Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Hennepin County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Hennepin County

In Hennepin County, property taxes are determined by a combination of your property's assessed value and local tax rates. Each year, the county assessor estimates the market value of your property as of January 2. This value is multiplied by a classification rate set by Minnesota state law to determine your property's tax capacity. Local taxing jurisdictions—including Hennepin County, your city, the school district, and special taxing districts—establish their annual budgets and calculate their tax capacity rates based on their funding needs. Your final tax bill is calculated by multiplying your property’s tax capacity by the combined tax rates of these local jurisdictions, minus any applicable state-mandated credits.

Available Exemptions

Minnesota offers several programs and exclusions to help reduce your property tax burden in Hennepin County. Key relief options include:

• Homestead Market Value Exclusion: This program reduces the taxable market value of owner-occupied primary residences, effectively lowering the overall tax liability for homeowners.
• Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral: This program allows qualifying seniors aged 65 or older with a household income of $96,000 or less to defer a portion of their property taxes, capping their payment at 3 percent of their income.
• Disabled Veterans Exclusion: This provides a market value exclusion of up to $150,000 or $300,000 for qualifying service-connected disabled veterans or their surviving spouses.
• Special Homestead Classification: This offers reduced class rates for property owners who are blind or permanently disabled.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Hennepin County property taxes are billed annually and are split into two equal installments for most property owners. The deadlines for residential properties are:

• First Half Payment: Due on or before May 15.
• Second Half Payment: Due on or before October 15.

If a deadline falls on a weekend or a legal holiday, the payment is due on the next business day. Payments can be made online, by mail, or in person at designated county locations. It is critical to make payments on time, as late payments are subject to statutory penalty fees. These penalties accrue monthly and are calculated as a percentage of the unpaid tax, depending on the property classification and the date the payment is received.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s estimated market value or classification is incorrect, you have the right to appeal. The process must be followed in a specific sequence each spring after you receive your Valuation Notice:

• First, contact the Hennepin County Assessor’s office directly to discuss your valuation and request an informal review.
• Second, attend the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting or the Open Book meeting listed on your notice, which typically takes place in April.
• Third, appeal to the County Board of Appeal and Equalization in June if you are unsatisfied with the local board's decision.
• Finally, you may file a formal petition with the Minnesota Tax Court on or before April 30 of the year the tax becomes payable.