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Minnesota · Property taxMinnesota property tax: the two halves, the penalties and the caps

When the taxes on a Minnesota tract or lot exceed $100, half must be paid before May 16 and the other half before the following October 16; taxes of $100 or less are all due on the first-half date. If the property tax statement wasn't postmarked before April 25, the first half is due 21 days after the postmark. A missed half carries a penalty of 2% on homestead property or 4% on other property, another 2% or 4% if it is still unpaid on the first day of the next month, and then 1% on the first day of each later month through December, up to a total of 8% for homestead property or 12% for other property. Certain seasonal recreational commercial property has a first-half date of June 1 (Minn. Stat. §279.01, subd. 1).

What the statute sets

  1. Halves (§279.01, subd. 1(a))

    Over $100: half before May 16, half before October 16.

  2. Small bills (§279.01, subd. 1(c))

    $100 or less: all due on the first-half date.

  3. Late statement (§279.01, subd. 1(b))

    Not postmarked before April 25: first half due 21 days after the postmark.

  4. Penalties (§279.01, subd. 1(a))

    2% homestead / 4% other, again the next month, then 1% a month; caps 8% / 12%.

What the TC does with Minnesota property tax at closing

  • Check whether the half due before the closing date has been paid.
  • For a closing after May 15 or October 15, add the penalty to any unpaid half.
  • Prorate the year's tax under the purchase agreement.

Questions about Minnesota property tax

When is Minnesota property tax due?

When the tax is over $100, half before May 16 and half before October 16; $100 or less is all due on the first-half date (Minn. Stat. §279.01, subd. 1).

What is the penalty for paying a Minnesota half late?

2% on homestead property or 4% on other property, another 2% or 4% the next month, then 1% a month through December, capped at 8% or 12% (Minn. Stat. §279.01, subd. 1(a)).

Related guides

Put the May 15 and October 15 dates and the tax payoff on the deal's closing tasks in ClosingCode.

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Source: Minn. Stat. §279.01 (revisor.mn.gov), read October 30, 2026.

General information, not legal or tax advice. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm or brokerage. This guide is not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney.