Filing for Homestead

Homesteaded property / Homestead status

Your homestead is your primary, legal residence. A person can have only one homestead. Homestead property is taxed at a lower rate than non-homestead property. See 'Relative Homestead' below for exceptions.

Relative homestead
?Relative homestead? is a property tax classification that allows the homeowner to retain homestead status on his or her property if a qualifying relative occupies it.  However, relative homestead property does not qualify for the property tax refund, nor does it qualify for the renter's credit.

Deadlines

MUST FILE APPLICATION ON OR BEFORE NOON ON DECEMBER 1st.  To qualify for the full-year homestead classification, homeowners must own and occupy their home on or before January 2.  Property that does not qualify for homestead on January 2, but is purchased and owner-occupied on or before December 1 may qualify for a mid-year homestead classification. Anyone that applies after December 1st will be required to provide proof of occupancy, and a fee will be charged if the home is currently non-homestead.  

How to Apply

To file for the homestead classification, qualifying homeowners must apply in person at the City Assessor's Office (6700 Portland Ave., Richfield, MN 55423  ph:  612-861-9710)  The homeowner must provide social security numbers, and proof of ownership by presenting a copy of one of the following:

• Warrant Deed
• Contract for Deed
• Trustee Deed
• Conservator Deed
• Quit Claim Deed, or
• Personal Representative Deed

Do I need to re-file once my property is granted Homestead status?

No.  Minnesota property tax laws provide that once the initial homestead application is filed and the property is granted the homestead status, there is no need to re-file an annual homestead declaration card again, as long as the property is owned and occupied by the same party. The property will remain homestead until the property is sold or no longer qualifies.

State law also requires that the homeowner must notify the City assessor within 30 days after selling or changing a primary residence. If you have any questions about the homestead classification, please call the City Assessor's office at (612) 861-9710.