File your Minnesota property tax refund through the Department of Revenue website using your tax year information and property details
Minnesota property tax refunds are handled by the state Department of Revenue. You can file your refund claim online through their website without visiting an office or mailing forms. The process requires your property tax statement, Social Security number or federal employer identification number, and information about the property where you paid taxes.
The online filing system is available year-round, though most people file after receiving their property tax statement in December or January. You do not need to wait for a specific date to start, but you should have your statement in hand before you begin.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota property tax refunds are filed through the Department of Revenue website at revenue.state.mn.us, not through a separate portal or third-party site.
- You will need your property tax statement, which shows the amount you paid and the property identification number, plus your Social Security number or FEIN.
- The online form takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete and you receive a confirmation number immediately after submission.
- Processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from the date you file, and the refund is sent by check or direct deposit depending on what you choose during filing.
- If you own multiple properties in Minnesota, you must file a separate claim for each one.
What you need before you start filing online
Gather your property tax statement first. This document arrives in the mail from your county assessor's office, usually in December or early January. It shows the total property taxes you paid for that year and includes a property identification number (often called the parcel number or PID). If you cannot find your statement, you can contact your county assessor's office and request a copy, or you can look up your property information on the county's website using your address.
You will also need your Social Security number if you are filing as an individual, or your federal employer identification number (FEIN) if you are filing on behalf of a business, trust, or other entity. Have this information ready before you log into the Department of Revenue website.
If you paid property taxes but did not receive a statement, you can still file. Contact your county assessor to confirm the amount you paid and get your property identification number. The Department of Revenue can also help you locate this information if you call their property tax refund line.
Steps to file online through the Department of Revenue
Go to the Minnesota Department of Revenue website and look for the property tax refund section. The direct link is typically found under "Individuals" or "Property Tax" on their main navigation menu. You will see an option to file your claim online.
Click the link to start a new claim. You will be asked to enter your name, address, and Social Security number or FEIN. Then enter the property address where you paid taxes and the property identification number from your tax statement. Type in the amount of property taxes you paid during the tax year you are claiming.
Select your refund delivery method. You can choose to receive your refund by check mailed to your address, or by direct deposit to a bank account. If you choose direct deposit, have your routing number and account number ready. Direct deposit refunds typically arrive faster than checks, usually within 1 to 2 weeks after processing is complete.
Review all the information you entered for accuracy. The form will show you a summary before you submit. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save this number — you will need it if you contact the Department of Revenue about your claim status.
How long processing takes and how to check your status
After you file, the Department of Revenue takes 4 to 8 weeks to process your claim. This timeline starts from the date you submit your form online. During this time, the department verifies your property tax payment with your county assessor's office and checks whether you meet the requirements for a refund.
You can check the status of your claim on the Department of Revenue website using your confirmation number and Social Security number or FEIN. The status page will tell you whether your claim is pending, approved, or denied. If your claim is approved, it will show the refund amount and the expected delivery date.
If you filed for direct deposit, your refund will be deposited into your bank account once processing is complete. If you chose a check, it will be mailed to the address you provided on your form. Checks typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days after the refund is issued.
Reasons your refund claim might be denied
The most common reason for denial is that you do not meet the income limits set by Minnesota law. Property tax refunds are only available to people whose household income falls below a certain threshold, which changes each year. The Department of Revenue will tell you the current limit when you file.
Your claim can also be denied if the property you are claiming for is not your primary residence, unless you own rental property and meet specific requirements. Commercial properties and vacant land typically do not may have access to. If you are unsure whether your property qualifies, contact the Department of Revenue before you file.
If you file a claim for a property you do not own, or if you claim taxes you did not actually pay, your claim will be denied. The department cross-checks property ownership records with county assessor data, so mismatches are caught during processing.
What to do if your claim is denied or you disagree with the decision
If your claim is denied, the Department of Revenue will send you a letter explaining the reason. Read this letter carefully, because it will tell you whether you can appeal and how to do so. Some denials are final, while others can be challenged if you have new information or documentation.
If you believe your claim was denied in error, you can file an appeal. The appeal process requires you to submit additional documentation, such as proof of income or proof of property ownership. You must file your appeal within 30 days of receiving the denial letter. The Department of Revenue website has an appeals form and instructions for submitting it.
If you need help understanding why your claim was denied, you can call the Department of Revenue's property tax refund line. They can explain the reason and tell you whether an appeal is possible in your situation. Have your confirmation number and denial letter ready when you call.
Filing for multiple properties or if you own property with others
If you own more than one property in Minnesota and paid property taxes on each one, you must file a separate claim for each property. You cannot combine multiple properties into a single claim. File each claim through the same online form, using the property identification number and tax amount for each property.
If you own a property jointly with another person, only one of you should file the claim. The person who files should be the one whose name appears first on the property tax statement. If both owners file separate claims for the same property, one claim will be denied as a duplicate.
If you are filing on behalf of a deceased person's estate, you will need to file using the estate's FEIN rather than the person's Social Security number. Contact the Department of Revenue to confirm what documentation you need to provide with your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file my property tax refund claim if I rent instead of own?
No. Property tax refunds are only for people who own property and paid property taxes directly. Renters do not pay property taxes — their landlord does. Minnesota has a separate renter's property tax refund program, which is different from the homeowner program.
What if I sold my property during the year I'm claiming for?
You can still file a claim for the property taxes you paid before you sold it. Your claim should cover only the taxes paid while you owned the property. If the new owner also paid taxes that year, they can file their own separate claim for the portion of the year they owned it.
Do I need to file every year or just once?
You must file a new claim each year if you want a refund. The Department of Revenue does not automatically renew claims from previous years. File your claim in the year after you paid the taxes — for example, file your 2024 property tax refund in 2025.
What happens if I filed online but never received my refund?
Check your claim status on the Department of Revenue website using your confirmation number. If the status shows approved but you have not received the refund after the expected delivery date, call the property tax refund line. They can verify whether the refund was mailed or deposited and help you track it down.
Can I file my claim on behalf of someone else?
You can file on behalf of an elderly person or someone unable to file themselves, but you will need their Social Security number and written permission. The Department of Revenue may ask for a power of attorney or other proof that you are authorized to act on their behalf.