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FAQs

  • You received a notice because the City of Richland Center is undergoing a citywide revaluation in 2025. This ensures all property values reflect fair market value as of January 1, 2025, using sales data from 2024.

  • Your property value is based on comparable sales of similar properties in 2024. Assessors evaluate:

    • Location
    • Age
    • Style
    • Square footage
    • Overall condition

    Sales used are arms-length transactions, not foreclosures or private sales.

  • Not necessarily. Your taxes are determined by the mill rate, which is calculated after all taxing jurisdictions (City, County, School District, Tech College) finalize their budgets. If property values increase across the board, the mill rate usually decreases.

    Learn more about mill rates here.

  • Yes. Visit the Accurate Assessor Property Search - Choose "Richland Center" from the drop down menu and enter your address or parcel number.

    • Land = value of your lot
    • Imp/Bldgs = improvements like your home, garage, etc.
    • Total = land + improvements
    • Reason for Change may list:
      • Revaluation increase
      • Permit-based change
      • Demolition or removal of structure

  • You have two main options:

    1. Open Book

      • Email Open Book: Visit accurateassessor.com, click "Open Book Assistant," complete the form and select email response. An assessor will reply within two business days.

      •  In-Person Open Book: Attend at Richland Center Municipal Building, 450 S Main St: appointments highly encouraged

        • Monday, September 8th, 2025,

          • 8:00AM-12:00PM

          • 1:00PM-4:00PM

        • Tuesday, September 9th, 2025

          • 8:00AM-12:00PM

          • 1:00PM-4:00PM

    2. Board of Review

    If you're not satisfied after Open Book, you may appeal to the Board of Review on October 15, 2025 at Richland Center Municipal Building. You must submit a formal objection form.

    • Deadline to File an Appeal: Monday, October 13, 2025, at 6:30PM

  • If you missed the Open Book period, you still have options:

    • Contact Accurate Assessor at (920) 749-8098 or email info@accurateassessor.com to ask questions about your new assessment or request clarification.
    • File a Notice of Intent to Appeal:
      • Under Wisconsin law (sec. 70.47(7)(a), Wis. Stats.), you may still file a notice of your intent to appeal to the Board of Review.
        • You can do this in writing or orally at the City Clerk’s Office within 48 hours of the Board of Review convenes.
        • Filing your intent is required in order to present your case before the Board of Review.

  • Assessed Value: The total value assigned to your property by the assessor. It includes both the land and any structures (homes, garages, sheds, etc.) on it.

    Assessment: The process of determining the market value of a property for tax purposes. It reflects what your property would likely sell for on the open market as of January 1 of the assessment year.

    Board of Review: A formal process where you can appeal your assessment if you disagree after Open Book. You must first attend or attempt to resolve your concern during Open Book.

    Comparable Sales: Sales of properties that are similar to yours in size, location, age, and style. Used by assessors to determine fair market value.

    Equalized Value: A market-adjusted value calculated by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to ensure fairness across municipalities. Used mainly to distribute state aid and compare values across districts.

    Improvement Value (Imp/Bldgs): The value of buildings or structures on your property. This is added to the land value to calculate the total assessed value.

    Land Value: The value of your lot alone, excluding any buildings or improvements.

    Mill Rate: A tax rate applied to your assessed value. Calculated by dividing the total tax levy by the total assessed value of all properties in the jurisdiction. As assessed values go up, mill rates often go down.

    Open Book: A period during which you can informally discuss your property value with the assessor. You may share evidence such as recent appraisals, property changes, or comparable sales.

    Revaluation: A complete update of all property values within the municipality to reflect current market conditions, typically based on sales from the prior year.

    Total Assessed Value: The combined value of your land and improvements. This number is used to calculate your property taxes.

City of Richland Center Municipal Building
450 South Main Street | Richland Center, WI 53581