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1. What are the "Metropolitan Special Taxing Districts" on my tax statement and Truth in Taxation Notice?

Metropolitan Special Taxing Districts include the Metropolitan Council, the Metropolitan Transit District and the Mosquito Control District.

2. What are the "Other Special Taxing Districts" on my tax statement and Truth in Taxation Notice?

Other Special Taxing Districts include Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (HRA), Light Rail Authority, Port Authorities, hospital districts and water management districts. Not all areas have each of these districts.

3. What is the "State General Tax" on my tax statement and Truth in Taxation Notice?

The State General tax was enacted for taxes payable in 2002 and future years on commercial, industrial and seasonal properties. These taxes are paid to the State of Minnesota and go to the State General Fund with a portion used to fund school related expenditures.

4. What is the "Voter Approved Levy" for the school district on my tax statement and Truth in Taxation Notice?

This includes all school district levies and debt obligations approved by the voters in that school district.

5. What is the "Other Local Levies" on my tax statement and Truth in Taxation Notice?

Other Local Levies include school levies for community services and debt obligations not voter approved.

6. What is a Special Assessment?

A special assessment is an improvement which directly benefits the property. Common assessments include streets, sidewalk and sewers. It is shown as a separate amount on the tax statement and is not included on the Truth In Taxation Notice.

The amount is based on how much the property benefits from the improvement and the cost of the project. The property’s market value is not used to determine the amount of the special assessment.

7. Why are Special Assessments and other charges or fees not shown on the Truth in Taxation Notice?

The special assessment information is not available from the cities at the time notices are prepared. Also, the intent of the Truth in Taxation Notice was to provide the property owner with a parcel specific impact of a tax jurisdiction’s anticipated budget. Special assessments are not a part of the budget process as it relates to property tax levies.

8. Is it likely that the amount on my Truth in Taxation Notice will be different than the amount on my tax statement?

Yes, it is likely they will differ. The Truth in Taxation Notice (TNT) is an estimate. The amounts may differ for any of the following reasons:

• Referendums could pass, increasing your tax
• Property owners can file for homestead classification if they own and occupy their homes by December 1
• Taxing jurisdictions can lower their tax levy
• Although not a tax, special assessments and other charges may be billed on the tax statement

9. What is available for property tax refund programs?

The regular property tax refund program provides a refund to property owners who meet certain guidelines.

The special property tax refund program offers relief to property owners, regardless of income, whose taxes go up more than 12 percent and at least $100 from the prior year to current year. The state will refund 60 percent of any amounts paid beyond those limits, up to a maximum of $1,000.

For more information on property tax refunds, rebates, and credits, contact the Minnesota Department of Revenue at 651-296-3781, TTY users call 711 for Minnesota Relay, or go to the Department of Revenue website.

10. Are there any property tax deferral programs available to senior citizens?

Yes. For property taxes, the State of Minnesota administers the Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral program. To be eligible, one spouse must be 65 years old and the other spouse must be at least 62 years old, with a household income of $60,000 or less, and have lived in your home for at least 15 years. If you qualify, your taxes cannot exceed 3% of your net income. The State of Minnesota will pay any remaining tax as a low interest loan. The unpaid tax along with accumulated interest will become a lien on the property. This lien must be satisfied upon sale of the property. Participants who apply for property tax refunds or rebates will not receive the refunds or rebates as cash payments. Instead, the refunds or rebates will be applied to the deferred property tax total. To receive a fact sheet and application, please call the Department of Revenue at 651-556-6091 or go to the Department of Revenue website.

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. 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.

This form must be submitted 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.