Homestead

To qualify for homestead:

1. You must own the property, or be a relative or in-law of the owner (son, daughter, parent, grandchild, grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew).
2. You or your relative must occupy the property as the primary place of residence.
3. You must be a Minnesota resident. If the occupant is a relative of the owner, the owner does not have to be a Minnesota resident.
4. You must file a Certificate of Real Estate Value for homestead status to be granted.
5. You can receive homestead status for more than one property, if a relative uses a second home owned by you as their primary residence.

Complete and submit an application with a copy of your deed (including the legal description). Depending on your living situation, you may have to submit additional forms, including:

1. A copy of the ownership deed to your property (if you purchased your property in the last three months).
2. A copy of your Certificate of Real Estate Value (CRV) (if you purchased your property in the last three months).
3. A non-occupant relative/co-owner or non-occupant spouse form (if applicable).

Applications are accepted:

• By mail: Send the application and required documentation to
  Ramsey County Assessor’s Office – Homestead Unit
  P.O. Box 64097
  Saint Paul, MN 55164-0097
• In person: Deliver the application and documentation to the Plato building.

Applications are not accepted via fax or email. Please do not use staples on any forms.

Homestead application

• Homestead application (PDF)

Non-occupant co-owner/relative

This form must be enclosed with an application when the owner of the property does not live there, but a qualifying relative occupies the property as their primary residence. Example: A couple owns a house and their child is the occupant. The owner(s) (in this case, the couple) complete the non-occupant form, and the child completes the homestead application.

• Non-occupant co-owner/relative (PDF)

Non-occupant spouse

This form must be enclosed with an application when only one spouse occupies the property (even if only one spouse owns the property). Example: Marriage dissolution proceedings, legal separation or place of employment prevents one of the spouses from occupying the property. The spouse occupying the property completes the non-occupant form, making sure to check one of the boxes relevant to his or her situation. Depending on which box is checked, the spouse is required to attach a copy of all relevant documents listed next to the checked box. The occupant spouse completes the homestead application.

• Non-occupant spouse (PDF)

If at any time the property is sold, or you change your primary residence, you are required to notify the County Assessor within 30 days. If you fail to notify the County Assessor within 30 days of the change, you will be required to pay the tax that is due on the property based on its correct property class plus a penalty equal to the same amount.

Submit a change of address

The State of Minnesota administers two property tax refund programs for homesteaded properties. You may be eligible for one or both of these refunds:

• Regular property tax refund: Sometimes called the circuit breaker, this refund is based on your household income and the amount of property tax you pay on your principal place of residence.
• Special property tax refund: This refund requires your net property tax to have increased by at least 12 percent and $100, and is not based on income.
• Life estates: Elderly homeowners may transfer their property to a relative or friend but continue to occupy the property under a "life estate". The occupants keep 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 taxes must be paid in full, or you must have set up a payment plan, before you can apply for a refund.

If you have questions regarding your homestead credit refund, please contact the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

After purchasing and moving into your home, you should apply for homestead classification as soon as possible. The homestead classification provides a property tax credit for property that is owned and occupied by the owner.

To qualify for the Manufactured Home homestead classification, you must:  (All three must apply)

1. Own and occupy the home on January 2 for a full year homestead or May 29 for a mid-year homestead of that year.
2. Occupy the property as your primary residence.
3. Be a Minnesota resident.

To apply for the residential  homestead classification, you must:

• Complete a manufactured homestead application (PDF).
• Provide the Assessor’s office with a copy of your proof of ownership, such as a purchase agreement, or bill of sale and Certificate of Title.

Abatement policy guidelines

View abatement policy guidelines (PDF)

Local option disaster abatement or credit

Property owners whose property has been damaged by 50% or more can apply for a temporary reduction in property tax. The reduction would apply in the year the damage occurred or the following year. Property can be homestead or non-homestead. Property can be accidentally damaged, or intentionally destroyed by vandalism or arson committed by someone other than the owner.

To apply

• Contact your property assessor’s office to report the damage as soon as possible.
• Your local assessor will review the damage and send a report to the county assessor’s office.
• The county will send you an application and might request a physical review.
• Complete and return the application to Ramsey County. Include your insurance report and claim and other pertinent information. If the property is damaged by fire, please submit a copy of the fire report.
• Continue to pay your property taxes normally while your application is being processed.

Homestead abatements

• Contact Assessor's Office - Homestead Unit to discuss your options. See Contact Us options (above).
• Deadline to apply is July 1 of payable tax year.
• See abatement policy guidelines for additional details.