Minnesota Homeowners Face Year‑End Deadline to Secure Homestead Tax Break

ANOKA, Minn. — As December 31 approaches, thousands of Minnesotans who purchased homes this year face a hard deadline — one that could significantly affect their property tax bill for 2026. In Anoka County and across Minnesota, new homeowners must file for the state’s residential homestead classification to secure a reduction in taxable property value.

County officials emphasize that this benefit is not automatic at closing. Homeowners must submit an application, known as Form CR‑H, to the Property Records & Taxation Division by December 31.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify under Minnesota law (Minnesota Statutes § 273.124), a property must be:

1. Owned by the applicant.
2. Occupied as a primary residence by a Minnesota resident.
3. Filed with the county assessor by December 31 of the current year.

If a home changes hands or occupancy changes, owners must notify the assessor within 30 days. Failure to do so may result in penalties equal to the additional taxes that would have been due.

The Tax Benefit

Once approved, homestead classification makes the property eligible for the Homestead Market Value Exclusion (HMVE), which reduces the taxable market value before tax rates are applied.

• Maximum exclusion: Up to $38,000 for homes valued at $95,000 or less.
• Phase-out: Gradually reduced for higher-valued homes; eliminated entirely for properties assessed at $517,200 or more.
• Example: For a home assessed at $280,000, the exclusion may reduce taxable value by roughly $21,350, resulting in significant savings on the annual tax bill.

The classification is also required to access other state relief programs, including the Property Tax Refund Program and special provisions for disabled homeowners or veterans.

Filing the Application

Homeowners can download Form CR‑H from the Anoka County website or request a hard copy from the assessor’s office. Applicants must provide identifying information, including Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification numbers for themselves and any spouses, even if the spouse is not listed on the deed or does not occupy the property.

Once approved, homestead status generally remains in effect until the property is sold or its use changes.

Why the Deadline Matters

With property values rising across Minnesota, missing the December 31 filing deadline could result in paying full taxes on a higher assessed value. The county’s public notice stresses: “Have you purchased a new home this year? To be eligible for a homestead exclusion on next year’s property taxes, you must own, occupy, and apply by December 31.”

Homeowners with questions about eligibility, special exclusions, or filing procedures are encouraged to contact the Anoka County Assessor’s office at 763‑323‑5400 or visit the Property Records & Taxation section of the county website.

MinneapoliMedia