Wisconsin car tax
Wisconsin has no yearly value-based car tax. Owners pay a flat registration fee, and many municipalities and counties add a flat wheel tax. A car purchase is taxed at 5% state plus county or city tax.
No value-based yearly tax. Local wheel taxes are flat amounts per vehicle.
Buying a car in Wisconsin: one-time tax
Wisconsin sales/use tax on motor vehicles — 5%, plus local sales tax where you live. Your trade-in is subtracted before tax.
County tax (usually 0.5%) and Milwaukee city and county taxes apply, based on where the car is kept.
Registration and due dates
Car registration is $85 a year, plus a local wheel tax where adopted. Hybrids add $75 and EVs add $175.
No yearly car tax. Registration renews every year.
Cut what your car costs in Wisconsin
Car tax is set by your town, but your loan and insurance aren't. Refinancing a car loan at a lower rate often saves more each year than the tax itself.
Questions
Does Wisconsin tax cars every year?
No. Registration plus any flat local wheel tax.
What is a wheel tax?
A flat yearly fee some counties and municipalities add to registration.
Can I deduct Wisconsin car taxes on my federal return?
Generally no. Wisconsin has no yearly value-based car tax, and flat registration fees cannot be deducted as personal property tax. Sales tax on the purchase can be deducted instead of income tax if you itemize.
Sources
Last checked October 14, 2026. Rates are for passenger cars owned by individuals; leased, business and specialty vehicles can differ. Confirm with your tax collector or commissioner of the revenue.