Homesteads

Qualifying as a Homestead

The Homestead Market Value Exclusion was created in 2011 to replace the state-paid Homestead Market Value Credit. Homesteads may apply to both residential and agricultural property. To qualify for homestead, you must own and occupy property as your principal place of residence (unless you qualify for a relative homestead - see below). You must also apply according to the state’s deadlines. In most cases, the owner must also be a Minnesota resident, but there are some exceptions for agricultural land.


**If you have purchased or sold any land in the last year, please complete a NEW application**

Applying as a Homestead

It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure a property that is eligible for homestead is receiving it. When a property transfer occurs, our office may send a reminder to apply for homestead. We may also send a homestead application if we are verifying that a property continues to qualify. Failing to return these applications may result in a loss of homestead.

Our office notifies property owners of homestead status on the Notice of Valuation and Classification that is mailed each spring as well as on the Truth in Taxation form mailed in the fall.

If you would like to apply for homestead, please complete the appropriate form and mail it to us or bring it to our department. If you have any questions on which form to complete, contact us at (507) 437-9440 or by email. Homestead applications are due by December 31 of the year of the assessment, but occupancy and ownership must be in place by December 1 of the assessment year.


**WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT ONLINE OR EMAILED APPLICATIONS AT THIS TIME**

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION IN-PERSON OR MAIL YOUR APPLICATION TO: 

MOWER COUNTY ASSSESSOR

201 1ST ST NE

SUITE 10

AUSTIN, MN 55912


Applications

The following applications are for Special Agricultural Homesteads where the applicant farms the land and lives within four cities or townships. Applications are required annually. Please select application according to ownership type.


Relatives Residing in the Property

There are instances where certain relatives can live in a property and qualify for homestead. All Relative Homestead applications must be filed annually. For residential and agricultural property, these relatives include the following (by blood or by marriage):
  • Child
  • Stepchild*
  • Parent
  • Stepparent*
  • Grandchild
  • Grandparent*
  • Brother
  • Sister
  • Aunt* 
  • Uncle*
  • Niece*
  • Nephew* 

    *Does not qualify for Special Ag Homestead

Tax Reduction


Receiving the homestead designation on your property may reduce the taxable value of your property up to $38,000 depending on the value of your property, potentially reducing your taxes. For agricultural homesteads, you will receive a credit up to $490 on your tax bill reducing your overall taxes (the credit was less than $490 in years prior to payable 2015).

For taxes payable in 2025, the base homestead market value exclusion was increased to $95,000 and the maximum qualifying value was increased to $517,200. For homesteads valued between $95,000 to $517,200, the exclusion is $38,000 minus 9% of the valuation over $95,000. In addition, Class 4d(2) properties (Community Land Trusts) are now eligible for the homestead market value exclusion. 


HSTD EXCL. GRAPH 2025

In most cases, once you submit your application, your homestead will remain until a change of deedholder or ownership of the property is recorded or you notify our office. You are required to notify our office within 30 days if you are no longer using the property as a homestead. Please call us at (507) 437-9440 or email.


Agricultural Homesteads

There are different requirements to receive homestead for agricultural land. Please contact our office at (507) 437-9440 or by email for more information. Additionally, there is a Special Agricultural Homestead Program when property owners do not live on their farm. There are numerous requirements for this program; please contact our office for more information.


Special Homestead Programs

There are other special programs associated with homesteading property, including homestead for owners and occupants who are blind or permanently disabled, and a homestead for qualifying disabled veterans. Additional verifications may be required. Please contact our office for more information.