Homestead Filing and Related Programs

Homestead classification requirements

• You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence no later than Dec. 31.
• You must be a Minnesota resident.
• Married couples are considered "one unit" for the purpose of homestead. Applications must include information for both spouses, even if just one name appears on the deed.

Relative homestead requirements

• You must be a relative or an in-law of the owner (son, daughter, parent, grandchild, grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew).
• You must occupy the property as your primary residence.
• You must be a Minnesota resident. If the occupant is a relative of the owner, the owner does not have to be a Minnesota resident.

How to apply

There are three ways to apply for homestead classification on your property:

1. Online
   Apply online
   
   
2. By mail — Complete the PDF homestead application and mail it to:
   Hennepin County Assessor
   300 S. Sixth St., MC-213H
   Minneapolis, MN 55487
   
   
3. In person — Apply in person at a Hennepin County Service Center location. If you need assistance completing the application and would like to make an appointment, contact city assessing staff at 952.924.2533 or 952.924.2535.

Note: You must apply for homestead classification by Dec. 31 to qualify for homestead classification the following year.

Renewal

After the first filing, your homestead status is automatically renewed. No further action is required until you sell or rent your home, or no longer use it as your primary residence.

Removing your homestead status

If you sell, move or no longer qualify for homestead for any reason, you must notify the assessor’s office within 30 days. If you don’t, your property tax may be recalculated as non-homestead, and it could include a penalty equal to 100% of the homestead benefits. 

Program requirements

• Your property must be classified as homestead. If your property is not classified as homestead complete the online application before applying for this program.
• People who qualify for this program get a reduction of the property’s taxable value.

Qualification – $150,000 market value exclusion

• Honorably discharged veterans must have a 70 – 99% service-connected disability either temporary or permanent or
• 100% service-connected disability not considered permanent

Qualification – $300,000 market value exclusion

• An honorably discharged veteran who is both 100% service-connected disability and permanent service-connected disability
• Veterans with 100% unemployability regardless of disability percentage
• Surviving spouses of veterans permanently and totally disabled
• Surviving spouses receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
• Surviving spouses of service members who died while serving honorably in active service
• Family caregivers of a veteran with a disability

How to apply

After applying and being approved for homestead:

1. Complete the appropriate application:
   • Veteran with a disability
   • Family caregiver of a veteran with a disability
   • Surviving spouse of a veteran with a disability
2. Mail completed application and required documentation to the address on the application. If you need help filling out your application, contact the assessor’s office at 952.924.2535.