Property Tax Deferrals

Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral

For property taxes, the State of Minnesota administers the Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral program. The Program provides a low-interest loan to senior citizens having difficulty paying property taxes. This is not a tax forgiveness program, however, this program:

  • Limits the maximum amount of property tax paid to 3% of total household income, and
  • Ensures the amount of tax paid remains the same as long as you participate in this program.

For more information regarding the Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral program, including qualifications and how to apply, visit the state website.

Locally Administered Deferrals

Special Assessment Tax Deferral

For special assessments, any taxing authority making a special assessment may defer the payment if it is determined that the payment would pose a hardship. You must apply to the taxing authority making the special assessments.

This deferral of payment or special assessments ends when any of the following is true: a) the death of the owner, unless the spouse is still eligible, b) the sale, transfer or subdivision of the property or any part thereof, c) if the property no longer qualifies for homestead status, or d) the taxing authority determines that a hardship no longer exists. At the end of the deferment, all special assessment amounts plus interest and penalties, if any, shall become due.

Completed forms must be submitted directly to the taxing authority assessing the specials prior to the approval of the assessment by the taxing authority. If a deferment is granted, the County Auditor must record the application for deferment showing the amount deferred and the amount of interest, if any, that will be due at the end of the deferment.