Are you a homeowner in Hennepin County, Minnesota? You may be owed hundreds even thousands of dollars back from the government, and you don’t even know it.
The Minnesota Property Tax Refund (also called the Homestead Credit Refund) is one of the most underused tax benefits in the state. Every year, thousands of eligible homeowners in Hennepin County miss this refund simply because they don’t know about it or think it’s too complicated to file.
It’s not. And this guide will walk you through everything step by step.
What Is the Hennepin County Property Tax Refund?
The Minnesota Property Tax Refund is a state program that provides direct cash relief to homeowners (and formerly renters) who pay property taxes in Minnesota, including Hennepin County.
There are two types of refunds available to homeowners:
1. Regular Homestead Credit Refund
Based on your income and how much property tax you paid. If your income is below a certain threshold and your property taxes are high relative to your income, you get money back.
2. Special Property Tax Refund
Based on how much your property tax increased from the previous year. If your property tax jumped more than 12% and by at least $100, you may qualify regardless of income.
You may qualify for one or both of these refunds.
Important 2026 Update:
Starting in 2024, renters no longer file Form M1PR for a property tax refund. Renters now claim the Renter’s Credit directly on their Minnesota income tax return. This guide focuses on homeowners.
Who Qualifies for the Hennepin County Property Tax Refund in 2026?
For the Regular Homestead Credit Refund:
You qualify if all of the following apply:
- You owned and lived in your home on January 2, 2026
- Your home is classified as a homestead with Hennepin County
- Your 2025 household income was less than $142,490
- You pay or have arranged to pay your property taxes
For the Special Property Tax Refund (No Income Limit):
You qualify if all of the following apply:
- You owned and lived in the same home on both January 2, 2025 and January 2, 2026
- Your home’s net property tax increased by more than 12% from 2025 to 2026
- The net property tax increase was at least $100
- The increase was not due to home improvements you made
| Type of Refund | Key Requirement | Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Homestead Credit | Owned & lived in home Jan 2, 2026 | Under $142,490 |
| Special Property Tax Refund | 12%+ tax increase, min $100 | No income limit |
How Much Money Can You Get Back?
The refund amount depends on your income and how much property tax you paid. Here are general ranges based on Minnesota’s program:
- Lower income homeowners
(under $30,000/year) can receive refunds covering a significant portion of their property tax bill - Middle income homeowners
(under $142,490/year) receive a graduated refund that phases out as income rises - Special Refund recipients
can get back up to 60% of the tax increase that exceeded the 12% threshold
On average, eligible homeowners in Minnesota receive refunds of $700 to $1,500+, depending on income and property taxes paid.
Additionally, there is a proposed one-time $4 billion statewide property tax refund being debated in the 2026 Minnesota Legislature. If passed, eligible homeowners who apply by September 15, 2026 could receive an additional average refund of approximately $2,500. Watch for updates on this legislation.
Extra Subtractions That Can Increase Your Refund
Even if your income is close to the $142,490 limit, certain subtractions can help you qualify or increase your refund amount. You can subtract the following from your household income:
- You had dependents living with you
- You or your spouse were age 65 or older on or before January 1, 2026
- You contributed to a retirement account (IRA, 401k, etc.)
- You or your spouse had a permanent and total disability on or before December 31, 2025
These subtractions reduce your calculated “household income” for the purposes of this refund potentially qualifying you even if you thought you earned too much.
What Is “Household Income” for This Refund?
“Household income” is NOT the same as your taxable income on your federal or state return. It includes:
- Wages and salaries
- Business income (net)
- Social Security and pension income
- Unemployment compensation
- Child support received
- Most other income sources
For the complete definition and what to include, see the instructions for Form M1PR on the Minnesota Department of Revenue website.
2026 Filing Deadline Don’t Miss It!
| Deadline | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| August 15, 2026 | Standard filing deadline for Form M1PR |
| August 15, 2027 | Late filing deadline (up to 1 year after due date) |
| September 15, 2026 | Proposed one-time $4B refund application deadline (if legislation passes) |
You can file up to one year after the August 15 deadline meaning you can file as late as August 15, 2027 for 2025 property taxes. However, filing earlier means getting your refund sooner.
What Documents Do You Need?
Before filing, gather the following:
Required:
- Your 2025 Hennepin County Property Tax Statement (mailed by the county in March or April do NOT use the Notice of Proposed Taxes, which is a different document)
- Your Social Security Number (SSN)
- Your 2025 household income information (W-2s, 1099s, etc.)
If applicable:
- Documentation of dependents
- Proof of disability status
- Retirement contribution records
Mobile homeowners: Your property tax statement arrives in mid-July. Your deadline is still August 15, but plan accordingly.
How to File Step-by-Step Instructions
Option 1: File Online (Easiest Free)
The Minnesota Department of Revenue offers a free online filing system specifically for the Property Tax Refund.
- Go to: revenue.state.mn.us/filing-property-tax-refund
- Click “Property Tax Refund Online Filing System”
- Have your property tax statement ready
- Follow the on-screen instructions
- Submit electronically refunds are processed faster this way
Note: This online system is for homeowners only. Renters should use their income tax return to claim the Renter’s Credit.
Option 2: Use Tax Software
Many popular tax software programs (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, etc.) support Form M1PR. Check your specific software for details. If you have questions about the software itself, contact their customer support.
Option 3: File by Paper
- Download Form M1PR (Homestead Credit Refund) from the Minnesota Department of Revenue website
- If eligible for the Special Refund, also complete Form M1PR-SR
- Fill out the form carefully using your property tax statement
- Mail completed forms to:
Minnesota Revenue Mail Station 0020 600 N. Robert St. St. Paul, MN 55146-0020
Option 4: Get Free Tax Help
If you need assistance filing, the Minnesota Department of Revenue offers a list of free tax preparation sites across the state, including locations in Hennepin County. Visit revenue.state.mn.us and search “free tax preparation help.”
Which Form Do You Need?
| Form | What It’s For |
|---|---|
| Form M1PR | Homestead Credit Refund (regular refund based on income) |
| Form M1PR-SR | Special Refund (for 12%+ property tax increases) |
You may need to file both forms if you qualify for both types of refunds.
How to Track Your Refund Where’s My Money?
After filing, you can check the status of your refund online:
- Go to: revenue.state.mn.us/wheres-my-refund
- Enter your SSN and the refund amount you claimed
- Status updates are available after July 1 for returns filed for the prior year
You can also set up direct deposit to receive your refund faster. Look for the direct deposit option when filing online or on your paper form.
Do You Need Homestead Status First?
Yes this is a critical prerequisite.
To claim the Homestead Credit Refund, your property must be classified as a homestead with Hennepin County. If your home is not yet classified as homestead, you must apply for homestead status first.
Apply for homestead at: hennepin.us/homestead
The homestead application deadline is December 31 each year. If your home is already classified as homestead, you’re good to go no need to reapply.
Special Situations
Filing for a Deceased Person
If a homeowner passed away during the year, a surviving spouse, legal representative, or heir may be able to file a Property Tax Refund on their behalf. See the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s guidance on “Filing for a Deceased Person.”
Nonresidents of Minnesota
If you own property in Hennepin County but are not a Minnesota resident, you may still qualify for a Property Tax Refund in certain situations. See “Property Tax Refund for Nonresidents” on the revenue.state.mn.us website.
Life Estate Situations
If you retain an ownership interest in your home (for example, through a life estate arrangement), you may qualify for the Homestead Credit Refund regardless of who actually pays the property taxes.
Seniors and Disabled Homeowners
Separate subtractions exist to help seniors (65+) and permanently disabled homeowners reduce their household income calculation, making it easier to qualify. Additionally, Hennepin County offers a Senior Property Tax Deferral program for homeowners aged 65+ with household income under $96,000 a separate program worth exploring.
Hennepin County Specific Tips
Check your homestead classification first.
Log in to the Hennepin County property search tool at hennepin.us and verify your property shows “Homestead” classification. If it doesn’t, apply before December 31.
Use your March/April property tax statement.
Hennepin County mails official property tax statements in spring. This is the document you need not the Notice of Proposed Taxes mailed in November.
File early. Refunds are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Filing in April or May instead of waiting until August means you get your money sooner.
Don’t forget the Special Refund. Many people file for the regular refund but miss the Special Refund (Form M1PR-SR). If your property taxes increased by more than 12% this year, check if you qualify there’s no income limit.
Contact Information
Minnesota Department of Revenue
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Questions Phone | 651-296-3781 or 800-652-9094 |
| Refund Status Phone | 651-296-4444 or 800-657-3676 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. |
| Mailing Address | Minnesota Revenue, Mail Station 0020, 600 N. Robert St., St. Paul, MN 55146-0020 |
| Website | revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-refund |
Hennepin County Assessor’s Office (for Homestead Questions)
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| [email protected] | |
| Phone | 612-348-3046 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. –4:30 p.m. |
Quick Summary Action Checklist
Use this checklist to make sure you get every dollar you’re owed:
- Confirm your home has homestead status with Hennepin County
- Gather your 2025 Hennepin County Property Tax Statement (mailed March/April)
- Calculate your 2025 household income (including all income sources)
- Check if you qualify for income subtractions (dependents, age, disability, retirement)
- Determine if you qualify for the Regular Refund (income under $142,490)
- Check if your taxes increased 12%+ if so, also file for the Special Refund
- File Form M1PR (and M1PR-SR if needed) by August 15, 2026
- Set up direct deposit for faster refund delivery
- Track your refund at revenue.state.mn.us/wheres-my-refund after July 1
Bottom Line
The Hennepin County Property Tax Refund is real money that the Minnesota state government owes you if you qualify — and the filing process is straightforward. Thousands of eligible homeowners skip it every year. Don’t be one of them.
File by August 15, 2026. It takes about 20–30 minutes online, and the refund can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Last updated: May 2026. All information is based on official Minnesota Department of Revenue and Hennepin County Assessor data. Always verify current details at revenue.state.mn.us before filing.
FAQs
I pay my mortgage and property taxes are escrowed. Can I still claim this refund?
Yes. Even if your mortgage company pays the taxes from escrow, you are the homeowner and you qualify as long as your home has homestead status and you meet the income requirements.
I moved into my home in 2025. Can I claim a refund for 2025 taxes?
You must have owned and lived in the home on January 2, 2026 to qualify for the regular refund. If you bought and moved in during 2025 and were still there on January 2, 2026, you likely qualify.
My income was just over $142,490 am I definitely disqualified?
Not necessarily. The “household income” calculation allows certain subtractions (dependents, age 65+, disability, retirement contributions) that can bring your calculated income below the threshold. Calculate with the subtractions before giving up.
I’m a renter. Can I still get a property tax refund?
Starting in 2024, renters no longer file Form M1PR. Instead, renters claim the Renter’s Credit as part of their Minnesota income tax return (Form M1). Visit revenue.state.mn.us/renters-credit for details.
Can I file this refund separately from my Minnesota income tax return?
Yes. Form M1PR is filed separately from your Minnesota income tax return (Form M1). You can file M1PR even if you are not required to file a Minnesota income tax return.
What if I made improvements to my home and my taxes went up can I claim the Special Refund?
No. If the tax increase was due to improvements you made to the property, the Special Refund does not apply to that portion of the increase.
When will I receive my refund?
Refunds are typically issued within 60 days of filing if filed electronically, or within 90 days if filed by paper. Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool at revenue.state.mn.us to track status.
Can I file for prior years if I missed the refund?
Yes you can file up to one year after the August 15 deadline. So in 2026, you can still file for 2024 property taxes (deadline August 15, 2026). For 2025 taxes, you have until August 15, 2027.
