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1. Why do my property taxes vary each year?

View the Fact Sheet: 14 Reasons Why Property Taxes Vary From Year To Year (PDF) for more information.

2. Who is my Appraiser?

The law requires physical inspection of all property at least once every five years for property tax purposes. Look below to see which appraiser appraises your property. If you should have any questions concerning the valuation of your property, a phone number is included with each appraiser's name. This is a business phone and can be used to contact an appraiser Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. If you are unable to contact us during normal business hours, you are welcome to leave a message on voicemail.

The staff appraisers employed by the County Assessor are professionals. Stringent training and experience requirements are set by the State Board of Assessors, which governs and administers the licensure of Ad-Valorem property appraisers.

View the Assessor's Staff in the Staff Directory for more information.

3. Can an Appraiser view my property without me present?

Yes, any officer authorized by law to assess property for taxation may, when necessary to the proper performance of their duties, enter any dwelling, house, building, or structure and view the same and the property therein. (M.S. 273.20) Any officer authorized by law to assess property for ad valorem tax purposes shall have reasonable access to land and structures as necessary for the proper performance of their duties.

A property owner may refuse to allow an assessor to inspect their property. This refusal by the property owner must be either verbal or expressly stated in a letter to the county assessor. If the assessor is denied access to view a property, the assessor is authorized to estimate the property's estimated market value by making assumptions believed appropriate concerning the property's finish and condition. (M.S. 273.20), however, as stated in the Property Tax Administration Manual: Neither Local Boards of Appeals and Equalization (LBAE) nor County Board of Appeals and Equalization (CBAE) can make changes in favor of a property owner who refuses access to the Assessor.

4. Who does what in property taxes?

County (or City) Assessor

The county (or city) assessor classifies property by use (commercial, agricultural, residential, etc.) and estimates the value of the property for tax purposes. The assessor also sends out valuation notices each spring.

County Auditor

The county auditor determines tax rates and administers delinquent real property taxes, elections, and the overall accounting functions of the county. The auditor also keeps a record of all taxable property in the county and delivers a list of property owners and their respective taxes to the county treasurer.

County Treasurer

The county treasurer collects and distributes current property taxes and special assessments, administers delinquent personal property taxes, and is responsible for sending out Truth in Taxation Notices and Property Tax Statements.

County Recorder

The recorder maintains the county's vital records (births, deaths, and marriages) and records all transfers of property, liens, mortgages, satisfactions and other official documents.

Minnesota Department of Revenue (DOR)

Property taxes in Minnesota are primarily administered by your county. The Department of Revenue's Property Tax Division provides counties with general guidance, oversight, and education to ensure proper administration of the state's property tax laws.

The department also distributes funds to local governments, such as Local Government Aid, and conducts property tax research and data analysis. The department's Individual Income Tax Division is responsible for processing property tax refunds.