Brown County, WI Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)
Key Facts
- Room Tax Rate
- 10% (Brown County)
- State Authority
- Wis. Stat. §66.0615
- License Required
- Tourist Rooming House (ATCP 72)
- Issuing Agent
- Brown County Public Health
- Public Health Phone
- 920-448-6400
Summary
Brown County imposes a 10% room tax on short-term rentals under authority of Wis. Stat. §66.0615. Operators must obtain a Tourist Rooming House (TRH) license from Brown County Public Health and remit room tax to the county Corporate Trust Coordinator.
Fees Due: If the property has had a TRH license with Brown County in the past (even with a previous owner) - $455.00 ($350 license plus 30% pre-inspection fee). If the property has never had a TRH license with Brown County - $490.00 ($350 license plus 40% pre-inspection fee). Annual License Fee (for renewals) - $350.00. THIS LICENSE IS NOT TRANSFERABLE - A $500.00 penalty will be added to all establishments operating without a valid Public Health Division license. A $150.00 late fee will be assessed to any renewal payment received or post marked after June 30th.
Full Breakdown
Under Wis. Stat. §66.0615, Wisconsin municipalities and counties can adopt local room tax ordinances on lodging stays under 30 days. Brown County applies a 10% room tax to short-term rentals. STR operators in unincorporated towns under Brown County jurisdiction must collect and remit the tax to the Brown County Corporate Trust Coordinator. Operators must also hold a state Tourist Rooming House license (Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 72) issued locally by Brown County Public Health, which serves as the state's licensing agent for the county. Updates to ATCP 72 took effect January 25, 2026. Confirm current TRH license fees and remittance schedule with Brown County Public Health.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a TRH license can lead to forfeitures under ATCP 72 and Wis. Stat. §97. Failure to remit room tax exposes operators to back taxes, interest, and penalties under §66.0615.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much room tax does Brown County charge on short-term rentals?
Do I need a license to operate a short-term rental in unincorporated Brown County?
Does Brown County have additional STR fees beyond the state license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brown County
How Brown County compares: Cities with the Highest Short-Term Rental Taxes·Compare Brown County to another location·View the Wisconsin short-term rentals overview
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