Property Tax Relief Options
Stearns County Auditor/Treasurer
Randy R. Schreifels
There are a number of programs available for residents for assistance related to property taxes. Each of these programs requires certain criteria to qualify and is available through various county departments and state agencies.
Auditor/Treasurer Office
Auditor/Treasurer: Randy Schreifels
• Property Tax Refund – The Minnesota Department of Revenue offers a property tax refund intended for renters, mobile/manufactured homeowners, and homeowners who meet certain requirements set forth by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. This program is based on the total household income of the renter or homestead owner and the property taxes paid on their residence. The due date for the 2008 property tax return is August 17, 2009. Form M1PR is used to file a property tax refund or to file online visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
• Special Property Tax Refund – This reimbursement is also offered through the Minnesota Department of Revenue. It is based entirely on the amount of tax increase experienced between these two years regardless of the applicant’s household income. You must have owned and lived in the same home on both January 2, 2008 and January 2, 2009, the net property tax on your homestead must have increased by more than 12% from the 2008 to 2009, and the increase must have been $100 or more and the increase is not attributable to new improvements. From M1PR is used to file for the special property tax refund, for further information or to file online visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
• Senior Citizen Tax Deferral program – this allows senior citizens to leverage the equity in their home. It limits the maximum amount of property tax to be paid and ensures that it does not change during the participatory period. The annual tax paid by the owner is restricted to three percent of the total household income based upon the income earned in the calendar year prior to the first year of enrollment in the program. The balance of tax due is deferred and a lien is placed on the property and becomes payable at a later time, while tax is paid by the state to the county. For futher information visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
• Confession of Judgment – This program is for delinquent residential homestead property tax, it enables the property owner to pay delinquent taxes over a period of years with annual installments with a floating interest ranging between 10 – 14%. The requirement is to have 10% down, plus current year taxes with the balance due over nine years. This program also includes commercial real estate with a market value of $500,000 or less to pay delinquent taxes over a period of years with annual installments. The requirement for commercial property is to have 20% down plus current taxes with the balance due over four years. These also include a setup fee of $55.00.
• Special Assessments Deferred – Special assessments may be deferred if approved by the governing authority.
• Payment Plans – the money is automatically deducted from checking or saving account.
For further information or questions on the programs listed above contact the Auditor/Treasurer Office at:
705 Courthouse Square Rm 148
St. Cloud MN 56303
Telephone: 320.656.3900
Property Tax email: taxes@co.stearns.mn.us
Assessors Office
Assessor: Gary Grossinger
The Assessors Office determines eligibility to the following programs:
• Blind and Disabled – Applications are necessary for this program. The first $50,000 of market value is calculated at a reduced percentage. (Currently at .45%)
• Green Acres – An agricultural reduction based on the use of the land. Application must be made to the county or city assessor office.
• Veterans Exclusion – Application necessary for this program. If a veteran is 70% disabled or higher they qualify for the first $150,000 of market value exclusion, if the veteran is 100% and permanently disabled they qualify for $300,000 market value exclusion.
• Disaster Credit – applies to damages sustained to homestead property owner’s house and garage. The damaged property is reassessed and the market value is adjusted accordingly.
• Local Option Disaster Relief – The relief provides for a reduction in taxes payable in the year the damage occurs and occasionally carries over into the next payable year depending upon the time of the disaster and when the property is rebuilt.
• Plat Deferral – This program is automatic for developers in which values are phased in over a 7 year period. (Once construction is completed on a plat this program is no longer in effect)
For further information or questions on the above programs in the Assessors Office, contact the office at:
705 Courthouse Square Rm 37
St. Cloud MN 56303-4701
Telephone: 320.656.3680
E-mail: property.assessment@co.stearns.mn.us