In 2024, the Minnesota Department of Revenue distributed hundreds of millions of dollars in property tax refunds to homeowners and renters nationwide. These refunds are a lifeline for households with high property taxes relative to household income. The state has built a network of Minnesota tax relief programs designed to lower costs and keep residents in their homes, particularly when rising property values cause unexpected tax increases.
These programs include the homestead credit refund for qualifying homeowners, the renter’s credit (now claimed on the individual income tax return), and special options for seniors and veterans. Each program has its own eligibility rules, based on income, dependents, spouse status, and the previous year’s property tax amount. Understanding which programs you may qualify for can result in a significant refund and help you stay current on your taxes.
This guide will walk you through the most critical Minnesota tax relief programs, explain how they work, and help you recognize legitimate communication from the revenue department. It will also include a section on text message scam alerts so you know how to protect your email address, phone number, and personal data from fraud. By the end, you’ll know where to file, what programs fit your situation, and how to safely get the latest tax updates.
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Before taking action, it helps to understand what these programs include and why they exist. Minnesota tax relief programs are designed to reduce the impact of rising property taxes and make it easier for households to stay financially stable. The Minnesota Department of Revenue oversees these initiatives, working with your county to calculate and process refunds based on your property information and household income.
Several programs work together to provide property tax relief for both homeowners and renters.
These programs are designed to keep residents from falling behind on payments and losing their homes due to tax burdens.
Together, these programs create a safety net for Minnesota residents. Knowing which programs you may qualify for is the first step toward securing your refund and easing your yearly financial obligations.
If you get a letter, email, or even a text message about your Minnesota tax relief programs, it is essential to know whether it is legitimate. The Minnesota Department of Revenue may send notices to remind you about filing deadlines, confirm missing information, or notify you of your refund amount. Real communications typically include a print version of the logo and official contact info, and they may reference the previous year’s property tax refund or homestead credit refund.
Legitimate messages will never ask for your full Social Security number, banking password, or other sensitive data by text or email. If the Department of Revenue needs to confirm your details, they will direct you to a secure online page where you can safely verify your identity. You may also be asked to confirm your email address or update your filing information through official channels.
There has been an increase in text message scam alerts reported across Minnesota. The Department has stated clearly: they will never send unsolicited texts asking you to update banking information or provide personal data. If you get this message, take the following steps:
Being cautious will help you protect your email, phone, and refund from fraud attempts.
Setting aside a letter or email from the Minnesota Department of Revenue can be tempting, especially when it arrives during a busy season. However, ignoring a legitimate notice can have real consequences. These messages are often sent to remind qualifying homeowners and renters to file for refunds, update missing details, or confirm household information for the previous year.
If you fail to respond or file on time, you may lose your eligibility for a property tax or homestead credit refund. These refunds can be a significant part of your annual budget, especially if your property taxes are high relative to your household income. Missing the deadline could mean waiting another year or forfeiting the refund altogether.
Ignoring property tax statements or refund-related requests can create further issues for homeowners. If unresolved, unpaid property taxes can lead to interest charges, late fees, and even tax-forfeited property sales. You may sometimes lose access to tax relief programs until your account is current.
Even if you eventually file, failing to provide the required information promptly can delay the refund amount you are owed. The Department may need extra time to verify your eligibility, process your documents, and confirm details such as your spouse, dependents, or household incomes.
Responding to notices promptly is the simplest way to protect your refund and avoid unnecessary costs or delays.
Minnesota offers several ways to reduce your tax burden if your property or income tax obligations feel unmanageable. These programs are designed to match the needs of different groups, including homeowners, renters, seniors, and veterans. Understanding which programs you may qualify for is key to claiming the maximum refund amount available.
The homestead credit refund is available to qualifying homeowners whose property taxes are high relative to their household income. The refund amount is based on the previous year’s property taxes and total income reported for all applicants, including spouse and dependents. You must file Form M1PR to claim this refund and meet the state’s eligibility guidelines.
Renters are still eligible for property tax relief, but can now claim it through their income tax return instead of filing a separate form. This credit is refundable, which means it can create a payment even if you owe no income tax. Filing accurately and including your rental information ensures you receive the full benefit.
You may be entitled to a special refund if your property tax bill increased by more than 12 percent and at least $100 from the previous year. This program does not depend on household income, so many homeowners who would not otherwise qualify can still receive relief.
This program caps annual property taxes at 3 percent of household income. For seniors with limited incomes, the state pays the remaining balance as a low-interest loan, which is repaid when the property is sold or the deferral ends. This option can help older owners stay home without facing a tax-forfeited sale.
Veterans with a qualifying disability and surviving spouses may receive a reduction in the property’s taxable market value. This exclusion can significantly lower annual property taxes and provide lasting tax relief for the household.
Once you have confirmed that a notice from the Minnesota Department of Revenue is legitimate, the next step is to act quickly. Timely responses help protect your refund amount, prevent delays, and keep your property taxes and filing information current.
You should carefully read the notice and follow the instructions provided. If you claim the homestead credit refund, you must file Form M1PR and report accurate household income, including information for your spouse and dependents. For renters, include rental details on your income tax return to qualify for the credit. Never send sensitive details by text or email if the notice asks you to provide this information securely — always use the official online portal.
Legitimate notices may include official email, phone, or mailing contacts where you can verify questions. If you receive a message asking you to confirm your email address or update your details, do so only through official state websites. This ensures your contact info is secure and you do not accidentally respond to a fraudulent message.
Many applicants lose time or benefits because of minor errors. Double-check that you have signed the form, entered the correct county and property ID number, and included all necessary attachments before you file. If you get this message as a reminder, act before the deadline to avoid losing eligibility.
Following these steps will help you respond confidently and avoid unnecessary processing delays.
Even with clear instructions, Minnesota’s tax rules can feel overwhelming. The Minnesota Department website offers helpful tools, including calculators and checklists, but many filers still want reassurance that their information matches federal records. Ensuring your federal return is correct is especially important if your household income determines your eligibility for a homestead credit refund or other property tax relief program.
Our IRS Account Transcript Service lets you double-check your tax history before you file with Minnesota. You will get a plain-English summary of your prior returns, past refund amounts, and any account activity that might affect your claim. This is a smart step for applicants who want to prevent delays, confirm their eligibility, or make sure a previous filing was processed correctly.
Taking care of these steps now helps you avoid surprises, keeps your information accurate, and ensures you receive the full refund you may qualify for.
You may qualify for the homestead credit refund if you owned and lived in your home on January 2 of the filing year, paid property taxes, and had a household income within state limits. According to the 2025 Minnesota Department guidelines, married couples filing jointly must include both spouses’ incomes. This program helps qualifying homeowners reduce high tax burdens relative to income.
Legitimate notices include the print version of the logo and clear contact info, and they direct you to an official page to verify your identity. The Department will never send unsolicited texts asking for personal data. If you receive text messages that claim to be from Revenue, do not reply or click. Instead, link and delete the message and report it as a text message scam alert.
Yes, renters can still receive property tax relief, but starting in 2024, they must claim it on their income tax return rather than using Form M1PR. This change is part of the updated Minnesota tax laws. Be sure to file by the August deadline so your refund amount is not delayed. You may not receive the refund if you miss the year’s filing window.
Ignoring a Minnesota Department of Revenue notice can result in lost refunds and even tax-forfeited sale proceedings if property taxes go unpaid. The department may consider your application incomplete until you provide this information. Respond quickly to avoid penalties, interest, and processing delays affecting your eligibility for future program benefits.
When the Department becomes aware of reported text scams, it updates the “Top Tasks” section and notes when the page was last updated. If you have a question or comment about a notice, use the official connect with us form or call the listed number. Forms and instructions are available in multiple languages, including Hmong (Cov Lus Askiv English) versions.
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