Show All Answers

1. What is the Regular Homeowner’s Homestead Credit Refund?

The regular refund is for people who have owned and lived in their home on January 2, 2015. The home must be classified as your homestead. For mid-year move-ins, you must occupy the home by December 1, and apply for homestead by December 15.

2. What is a Special Homeowner’s Homestead Credit Refund?

To qualify for the special refund, the following must be true:

• You have owned and lived in the same home on January 2 of the previous and current year.
• The net property tax on your homestead increased by more than 12% from the previous year to the current year.
• The increase was at least $100 and wasn’t due to improvements that you made to the property.

There is no limit on household income for the special refund. You may qualify even if you don’t qualify for the regular refund. The maximum special refund is $1,000. Note: If you use part of your home for a business, make sure you read Special Situations on page 10 of the Minnesota Homestead Credit Refund (for Homeowners) and Renter’s Property Tax Refund Instructions (PDF). 

3. How do I file for homestead?

Electronically: You can file your Homestead Credit Refund online for free with the Minnesota Revenue’s Online Filing System!

You may download and complete the Minnesota Revenue’s Homestead Application (PDF). If needed, you can find the forms at many libraries after January 1, or ask the Minnesota Revenue to mail you the forms by calling 651-296-4444 or 800-657-3676.

Note: You are no longer required to include your property tax statement when mailing a paper return. Mille Lacs County will provide this information if you are a Mille Lacs County resident.

4. How do I know if my property is classified as a homestead?

Your property tax statement will note if your property is classified as a homestead. You may view the property tax statement sent to you from Mille Lacs County (usually sent out in March or April. If you own a mobile home, you may not receive your statement until mid-July). Do not look at your Notice of Proposed Taxes that was sent in November.

If your statement does not classify your property as a homestead, and you meet the necessary homestead qualifications, you can apply for homestead by completing the homestead application (PDF). You can send in the application or bring it to the courthouse. Call the Assessor’s office if you have any questions about Homesteads or if you need help filling out the application at 320-983-8311.

5. What else should I know about homestead?

• Only homestead properties qualify for the Homestead Credit Refund. Your homestead is your primary, legal residence. A person can have only one homestead, as homestead property is taxed at a lower rate than non-homestead property.
• Relative homestead is a property tax classification that allows a homeowner to retain homestead status on his/her property if it’s occupied by a relative. However, relative homestead property does not qualify for a Homestead Credit Refund.
• Elderly homeowners may transfer their property to a relative or friend but continue to occupy the property under a life estate. The occupants retain an ownership interest in the home, and will qualify for the Homestead Credit Refund, provided they meet the regular qualifications (regardless of who pays the property taxes).
• Delinquent property taxes must be paid before you can apply for a refund. If you pay the taxes (or make arrangements to pay them) by August 15 of each year, you may still be able to apply. Make sure you get a receipt or a signed Confession of Judgment statement from the county’s Auditor-Treasurer’s Office and include it with your Form M1PR.
• You may qualify for a Property Tax Refund if you are/were:
  • A part-year resident
  • Married, separated, or divorced during the year
  • Co-owner of a home
  • A mobile home owner
• You may also qualify for a Property Tax refund if you rented out or used part of your home for a business.

Learn More

For information on how to file in these situations, see Homeowners - Special Instructions in the Minnesota Revenue’s Homestead Credit Refund (for Homeowners) and Renter’s Property Tax Refund (PDF) booklet.