Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to change how certain railroad properties are taxed in Minnesota. It introduces a new calculation method for determining the property value of railroads, which affects how much tax they need to pay.

Main Provisions

• Market Value Exclusion: The bill provides an exclusion from the market value calculation for certain types of railroad property. This could potentially reduce the taxable value of these properties.
• Yield Capitalization Rate Adjustment: It mandates that when the Minnesota commissioner calculates the yield capitalization rate for determining the value of railroad properties, they must compare it with rates from neighboring states (Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota). The new rate in Minnesota should be no lower than 0.05% of the lowest rate used in those states.
• Amendments to Existing Laws: The bill adds subdivisions to existing sections of the Minnesota Statutes in order to implement these changes.

Significant Changes

• The bill revises the calculation of net present value for state-assessed property, specifically impacting railroad property. This means the tax calculation will now be aligned, at least in part, with practices in nearby states, potentially standardizing and possibly lowering the property tax burden for railroad companies in Minnesota.

Relevant Terms

• Taxation
• Railroad property
• Market value exclusions
• Yield capitalization rate
• State-assessed property
• Net present value
• Property tax ҡ