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Most
Frequently Asked Questions
Isn’t it illegal for
the Assessor to increase my value so much in one year.
The assessor must
value property at 100% of market value each year. Property values change continuously with
the changing economic conditions.
When will the value
increases stop?
The market dictates
property values. If sale prices are increasing the Assessor’s market value will
increase and if sales prices fall then the Assessor’s market values will drop.
By law distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales) can not
be used to set assessed market values. Assessor’s market
values always follow the market.
What does the Assessor
look at to determine a property’s market value?
Each property is
viewed to gather information on all characteristics that affect its market value. Some of
the characteristics that an Assessor looks at are location, size, age, quality of
construction, and amenities (i.e. walkout basements, fireplaces, and extra baths).
As a resident will I
be taxed out of my home, especially if I am on a limited income?
Homesteading
residents are eligible for property tax classification tax breaks, refunds and rebates. In
Minnesota if you own and occupy your property you receive a tax exemption called the
Homestead Classification. This significantly decreases the property taxes for most
residents. In addition to this classification residents are eligible to apply for the
Regular Property Tax Refund or Special Property Tax Refund. Both of these programs use the
M1PR form. The Regular Refund is based on the property owner's income, so if the owner is
on a limited income they will receive a refund on the taxes they have paid. The Special
Refund is for property owners whose value has increased by more than 12% over last year's
taxes. The specific guidelines for each refund are included with the instructions for the
M1PR.
What do I need to do
to qualify for Homestead?
You need to own and
occupy a property. In order to qualify for homestead status you need to come into the City
Hall and fill out a homestead application (Homestead’s do not automatically change
when owners change). When you come to City Hall to fill out a homestead application, you
need to bring three (3) things: Deed, Certificate of Real Estate Value (you receive these
items at the closing) and a picture I.D. Without any of these items, a homestead
application cannot be processed.
Do all owners have to
be present to fill out a homestead application?
In most cases, No,
only one (1) owner with the following items needs to come in and fill out a homestead
application: Deed, Certificate of Real Estate Value (you receive these items at the
closing) and a picture I.D. If you are unsure please call the Robbinsdale Assessor's
Office at (763) 531-1217. Homestead Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Can I fill out a Homestead application
before I occupy the property?
No, you must
own and occupy the property in order to qualify for Homestead. In other words, if you come
in on Monday and you’re not moving in until Tuesday, your application will be denied.
You could either come in on Tuesday or any other day that week.
What happens if my property is not
homesteaded?
If you do not homestead your
property, you will pay higher property taxes than you need to pay.
Do I need to apply for homestead every
year?
No, your homestead
classification automatically renews every year as long as you own and occupy the property.
Do I need to tell anyone if I move or
the ownership status changes?
YES, it's very
important that the City Assessor is notified right away, in fact it's the law. If the
occupancy or ownership status changes for any reason (moving, separation, divorce, death,
etc.) you must notify the Assessor's office within 30 days. We need this
information to keep our records updated and correct.
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