Renters credit in Wisconsin
Varies
Can Renters Get a Tax Break in Wisconsin?
Short answer: Yes: Wisconsin offers the Renter's School Property Tax Credit; Homestead Credit. All renters can claim the school property tax credit, worth up to $300, on Form 1, where 20% of rent (25% if heat isn't included) counts as property tax. Lower-income renters may also claim the refundable Homestead Credit, up to $1,168, on Schedule H. School credit: no income limit; $150 maximum if married filing separately. Homestead Credit: household income under $24,680 (2025); full-year resident age 18+; must have earned income, be disabled, or be 62+.
A landlord-signed rent certificate is required for the Homestead Credit, and rent for housing that is exempt from property tax doesn't count. Homestead isn't available for any month you received Wisconsin Works or county relief payments of $400 or more. Rent on your own home isn't deductible on your federal return; the exceptions are a home office used for your business or renting out part of the place you rent.
Records to keep: Keep your lease, rent receipts or a landlord rent certificate, and proof of household income. Check your state's current-year form and deadline before you apply.
Renters credit in Wisconsin
Varies
Individuals / Personal Taxes
Yes: Wisconsin offers the Renter's School Property Tax Credit; Homestead Credit. All renters can claim the school property tax credit, worth up to $300, on Form 1, where 20% of rent (25% if heat isn't included) counts as property tax. Lower-income renters may also claim the refundable Homestead Credit, up to $1,168, on Schedule H. School credit: no income limit; $150 maximum if married filing separately. Homestead Credit: household income under $24,680 (2025); full-year resident age 18+; must have earned income, be disabled, or be 62+.
Business justification
Yes: Wisconsin offers the Renter's School Property Tax Credit; Homestead Credit. All renters can claim the school property tax credit, worth up to $300, on Form 1, where 20% of rent (25% if heat isn't included) counts as property tax. Lower-income renters may also claim the refundable Homestead Credit, up to $1,168, on Schedule H. School credit: no income limit; $150 maximum if married filing separately. Homestead Credit: household income under $24,680 (2025); full-year resident age 18+; must have earned income, be disabled, or be 62+. A landlord-signed rent certificate is required for the Homestead Credit, and rent for housing that is exempt from property tax doesn't count. Homestead isn't available for any month you received Wisconsin Works or county relief payments of $400 or more. Rent on your own home isn't deductible on your federal return; the exceptions are a home office used for your business or renting out part of the place you rent.
Category
- Personal Tax Deductions