Minnesota property taxes are due in two installments: the first half on May 15 and the second half on November 15

If you own property in Minnesota, your county assessor sends a property tax statement each year showing what you owe. The bill arrives in early May for the first installment and early November for the second. Both payments are due on the 15th of those months. If the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday, the important date moves to the next business day.

Payments made after the due date incur a penalty. Minnesota charges a 0.5% penalty on the first day late, then an additional 0.5% for each month the payment remains unpaid, up to a maximum of 8% total. Interest also accrues at 8% per year on the unpaid balance. The sooner you pay, the less you owe in penalties and interest.

Key Takeaways

  • Property tax bills in Minnesota are split into two payments due May 15 and November 15 each year.
  • Your county assessor mails the bill in early May and early November; check your mail or your county's website if you do not receive it.
  • Late payments trigger a 0.5% penalty per month plus 8% annual interest, so paying on time saves money.
  • You can pay by mail, online through your county, or in person at the county treasurer's office.
  • If you cannot pay the full amount, contact your county treasurer about payment plans before the important date.

How to find your property tax bill

Your county assessor mails the property tax statement to the address on file for your property. The first statement arrives in early May and covers the May 15 payment. The second arrives in early November and covers the November 15 payment. If you do not receive your bill by mid-May or mid-November, contact your county treasurer's office right away—they can tell you whether the bill was mailed and provide a copy.

You can also look up your bill online through your county's website. Most Minnesota counties have a property tax lookup tool where you enter your property address or parcel number and view the current year's bill. The county treasurer's office phone number appears on the tax statement itself, or you can search "[your county] Minnesota treasurer" to find contact information.

Payment methods and where to send money

Minnesota counties accept property tax payments by mail, online, and in person. The payment address appears on your tax bill—mail checks or money orders to your county treasurer's office. Do not mail cash. If you pay by mail, send it early enough to arrive by the due date; the postmark date does not count as the payment date.

Most counties now accept online payments through their websites. Search "[your county] Minnesota property tax payment" to find the online portal. Some counties charge a small fee for online payments, usually 1% to 2% of the amount paid. You can also pay in person at the county treasurer's office during business hours. Call ahead to confirm hours, especially around the May 15 and November 15 important date when offices are busier.

What happens if you miss the important date

A payment is late if it arrives after 5 p.m. on the due date. Minnesota when ready charges a 0.5% penalty on the unpaid balance. Each month the payment remains late, another 0.5% penalty accrues, up to a maximum of 8% total. Interest also compounds at 8% per year on the unpaid amount. For example, a $2,000 payment that is 30 days late incurs roughly $27 in penalties and interest.

If you do not pay by June 15 (one month after the May 15 important date), your county may file a tax lien against your property. A lien gives the county a legal claim on the property and can affect your ability to sell or refinance. The lien remains until you pay the full amount owed, including all penalties and interest. If the property tax debt goes unpaid for several years, the county may foreclose and sell the property to recover the debt.

Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full

If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact your county treasurer before May 15 or November 15. Many counties offer payment plans that let you spread the cost over several months. The terms vary by county—some allow you to pay in two or three installments, while others may work with you on a longer schedule. You must request the plan before the important date; asking after you are late may not be an option.

When you call the treasurer's office, explain your situation and ask what payment plan options are available. You may still owe penalties and interest on the unpaid portion, but a plan prevents a lien from being filed when ready. Get the agreement in writing and keep a copy for your records. Make all payments on the agreed schedule to avoid additional penalties.

Homestead property tax refund in Minnesota

Minnesota offers a homestead property tax refund for homeowners and renters whose property taxes or rent are high relative to their income. This is a separate refund from the property tax bill itself—you pay the full amount due on May 15 and November 15, then may receive money back later if you meet the income limits. The refund is based on your household income and the amount of property tax you paid in the previous year.

You claim the homestead refund when you file your Minnesota state income tax return. The form is included with your tax packet, or you can read it from the Minnesota Department of Revenue website. The important date to claim the refund is the same as your income tax important date, usually April 15. If you think you may be may be able to access, file your income tax return on time to avoid missing the refund window.

Property taxes for new homeowners and recent movers

If you bought a home partway through the year, you may receive a bill for only part of the year's taxes, or the seller may have paid taxes that you owe back to them at closing. Your closing documents show who is responsible for which portion of the year's taxes. The county assessor's office has a record of the ownership change and will send future bills to the new owner.

If you recently moved within Minnesota, make sure the county has your current mailing address. If your bill goes to an old address, you may miss the important date without knowing it. Contact the county assessor's office with your new address as soon as you move. You can also sign up for email reminders through some county websites so you receive a notice when your bill is ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I pay one installment but not the other?

You must pay both the May 15 and November 15 installments. If you pay only one, the unpaid half is considered late and penalties begin accruing when ready. Contact your county treasurer to set up a plan for the unpaid amount rather than letting it sit.

Can I pay my property taxes through my mortgage lender?

If your lender holds your property taxes in an escrow account, they pay the county on your behalf. You do not send the payment yourself. Your mortgage statement shows whether taxes are escrowed. If they are not, you pay the county directly.

Do I owe property taxes if my house is paid off?

Yes. Property taxes are owed by the property owner regardless of whether the mortgage is paid off. The only way to stop owing property taxes is to sell the property or have it transferred to someone else's name.

What if I disagree with the assessed value on my tax bill?

You can appeal the assessed value through your county assessor's office. The appeal process and important date vary by county, but you must act within a set timeframe—usually by June 30 of the year the bill is issued. Contact your assessor's office for the appeal form and instructions. You still owe the full tax payment while your appeal is pending.

Can I pay property taxes online with a credit card?

Some Minnesota counties accept credit card payments online, but most charge a processing fee of 2% to 3%. Check your county's website to see what payment methods are available. Paying by check or bank transfer usually has no fee.