Where to check the status of your Minnesota property tax refund
Minnesota's Department of Revenue processes property tax refunds through the Property Tax Refund program, which returns money to homeowners who paid more in property tax than they owed. The fastest way to check your refund status is through the Minnesota Department of Revenue website at revenue.state.mn.us. You will need your Social Security number and the property address to look up your case.
If you filed a property tax refund claim, the Department of Revenue typically processes it within 60 to 90 days from the date they receive it. Refunds are issued by check mailed to your address on file, or by direct deposit if you provided banking information on your claim form. The timing depends on when you submitted your claim and whether the Department needs additional documentation from you.
You can also call the Department of Revenue's Property Tax Refund line at 651-296-3781 during business hours. Have your Social Security number and property address ready. Staff can tell you whether your claim was received, whether it is still being processed, or whether a check has been mailed.
Key Takeaways
- Check your refund status on the Minnesota Department of Revenue website using your Social Security number and property address.
- Processing typically takes 60 to 90 days from the date the Department receives your claim.
- Refunds are mailed as checks to your address on file unless you requested direct deposit on your claim form.
- If the Department needs more information from you, they will contact you by mail at the address you provided.
- Call 651-296-3781 if you cannot find your status online or need to speak with someone directly.
What triggers a property tax refund in Minnesota
Minnesota issues property tax refunds when you have paid more in property tax than the law allows you to owe. This most commonly happens when you own a home that qualifies for the Homestead Property Tax Exemption, which reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. If your county assessor did not explore the exemption correctly, or if you became newly may be able to access for it, you may have overpaid.
Refunds also occur when you pay property tax on a property that later becomes exempt from taxation — for example, if your home becomes part of a nonprofit organization's property or if you transfer it to a government entity. In these cases, the tax you paid before the exemption took effect may be refunded.
A third common reason is assessment reduction. If your property's assessed value is lowered through a formal appeal or correction, and you have already paid tax based on the higher assessment, the difference is refunded to you.
How to file a property tax refund claim if you have not already
To file a claim, you must submit Form M1PR (Minnesota Homestead Property Tax Refund Claim) to the Department of Revenue. You can read the form from revenue.state.mn.us or request it by mail. The form asks for your name, Social Security number, property address, the tax year you are claiming for, and the reason you believe you overpaid.
You will also need to attach documentation that supports your claim. If you are claiming the Homestead Exemption was not applied, include a copy of your property tax statement showing the assessed value and the tax amount. If your assessment was reduced, include the assessment reduction notice from your county. If the property became exempt, include the document showing when the exemption took effect.
Mail the completed form and supporting documents to: Minnesota Department of Revenue, Property Tax Refund Program, 600 North Robert Street, Saint Paul, MN 55146. Keep a copy for your records. The Department will send you a letter confirming receipt of your claim.
What happens if your refund check does not arrive
If the Department of Revenue issued your refund more than 30 days ago and you have not received it, contact them at 651-296-3781. Checks can be delayed by mail, or the address on file may be incorrect. The Department can verify whether the check was mailed and to which address.
If the check was mailed to an old address, the Department can issue a replacement check to your current address. You will need to provide your current mailing address and confirm the property address associated with the refund. If you moved after filing your claim, update your address with the Department before calling so they have it on record.
If more than 90 days have passed since you filed your claim and you have not received a refund or any communication from the Department, call to report it. The Department may need to locate your file and determine whether additional information is required from you before the refund can be processed.
When the Department of Revenue requests more information
The Department may contact you by mail if your claim is missing information or if they need clarification about your situation. Common requests include a copy of your deed, a letter from your county assessor, or additional documentation about when you became a homeowner or when a property became exempt.
When you receive a letter requesting information, respond within the timeframe stated in the letter — usually 30 days. Send the requested documents to the address provided in the letter. If you do not respond, your claim may be denied, and you will have to file a new claim to try again.
If you are unsure what documentation the Department is asking for, call 651-296-3781 and read them the letter. They can explain what they need and help you gather it.
Property tax refunds for renters and mobile home owners
Minnesota also has a Renter's Property Tax Refund for tenants whose rent includes property tax paid by the landlord. This is a separate program from the homeowner refund. To claim it, you file Form M1PR-R with the Department of Revenue, along with proof of rent paid and proof that you lived in the rental unit during the tax year.
Mobile home owners on land they do not own may also be may be able to access for a refund if they paid property tax on the mobile home itself. The process is similar: file the appropriate form with documentation of the tax paid and proof of ownership of the mobile home.
Both programs use the same Department of Revenue office and phone line. If you are unsure which form applies to your situation, call 651-296-3781 and describe your housing situation. Staff can tell you which form to file.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a property tax refund in Minnesota?
The Department of Revenue typically processes claims within 60 to 90 days from the date they receive your completed form and supporting documents. If they need additional information from you, the timeline restarts after you send it. Mailing time for the check adds another 5 to 10 business days.
Can I get my refund by direct deposit instead of a check?
Yes. If you provide your bank account number and routing number on your claim form, the Department will deposit the refund directly into your account. This is faster than waiting for a mailed check and eliminates the risk of the check being lost in the mail.
What if I filed a claim years ago and never received the refund?
Call the Department of Revenue at 651-296-3781 with your Social Security number and property address. They can search for your old claim and determine whether it was processed, denied, or lost. If it was denied, they can tell you why and whether you can file a new claim with additional documentation.
Do I need to file a separate claim for each year I overpaid property tax?
Yes. Each tax year requires a separate claim form. If you overpaid in 2022 and 2023, you will file two Form M1PR applications, one for each year. Include the tax year clearly on each form so the Department processes them correctly.
What if my property address has changed since I filed my claim?
Contact the Department of Revenue at 651-296-3781 and provide your old address, new address, and Social Security number. They will update your file so the refund check is mailed to the correct location. Do this as soon as you move to avoid delays.