Minnesota property taxes are due May 15 and November 15 each year

In Minnesota, property taxes are split into two payments. The first half is due May 15, and the second half is due November 15. If either date falls on a weekend or holiday, the important date moves to the next business day. Your county treasurer's office sets the exact date each year and publishes it on their website.

Payment goes to your county treasurer, not to the state. The amount you owe depends on your property's assessed value, your local tax rate, and any exemptions or credits you may have access to for. If you have a mortgage, your lender may pay taxes from an escrow account instead of you paying directly — check your loan documents to see who handles it.

Late payments trigger a penalty. Minnesota charges a 0.5 percent penalty per month on unpaid taxes, starting the day after the important date. If your payment is more than 90 days late, the penalty increases. The county can also file a tax lien against your property, which affects your ability to sell or refinance.

Key Takeaways

  • Property taxes in Minnesota are due twice yearly: May 15 for the first half and November 15 for the second half.
  • You pay your county treasurer, and the exact important date shifts if it lands on a weekend or holiday.
  • If your mortgage includes an escrow account, your lender pays taxes directly and you should not pay twice.
  • Payments made after the important date incur a 0.5 percent monthly penalty, and a tax lien can be filed if payment is 90 days late.

How to find your county treasurer and payment options

Each of Minnesota's 87 counties has its own treasurer's office. You can find yours by searching "[your county name] Minnesota treasurer" or visiting the Minnesota County Treasurers Association website, which links to every county office. Most treasurers accept payment by mail, in person, online, or by phone.

Online payment is the fastest and safest option. Most county websites have a payment portal where you enter your property ID number (found on your tax statement) and pay by bank transfer or credit card. Some counties charge a small processing fee for credit card payments but not for bank transfers. Mail payments should arrive at least five business days before the important date to account for postal delays.

If you pay in person, bring your tax statement or property ID number. Some counties accept payments at multiple locations — the main treasurer's office, satellite offices, or authorized payment centers. Call ahead to confirm hours and accepted payment methods.

What happens if you miss the important date

A late payment does not when ready result in foreclosure, but penalties and interest accumulate quickly. The 0.5 percent monthly penalty applies from the day after the important date. If your payment is 30 days late, the county may send a notice. If it remains unpaid for 90 days, the county files a tax lien on your property, which becomes public record and can affect your credit.

If taxes stay unpaid for three years, the county can begin foreclosure proceedings and sell your property at a tax sale to recover what you owe. However, you have the right to redeem the property — pay the full amount owed plus costs — even after a tax sale, within a set period. Contact your county treasurer when ready if you cannot pay on time; some counties offer payment plans or can direct you to information programs.

Property tax exemptions and credits that reduce what you owe

Minnesota offers several exemptions that lower your taxable property value, which in turn lowers your tax bill. Homestead exemptions are available to owner-occupied homes and reduce the taxable value of your primary residence. Agricultural exemptions explore to farmland. Disabled veterans, surviving spouses of veterans, and blind persons may also may have access to for exemptions.

Beyond exemptions, Minnesota offers tax credits that reduce the amount due. The Homestead Property Tax Credit is based on household income and property taxes paid — lower-income homeowners receive larger credits. The Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral program allows people 65 and older to defer paying taxes in some cases. You must file for these credits with the Minnesota Department of Revenue, usually as part of your state income tax return.

Check your tax statement to see which exemptions are already applied to your property. If you think you may have access to for an exemption you do not have, contact your county assessor's office. They handle exemption requests and can tell you what documents you need to submit.

Understanding your property tax statement

Your property tax statement arrives in the mail before each payment important date. It shows your property ID number, the assessed value of your property, your tax rate, the amount due for that half-year, and the payment important date. The statement also lists any exemptions or credits already applied.

The assessed value is not the same as the market value of your home. The county assessor determines assessed value by looking at recent sales of similar properties in your area. You can challenge the assessed value if you believe it is wrong — most counties have a formal appeal process, usually in the spring. Instructions for appealing are often included on the tax statement itself.

If you do not receive a statement by mid-April (for the May payment) or mid-September (for the November payment), contact your county treasurer. A missing statement does not excuse a late payment, so follow up promptly.

Escrow accounts and mortgage payments

If you have a mortgage, your lender may require you to pay property taxes through an escrow account. Each month, you pay a portion of the estimated annual tax bill along with your mortgage payment. The lender holds this money and pays the county on your behalf when taxes are due.

You should receive an escrow statement once a year showing how much was collected, how much was paid to the county, and what balance remains. If your property taxes increase, your monthly mortgage payment may increase to cover the higher escrow amount. If there is a surplus in the escrow account at year's end, the lender either credits it toward next year's taxes or refunds it to you.

Do not pay property taxes directly to the county if your mortgage includes an escrow account — doing so can create overpayment issues and confusion with your lender. If you are unsure whether your loan has an escrow account, check your loan documents or call your mortgage servicer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my property taxes are paid through escrow but I want to pay them myself?

You can request that your lender remove the escrow account, though they may require you to have a certain amount of equity in the home. Once escrow is removed, you become responsible for paying the county directly by the May 15 and November 15 important date. Contact your mortgage servicer to start the process.

Can I pay my property taxes early?

Yes. Most county treasurers accept early payments without penalty. Paying early can be useful if you expect cash flow problems later in the year or want to lock in a payment before a important date approaches. Contact your county treasurer to confirm they accept advance payments.

Do I owe property taxes if I am renting?

No. The property owner pays property taxes. If you rent, your landlord is responsible for the tax bill. However, property taxes are often factored into rent prices, so you indirectly contribute to them through your monthly payment.

What is the difference between assessed value and market value?

Assessed value is what the county uses to calculate your tax bill and is based on recent sales of similar homes. Market value is what your home would sell for today. They are often different — assessed value may be lower or higher depending on local market conditions and the assessment method used.

Can I get a property tax deferral if I cannot pay?

Minnesota offers the Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral program for homeowners 65 and older who meet income limits. Some counties also have local information programs. Contact your county treasurer or the Minnesota Department of Revenue to learn what options may be available in your situation.