Statement of Assessment (SOA) database, which contains annual assessment ratios, sales-to-assessment ratios, and level of assessment statistics. These metrics help property owners determine whether their local assessments reflect fair market value as required by law. Low assessment ratios, like Sturgeon Bay’s 62 percent pre-revaluation figure, can trigger state intervention to correct inequity.
Premier Resort Area Tax and Local Revenue
Sturgeon Bay voters approved the Premier Resort Area Tax (PRAT) in 2018, with state authorization taking effect in 2026. The half-percent sales tax applies to tourism-related purchases within city limits, including lodging, food and beverage, and certain retail goods. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue officially launched the PRAT collection on July 1, 2026, marking a new revenue chapter for the Door County seat.
PRAT revenue projections estimate $700,000 to $1 million annually for the City of Sturgeon Bay, depending on tourism traffic and retail activity. State law mandates that 50 percent of PRAT revenue directly reduce the city’s property tax levy. The other 50 percent funds road infrastructure projects, including resurfacing, bridge repair, and storm water improvements. This structure converts tourist spending into local tax relief.
Local businesses and shoppers saw the new tax appear on receipts starting July 1, 2026. Door County visitors booking hotel rooms, dining in restaurants, and purchasing select retail items now contribute an extra half-percent to city coffers. The Sturgeon Bay Common Council approved final PRAT implementation in its January 20, 2026 meeting. Officials expect the tax to moderate future property tax levy increases as tourism revenue grows.
| PRAT Implementation Detail | Status or Value |
|---|---|
| Voter approval year | 2018 |
| State authorization effective | 2026 |
| Tax rate | 0.5% |
| Collection start date | July 1, 2026 |
| Projected annual revenue | $700,000 to $1,000,000 |
| Property tax levy offset | 50% |
| Infrastructure project allocation | 50% |
Sturgeon Bay Assessor’s Office Functions and Hours
The City of Sturgeon Bay Assessor’s Office handles all real property assessments, exemption applications, parcel data updates, and assessment appeals for city parcels. The office operates under contract with Associated Appraisal Consultants, which provides certified appraisers and assessment technicians. Staff members process building permits, monitor market trends, and maintain the official assessment roll submitted annually to the Wisconsin DOR.
Residents can visit the assessor’s office to discuss property records, file exemption paperwork, or review assessment methodology. The office accepts walk-in visitors during standard business hours and offers phone support through the contact number listed on the official city website. Mail correspondence can be directed to the assessor’s office address published on the City of Sturgeon Bay official website. Refer to the official city website for current office hours and appointment availability.
Public counter services include reviewing open book records, submitting objection forms, and obtaining copies of assessment notices. The office also assists with sales verification requests from appraisers and real estate agents. Property owners preparing for a Board of Review appeal can request a private appointment with the assessor to discuss evidence and procedural rules.
Door County Register of Deeds and Land Records
The Door County Register of Deeds maintains official land records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and uniform commercial code filings. Property owners searching for historical ownership, easements, or restrictions on a parcel can request certified copies from the Register’s office. The office operates from the Door County Government Center and accepts in-person and mail-in record requests.
The Register of Deeds can be reached through the contact information published on the Door County official website at https://www.co.door.wi.gov. The portal provides access to public land record indexes, document images, and fee schedules. Online searches by grantor, grantee, parcel number, or recording date help title companies, attorneys, and homeowners trace property history quickly.
Recorded documents serve as the legal foundation for property tax assessments, ownership verification, and lien enforcement. Buyers purchasing property in Sturgeon Bay should obtain a title search through the Register of Deeds to confirm clean ownership. Lenders require updated title commitments before closing on mortgages. The Register’s office also records military discharge documents and maintains a separate vault for these sensitive records.
Sturgeon Bay Municipal Revenue Overview
Sturgeon Bay’s municipal revenue combines property taxes, state shared revenue, sales taxes, and fees. The 2026 budget reflects a continued reliance on property taxes as the primary funding source for essential services. The Common Council’s decision to implement the Premier Resort Area Tax diversifies the revenue mix and reduces long-term dependence on residential and commercial property owners.
Property tax revenue in 2026 funds police and fire services, public works, library operations, parks, and administrative functions. Capital spending on streets, sidewalks, water mains, and stormwater systems is financed through a combination of property taxes, utility fees, and borrowed funds. The 2026 general obligation promissory notes totaling $7.44 million finance major infrastructure improvements, with repayment scheduled across the next decade.
Sturgeon Bay’s municipal re
venue budget also reflects intergovernmental transfers from the State of Wisconsin. Shared revenue payments, transportation aids, and recycling grants supplement the local tax base. The Door County Tourism Zone commission contributes marketing dollars that support local events. These diverse revenue streams help stabilize the city’s financial position despite rising service demands and infrastructure needs.
Contact, Local Details, and Map
Tax Assessor
Department Name: City of Sturgeon Bay Assessor’s Office (contracted to Associated Appraisal Consultants)
Official Website URL: https://www.sturgeonbaywi.org
Direct Public Search Portal Link: https://www.apraz.com
Main Phone: Refer to the official city website for the current contact number
Official Email: Refer to the official city website for the current email address
Physical Address: Refer to the official city website for the current office location
Mailing Address: Refer to the official city website for the current mailing address
Deed Recorder
Department Name: Door County Register of Deeds
Official Website URL: https://www.co.door.wi.gov
Direct Public Search Portal Link: Refer to the Door County official website
Main Phone: 920-746-2200
Official Email: Not Available
Physical Address: 421 Nebraska Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Mailing Address: 421 Nebraska Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Frequently Asked Questions
Sturgeon Bay property tax information helps owners know what they owe, when to pay, and how to lower costs. The city assessor’s office, Door County clerk, and Wisconsin revenue department keep records online. Knowing the tax bill, exemptions, and payment channels protects your budget and avoids penalties.
What is the Sturgeon Bay millage rate for 2026 and how is it applied?
The 2026 millage rate combines the city levy, school district levy, and county portion. Each mill equals one‑tenth of a cent per $1,000 of assessed value. Multiply your equalized property value by the total millage, then divide by 1,000. For example, a home assessed at $150,000 with a combined rate of 18 mills owes $2,700. Rates can change yearly, so check the latest notice on the assessor’s portal.
How can I find my Sturgeon Bay tax bill or payment status online?
Visit the public search portal at https://www.apraz.com. Enter your parcel number, address, or owner name. The page shows the current assessment, equalized value, and any unpaid balances. You can print the bill or pay directly with a credit card. The portal updates in real‑time, so you see the most recent information without calling the office.
Where do I send a payment for a 2026 property tax installment?
All 2026 payments go to the Door County Treasurer at 421 Nebraska Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. Mail a check or money order payable to “Door County Treasurer.” Include your parcel number on the memo line. For electronic payment, log in at tax.wisconsin.gov, select Door County, and follow the on‑screen steps. Payments received after the deadline may incur a late fee.
What exemptions are available for homeowners in Sturgeon Bay?
Homeowners can claim the Wisconsin homestead exemption, which reduces the taxable value by $3,000. Seniors 65 and older may qualify for an additional $5,000 exemption if income meets state limits. Veterans receive a $10,000 exemption on the portion of the property used as a residence. To apply, submit a completed exemption form to the assessor’s office before the filing deadline, either in person or via the portal.
How do I appeal my Sturgeon Bay property assessment?
First, review the assessment notice for errors in size, age, or recent improvements. If you disagree, file a written appeal with the City of Sturgeon Bay Assessor’s Office within 30 days of the notice. Include supporting documents such as recent sales of similar homes, repair invoices, or a professional appraisal. The appeal board will hold a hearing, after which the board may adjust the assessed value.