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WI SB618
WI SB618Allowing renters to claim the veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit. (FE)
summary
Introduced
11/06/2025
11/06/2025
In Committee
11/06/2025
11/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, an eligible veteran or surviving spouse may claim a refundable income tax credit equal to the amount of property taxes the claimant paid during the year on his or her principal dwelling in Wisconsin. Current law does not expressly address the treatment of renters. The Department of Revenue allows an eligible veteran or surviving spouse who is a renter to claim the credit if the claimant is required to pay the property taxes under the rental agreement or other written agreement with the landlord and pays the property taxes directly to the municipality. Under this bill, an eligible veteran or surviving spouse may claim the credit in an amount equal to his or her rent constituting property taxes. The bill defines “rent constituting property taxes” to mean a specified percentage of the rent paid by the claimant during the year for the use of a principal dwelling as housing. The specified percentage is 20 percent if heat is included in the rent and 25 percent if heat is not included. LRB-5108/1 JK:cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 618 For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill expands the existing veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit to include renters by allowing eligible veterans or surviving spouses to claim a tax credit based on a portion of their rental payments. Specifically, the bill defines "rent constituting property taxes" as 20% of annual rent if heat is included, or 25% of annual rent if heat is not included. The credit can be claimed against income taxes, and if the credit amount exceeds the taxes owed, the remaining balance will be paid to the claimant by check. The bill modifies existing tax law to clarify that when married veterans file separate tax returns, each spouse can claim 50% of the rent constituting property taxes for their principal dwelling. These changes will first apply to taxable years beginning on January 1, 2026, effectively giving renters who are veterans or surviving spouses the same property tax relief currently available to homeowners in similar circumstances.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (20)
Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D)*,
Dianne Hesselbein (D)*,
Brad Pfaff (D)*,
Melissa Ratcliff (D)*,
Mark Spreitzer (D)*,
Bob Wirch (D)*,
Clint Anderson (D),
Mike Bare (D),
Ben DeSmidt (D),
Steve Doyle (D),
Joan Fitzgerald (D),
Alex Joers (D),
Vincent Miresse (D),
Greta Neubauer (D),
Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D),
Lee Snodgrass (D),
Ryan Spaude (D),
Angela Stroud (D),
Lisa Subeck (D),
Randy Udell (D),
Last Action
Representative Sheehan added as a cosponsor (on 02/20/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb618 |
| Fiscal Note - SB618: Fiscal Estimate From DOR | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb618/sb618_dor.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB618.pdf |
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