Marathon County, WI Car Tax & Wheel Tax (2026)
In Marathon County, a car purchase is taxed at 5.5% (Wisconsin's 5% state tax plus any county tax). At registration you also pay the $85 state fee plus the local wheel tax: $25 county. Marathon County requires no emissions test.
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
What you'll pay in Marathon County
- Sales tax: 5.5% (state 5% + county)
- Wheel tax: $25 county (on top of the $85 state fee)
- Emissions test: not required
- Base registration: $85 · Title: $214.50 (statewide)
How the wheel tax works
Wisconsin's wheel taxes stack — if both Marathon County and your city charge one, you pay both on top of the $85 state registration fee. Sales tax is based on where the vehicle is customarily kept, not where you buy it. Note the title fee rose to $214.50 in October 2025. Estimate the purchase cost on our Wisconsin title & tax page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the wheel tax in Marathon County, WI?
$25 county. Wisconsin wheel taxes are charged annually at registration, on top of the $85 state fee, and county + city amounts stack.
What is the car sales tax in Marathon County?
5.5% — Wisconsin's 5% state tax plus any county tax. It's based on where the vehicle is kept, not the dealer's location.
Does Marathon County require an emissions test?
Marathon County requires no emissions test. In Wisconsin, only Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, and Waukesha test.