In Minnesota there are two main types of homesteads: residential homesteads and agricultural homesteads.

A residential homestead is for property owners that live on non-agricultural land. They own and occupy their residence, or have a qualifying relative that occupies a residence they own. This may qualify the owner for a homestead exclusion which could lower their taxes (see below).

An agricultural homestead is for people who live in a home on, or connected to, agricultural land that is farmed. In order to receive an agricultural homestead you must be a Minnesota resident, live in a residence on agricultural land (in most cases), or you must farm agricultural land that is within 4 townships or cities of where you live. An agricultural homestead can reduce the taxable class rate of your agricultural land up to a certain total value limit. Agricultural homesteads are also eligible for an agricultural homestead credit of up to $490. The state of Minnesota only allows 1 agricultural homestead per property owner.

Qualifying for Homestead Market Value Exclusion

To qualify for a homestead exclusion you must own and occupy the property as your primary residence. Some residents may qualify for a relative homestead (see below).

You must occupy the residence and apply with the county assessor’s office on or before December 31 to qualify for taxes payable the next year. In most cases, the owner must also be a Minnesota resident.

Once granted homestead classification, your homestead will remain until you sell the property or you notify our office. If you are no longer occupying the property, you are required to notify our office within 30 days. Please call or submit a contact form.

Tax Reduction

Receiving homestead classification on your residential property may reduce the taxable value of your property up to $38,000 depending on the value of your property, which results in the possibility of reducing your taxes. Click here for more information on how your homestead market value exclusion is calculated.

Agricultural homesteads may receive a credit up to $490 on your tax bill, thus reducing your overall taxes payable. Click here for more information on how your agricultural homestead market value credit is calculated.

Applying for Homestead

It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure a property that is eligible for homestead is receiving it. Our office will send applications when a property transfer occurs, or if we are verifying that a property continues to qualify.

Your current homestead status is noted on your Valuation Notice.

To apply for homestead, please complete the appropriate form and return it to our office via mail, email, or drop-off. If you would like an application mailed to you, please call our office. 

Standard Homestead Applications

Qualifying Relatives for Standard Homestead

If you own a property that a relative lives in, that property may also qualify for homestead. For a Standard Relative Homestead, qualifying relatives include the following:

  • Parent
  • Stepparent
  • Child
  • Stepchild
  • Grandparent
  • Grandchild
  • Brother
  • Sister
  • Uncle
  • Aunt
  • Niece
  • Nephew

Special Agricultural Homestead Applications

Below are applications for Special Agricultural Homestead. To qualify, the owner (or a qualifying relative) farms the land and lives within four cities or township. Please complete the application that best describes your ownership type.

Qualifying Relatives for Special Agricultural Homestead

For a Special Agricultural Homestead, qualifying relatives include the following:

  • Parent
  • Child
  • Grandchild
  • Brother
  • Sister

Property Tax Programs

There are other property tax programs available, including a homestead for qualifying disabled veterans, and for owners or occupants who are blind or permanently disabled. Please visit our property tax programs page or call our office for more information.