Minnesota Property Tax Relief: Exemptions & How to File
Minnesota has 6 main property tax relief programs, administered through your County Assessor. Filing is free.
Biggest benefit
Up to $38,000 of market value excluded (40% of value for homes valued at $95,000 or less; reduced by 9% of value over $95,000; fully phases out at $517,200)
Earliest common deadline
August 15
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Never pay to file a property tax exemption
Applying for a homestead, senior, veteran, or disability exemption is always free through your County Assessor. You do not need a middleman, and no one can file it "faster" for a fee.
Be skeptical of official-looking letters offering to file your homestead exemption, "designate" your homestead, or send you a copy of your deed for $50–$200. These are private solicitations, not government notices. When in doubt, contact your County Assessor directly using the phone number on your tax bill.
Minnesota property tax relief programs
Amounts, eligibility, deadlines, and the official source for each program.
| Program | Benefit | Who qualifies | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead Market Value ExclusionHomestead | Up to $38,000 of market value excluded (40% of value for homes valued at $95,000 or less; reduced by 9% of value over $95,000; fully phases out at $517,200) | Must own and occupy the property as a homestead (primary residence) | December 31 | Official source ↗Minn. Stat. 273.13, subd. 35Homestead application (filed with county assessor) |
| Homestead Credit Refund (for Homeowners)Tax Credit | Amount adjusted annually — confirm with your County Assessor | Income: Household income less than $142,490 (2025 tax year) · Must have owned and occupied the home on January 2 of the year following the tax year | August 15Late filing: up to 1 year back | Official source ↗Minn. Stat. Chapter 290AForm M1PR, Homestead Credit Refund (for Homeowners) and Renter's Property Tax Refund |
| Special Property Tax Refund (Targeting)Tax Credit | Amount adjusted annually — confirm with your County Assessor | Income: No income limit · Must own and occupy the homestead in both years being compared | August 15Late filing: up to 1 year back | Official source ↗Minn. Stat. 290A.04, subd. 2hForm M1PR (Special Refund) |
| Renter's Credit (Renter's Property Tax Refund)Renter Relief | Up to $2,720 | Income: Household income less than $77,570 (2025 tax year) · Must have rented and lived in a Minnesota building on which property tax was assessed or a payment in lieu of tax was made; cannot be claimed as a dependent | Deadline varies — confirm locally | Official source ↗Minn. Stat. Chapter 290AForm M1 with Schedule M1RENT, Renter's Credit ↗ |
| Senior Citizens Property Tax DeferralTax Deferral | Property tax payment limited to 3% of total household income; the remaining tax is deferred as a low-interest loan/lien (interest rate does not exceed 5%) | Age 65+ · Income: Total household income for the year preceding initial application may not exceed $96,000 · Property must have been owned and occupied as the homestead of at least one qualifying homeowner for at least 5 years prior to the year of initial application; for married couples one spouse must be 65+ and the other at least 62 | November 1 | Official source ↗Minn. Stat. Chapter 290B (see 290B.03, 290B.04)Form CR-SCD, Property Tax Deferral Application for Senior Citizens ↗ |
| Market Value Exclusion for Veterans with a Disability (Disabled Veterans Homestead Market Value Exclusion)Veteran | $150,000 of market value excluded for a 70%-99% service-connected disability; $300,000 excluded for a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability | VA-certified service-connected disability of 70% or more; must be honorably discharged (DD214 or equivalent) · Must own and occupy the property as a homestead | December 31 | Official source ↗Minn. Stat. 273.13, subd. 34Form CR-DVHE70 (70%-99% disability) or Form CR-DVHE100 (100% total and permanent disability) |
Missed a deadline? You may still be able to file — and get money back.
Several programs here accept late applications for prior years. If approved, your County Assessorcan reduce a bill you haven't paid or refund taxes you already paid on the exempted amount.
- ↻Homestead Credit Refund (for Homeowners): late applications accepted up to 1 year back — Form M1PR is due August 15. Returns may be filed up to one year after the due date.
- ↻Special Property Tax Refund (Targeting): late applications accepted up to 1 year back — Filed together with Form M1PR; due August 15 and may be filed up to one year after the due date.
For veterans
In most states a higher VA disability rating unlocks a larger — often total — property tax exemption.
Trusted Resources
Trusted tools to help you claim what you've earned
VA Claims Academy
A 100% VA disability rating unlocks full property tax exemptions in most states. VA Claims Academy helps veterans pursue the rating increases they may be owed.
Visit VA Claims Academy →*
* Affiliate disclosure: GovSifter may earn a commission from links above. This does not affect program listings or editorial content.
For seniors
Planning ahead protects your exemption and your home.
Trusted Resources
Trusted tools to help you claim what you've earned
CareSifter — Find trusted senior care
Property tax relief is one piece of aging in place affordably. CareSifter helps families compare in-home care, assisted living, and senior services.
Explore CareSifter →*Trust & Will — Estate planning made simple
Keeping a homestead exemption in the family often depends on how the home is titled. Trust & Will makes wills, trusts, and transfer-on-death deeds affordable and online.
Start with Trust & Will →*
* Affiliate disclosure: GovSifter may earn a commission from links above. This does not affect program listings or editorial content.
Minnesota property tax relief FAQ
What property tax exemptions are available in Minnesota?
Minnesota offers 6 main property tax relief programs: Homestead Market Value Exclusion, Homestead Credit Refund (for Homeowners), Special Property Tax Refund (Targeting), Renter's Credit (Renter's Property Tax Refund), Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral, Market Value Exclusion for Veterans with a Disability (Disabled Veterans Homestead Market Value Exclusion). Each is administered through your County Assessor.
How do I apply for a property tax exemption in Minnesota?
You apply through your County Assessor — for free. Most exemptions require a one-time application by the deadline; check each program for its form and cutoff date. You never need to pay a third party to file.
I missed the Minnesota exemption deadline — can I still file?
Possibly. Homestead Credit Refund (for Homeowners) accepts late applications up to 1 year back; Special Property Tax Refund (Targeting) accepts late applications up to 1 year back. If approved, you may receive a reduced bill or a refund of taxes paid on the exempted value.
Is filing for a Minnesota property tax exemption free?
Yes. Filing is always free through your County Assessor. Letters offering to file your homestead exemption for a fee are private solicitations, not government notices.
Compare Minnesota to other states by relief type
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