Programs & Applications
Property Tax Refund
Homeowners who have declared a house to be their homestead, or primary residence, can receive a property tax refund of up to $3,140 from the state of Minnesota, if their household income is below $128,280. For example, if you are a homestead property owner in Big Stone County with an income of $50,000 and a property tax bill of $2,400, your property tax refund would be $897. A Special Refund is calculated on the same form.
Homestead
For certain property occupied as a person’s primary place of residence, Minnesota state law provides for a reduction to the general property tax. This reduction is available for properties that fall under the homestead classification.
To qualify for homestead classification, applicants must:
- Have an ownership interest in the property, or be qualifying relatives of at least one owner;
- Occupy the property as their primary place of residence; and
- Be Minnesota residents. (If the property is the primary residence of a qualifying relative of an owner, the owner doesn’t need to be a Minnesota resident.)
The Assessor may require proof of ownership and occupancy to verify homestead claims. Any questions regarding homestead eligibility should be directed to your Assessor.
***Remember to contact our office if you or a qualifying relative occupy the property as their homestead. An application must be made and you must also occupy by December 31st.
Disability Homestead
Two programs exist to provide tax relief to homesteaders with disabilities:
- Homesteaders who are blind or disabled, and who are receiving benefits from an entity because of their disability.
- Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 70% or more.
Special Ag Forms – Actively Farming Homesteads
- Generally mailed in July
- Preferred return date September 1st
- Final return date December 31st