Minnesota homestead classification

If you own and live in a home in Minnesota, filing for homestead classification is one of the simplest ways to reduce your property taxes. When you homestead, you’re telling your county that this is your primary residence. In return, the county applies a lower tax rate and you may qualify for programs like the Homestead Market Value Exclusion, which reduces the taxable portion of your home’s value.

To receive homestead status for the next tax year, you must own and occupy the property and file the homestead application with your county by December 31 (for most counties). Missing that deadline means you wait an entire year for the benefits to kick in.

Most counties require a short application along with proof of residency, such as a Minnesota driver’s license, state ID, or voter registration showing the property address. Once approved, your homestead classification stays in place unless you move, change ownership, or no longer use the property as your primary residence.

Below are direct links to each county’s homestead information and forms so you can find exactly what you need for your property location.