Homestead Application

Applications must be submitted by December 31st. Please read the following instructions before completing this form.

Who is Eligible for Homestead?

If you own and occupy your own property, you may be eligible for homestead treatment. Classification as a residential or agricultural homestead may make your property eligible for a reduced classification rate and/or a reduced taxable value, or may make you eligible for special program enrollment and the Property Tax Refund program. You must have owned the property and occupied it as your primary residence by no later than December 31 of the current year to be eligible for homestead for taxes payable next year.

How to Apply

Complete the entire application fully. Submit the application within 30 days of establishing homestead, but no later than December 31 of the current year to be eligible for homestead in the next payable tax year. Applications do not need be submitted annually in order to continue receiving homestead; however, the assessor may ask for an updated application at any time. All owner-occupants and spouses who occupy the property must provide Social Security numbers and sign the form.

Required attachments

If any owners do not occupy the property, you must furnish the assessor with the names and addresses of the owners. If any spouses do not occupy the property, you must furnish the assessor with the names and addresses of the spouses. If more than two owners occupy the property, please attach another form with the Applicant/Occupant Information section completed. If the property is owned by a trust, additional documentation will be required.

Use of information

The information on this form is required by Minnesota Statutes, section 273.124 to properly identify you and determine if you qualify for homestead. Your Social Security number is required. If you do not provide the required information, you will not be able to submit and application. Your Social Security number is considered private data for purposes of establishing homestead. The Social Security number(s) you provide on this form will not be disclosed to the public, but may be shared among government officials for tax collection and administration purposes.

If you sell, move or change your marital status

If this property is sold, you or your spouse changes your primary residence, or you change your marital status, state law requires you to notify the county assessor within 30 days.

Penalties

Making false statements on this application is against the law. Minnesota Statutes, section 609.41, section 609.41, states that anyone giving false information in order to avoid or reduce their tax obligations is subject to a fine of up to $3,000 and/or up to one year in prison. If you falsely claim homestead, penalties may also be assessed in the amount of the tax that would have applied to your property had it not been considered homestead.

Additional resources

The Scott County Assessor's Office should be able to assist you with properly filling out this form. More information may be found on the Department of Revenue's website at www.revenue.state.mn.us.