Refunds
Renter Property Tax Refund
To quality, your total household income for 2006 must be less than $49,160.
Homeowner Regular Property Tax Refund
The regular property tax refund is for people who own and reside in their home on January 2, 2007. If the home is not "homesteaded," your application for homestead must be made before December 15, 2007. You are eligible if your household income for 2006 is under $91,120.
Homeowner Special Property Tax Refund
The special property tax refund is for people who own and reside in their home on both January 2, 2006 and January 2, 2007. There is no limit on household income for the special property tax refund. Your 2007 property taxes must have increased by more than 12 percent from 2006 to 2007 and be at least $100. The increase must not be attributable to new improvements.
How To Apply
To apply for either or both of these refunds, use Form M1PR, Minnesota Property Tax Refund which can be downloaded from the Minnesota Department of Revenue's website.
Forms and instructions are also available at many libraries after January 1. Or, you can order them by calling the department's 24-hour forms order service: 651-296-4444. This year's filing deadline was August 15, 2007. Returns can be filed up to a year after the due date. The statute of limitations will lapse for claiming the refund after one year.
When To Expect Your Refund
You should have received your refund by the end of September if you filed by August 1, or 60 days after you file, whichever is later. For more information, see the Minnesota Property Tax Refund instruction booklet.
Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral
This program allows people 65 years of age or older whose household incomes are $60,000 or less, to defer a portion of their homestead property taxes. You, or your spouse, if you are married, must have owned and occupied your homestead for the last 15 years. The deferred tax is a loan from the state. While in this program, you will pay no more than 3 percent of your household income toward your property taxes and the state will pay the rest. You or your heirs will need to repay the deferred amount before you can transfer title of the property.
A property may qualify even if there are unpaid special assessments or property taxes, penalties or interest. For more information, call the Minnesota Department of Revenue at 651-556-6109.