SF2721

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to adjust the dates related to the notice of proposed property taxes sent to taxpayers in Minnesota. This notice informs taxpayers about the amount of property taxes that local authorities propose to collect for the upcoming year.

Main Provisions

• Delivery Date Change: The bill modifies when the notice of proposed property taxes must be delivered. Previously, notices were required to be sent between November 10 and November 24. With the amendment, notices should now be delivered between October 18 and November 1.
• Notice Format: The county treasurer can send the notice electronically or via email upon request from the taxpayer.
• Content Requirements: The notice must:
  • Include the proposed tax amounts and market value of the property.
  • Provide information for taxpayer input meetings regarding the budget and levy for each taxing authority, occurring after November 24 but not before 6:00 p.m.
  • Offer contact details for taxpayers' inquiries, excluding personal addresses or phone numbers.
• Electronic Tracking Change: Adjusts the recorded final date for market value determinations from November 1 to October 9.
• Special Information: Additional requirements include notifying of potential changes in school district taxes if a referendum is pending. Also, special taxes like those for improvements or emergencies must be separately noted.
• Supplementary Information: Allows local governing bodies to include supplementary information about the impact of state aid changes on property taxes, using tables, narratives, or graphics.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The most significant change is in the timing of the notice delivery, moving it earlier by approximately three weeks. This change aims to give taxpayers more time to review proposed taxes and engage with the budgeting process.

Relevant Terms

• Property taxes
• Proposed taxes
• County auditor/treasurer
• Taxpayer notice
• Market value
• Tax levy
• School district referendum
• Metropolitan special taxing districts
• Homestead classification