---

In looking over the property tax statements that came  in the mail recently, if you have a concern or think maybe the taxation officials are missing relevant information, this is the time of year when you can ask questions directly and potentially alter your tax bill.  You may contact county offices at any time of the year— but the orderly process to review your market valuation and property class starts this month.  The Board of Review calendar fires up in days and this is where your local elected officials rule if your property has been “fairly valued.”

The county assessor’s office has scheduled an all day  hearing opportunity April 15 for residents of jurisdictions (Harris and Wyoming) that are being reviewed by county officials.  Boards and city council trained for handling their own parcel valuations and classifications,  meet on the date printed on your property tax statement.  All the local appeals must be completed by the end of April.

The upcoming Appeal & Equalization sessions are the first step to present any information supporting the possibility your current year tax statement market valuation is based on incomplete or wrong information.

The classification of your property should also fall in the correct definition: residential, seasonal, agricultural, Green Acres or “other.”  Farms are further described as tillable, high, low lands or waste,  and for valuation purposes the acre that goes with the house.

Once you determine if your property file contains  the correct  classification, check if you filed a  homestead parcel or not for assessment.  

There can be a tax reduction for those that file and qualify as homestead.  You may be asked to show two utility bills on company letterhead to show you have resided in the home.

The best way to start any of this process is by contacting the assessor staff at 651-213-8550 if you have any issues.

When you have double-checked the property basics, then if you still disagree— the local appeal and equalization meeting or Board of Review is your next step. 

The Chisago County Board will also hear your appeal but only if you have pled your case to the local level decision-makers first and not been satisfied.

The County Board’s Appeal and Equalization session is 6:30 p.m. June 16 at the Government Center.

The whole process gives you multiple opportunities to appeal ONLY the valuation and the class.  The actual tax amount you owe is calculated by a formula pulled from the valuation and class, so you may not solely dispute the tax.

And, the final direct alternative is MN Tax Court. You can submit a petition to the tax court after you receive your tax statement AND before April 30 of the year the taxes are payable.

For refunds of taxes you paid, Minnesota offers the M1PR form through the Department of Revenue.  Fill this out for a good sized refund depending on your property tax increase year-over-year and percent of increase. You need to see a 12 percent hike for at least $100 growth from the previous year property tax.  

There is no income limit to apply.

Senior citizens can also opt to defer or postpone paying their property tax.

---