Tax Reduction or Credit Programs

There are numerous property tax programs that affect the amount of property taxes certain properties pay. They may reduce the values used to calculate taxes or they may actually be credits or refunds of property taxes paid. Each has its own set of requirements and most require an application to be completed. Please review the information below and contact us at (507) 725-5801 if you have any additional questions.

Class 1b Blind/Disabled Homestead

The Class 1b Blind/Disabled Homestead program provides a reduced tax rate for homestead property of any person who qualifies as blind or as permanently and totally disabled. The deadline to submit the Class 1b Blind/Disabled Homestead Application is October 1 for taxes payable the next year. Get more information. | Application

Market Value Exclusion for Disabled Veterans, Primary Family Caregivers & Surviving Spouses

The Market Value Exclusion for a Veteran with a Disability Program provides a market value exclusion for property tax purposes for the homestead property of qualifying veterans and surviving spouses or primary family caregivers of qualifying veterans. Applications must be submitted to the Veterans Services Office office by December 31 for taxes payable the next year. Get more information or contact the Houston County Veteran Services Office.

Minnesota Property Tax Refund Program (PTR)

The Minnesota Property Tax Refund Program (PTR) is a statewide program where certain taxpayers are eligible for a refund of some of their property taxes based on their household income and the amount of taxes they paid. Visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s website for more information.

Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral

The Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral Program may help qualifying seniors who are having difficulty paying their property taxes by limiting property taxes to 3% of income. The state provides a loan for the difference. Age, income, and other requirements will apply and loan repayment, plus interest, will be required. Get more information.

Land Owner Programs

Class 2c Managed Forest Land

The Class 2c Managed Forest Land property classification provides a reduced class rate of 0.65% to forested property that is subject to a current forest management (stewardship) plan and that meets other requirements. Applications must be submitted to the Houston County Assessor's Office by May 1 for the following taxes payable year. Get more information. | Application

Green Acres and Rural Preserve

The Green Acres and Rural Preserve program provides property tax relief for owners of agricultural property and rural vacant land in areas where the market value of land is being affected by development pressure, sales of recreational land, or other non-agricultural factors. Applications must be submitted to the Houston County Assessor's Office by May 1 for the following taxes payable year. Get more information. | Green Acres Application | Green Acres Addendum | Rural Preserve Application

Sustainable Forest Incentive Act (SFIA)

This program provides incentive payments to property owners to encourage sustainable use of forest lands. The enrolled land must remain in SFIA for at least 8, 20, or 50 years depending on the length of their recorded covenant (agreement). Get more information.