Hennepin County Property Tax Homestead Exemption 2026

Cut your 2026 property tax bill in Hennepin County with the Homestead Market Value Exclusion. Eligible homeowners can reduce taxable value, access Minnesota property tax refunds, and unlock added benefits like up to $300,000 market value exclusion for disabled veterans, senior property tax deferral (65+ under $96,000 income), relative homestead qualification, and special agricultural homestead rates. Primary residence classification is the key to maximum savings.

How the Homestead Market Value Exclusion Works

The Homestead Market Value Exclusion lowers your property’s taxable value when you own and occupy the home year-round. Owners must apply by December 31 and notify the assessor within 30 days of selling or moving. Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) now qualify, expanding eligibility for more Minnesota homeowners seeking tax relief.

Residential Homestead Eligibility & Deadline

Homeowners qualify if they are Minnesota residents, own property in their personal name, occupy it year-round, and hold a Social Security Number or ITIN before December 31.

Relative Homestead Qualification Rules

You may also qualify if a close relative-child, grandchild, sibling, parent, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or spouse’s parent—lives in the home as their primary residence. Property must not be owned by a business entity. Applications must be submitted by December 31 to receive homestead classification benefits.

Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exclusion

Eligible veterans in Hennepin County receive significant taxable value reductions once homestead classification is approved, helping lower annual property tax burdens for service-connected disabilities.

$150,000 and $300,000 Market Value Exclusion

Honorably discharged veterans with 70–99% service-connected disability qualify for up to $150,000 exclusion. Veterans with 100% permanent and total disability or 100% unemployability may receive up to $300,000 exclusion. Surviving spouses, DIC recipients, and qualified family caregivers may also apply before December 31.

Blind or Permanently Disabled Property Tax Relief

Homesteaded properties owned by legally blind or permanently disabled individuals may receive a reduced property tax rate on the first $50,000 of taxable value.

Eligibility and October 1 Deadline

Applicants must be certified legally blind or permanently disabled and receiving public assistance. Homestead classification approval is required before applying. Completed applications must be submitted by October 1 to secure reduced tax rates for the applicable assessment year.

Special Agricultural Homestead Program

This program provides lower property tax rates for qualifying agricultural land when owners or eligible relatives actively farm the property.

Ownership Types and Qualification Criteria

Property must already be homesteaded. Land owned individually, by trust, or authorized farm entity may qualify if actively farmed. Applications are due by December 31. Proper documentation must be mailed to the assessor’s office to confirm agricultural use eligibility.

Green Acres & Rural Preserve Tax Deferral

Green Acres and Rural Preserve programs defer property taxes on qualifying agricultural land, calculating taxes on both agricultural and market values but charging the lower agricultural rate.

Acreage, Ownership, and Deferred Tax Rules

Property must be classified as 2a agricultural land, at least 10 acres (or nursery/greenhouse), and meet ownership or farming duration requirements. Deferred taxes become payable if ownership changes or land use no longer qualifies. New owners must reapply within 30 days.

Changes in Ownership or Use

Property tax benefits may be removed if ownership transfers or land use changes from qualifying standards.

Repayment of Deferred Taxes

If the property no longer qualifies or a new owner fails to apply within 30 days, deferred taxes for the current year plus two prior years, including special assessments and interest, must be repaid to the county.

Contact Information – Assessor’s Office

For homestead applications, agricultural enrollment, or veteran exclusions, contact the Hennepin County Assessor’s Office during business hours for assistance and official forms.

Phone, Email, and Office Hours

Email: ao.programs@hennepin.us
Phone: 612-348-3046
General line: 612-348-3000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Avoid sending confidential information by email when submitting property tax documentation.

Conclusion

The Hennepin County Homestead Program (2026) offers powerful property tax relief through market value exclusions, reduced tax rates, and agricultural deferrals. Whether you are a homeowner, disabled veteran, senior, blind or permanently disabled resident, or active farmer, securing homestead classification is essential to lowering your taxable value. Applying before the official deadlines ensures maximum savings and continued eligibility for Minnesota property tax benefits.

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