Essential Considerations Before Filing a Tax Petition
The Deadline: April 30th
In Minnesota, the clock is always ticking. The statutory deadline to file a tax petition is April 30th of the year the tax becomes payable. There are no exceptions.
Handling a tax court case in Minnesota involves many specific deadlines and administrative requirements. Failing to adhere to even one step can result in a summary dismissal of your case.
At Pro Legal Support Services, our experts help smooth out this process by e-filing tax petitions. Pro Legal also handles submitting the Proof of Service and paying the filing fee per petition for you.
With our help and keeping some essential considerations in mind, you can successfully file a tax petition on time in Minnesota.
The Minnesota Tax Petition Deadline: April 30th
The process of filing a tax petition in Minnesota is governed by strict procedural rules, so ensuring you follow all the necessary steps can help ensure your success.
Unlike other legal filings, where you may request an extension, the court typically has no jurisdiction to hear a late petition. Missing this date means you lose your right to contest that specific year’s assessment.
You will be required to pay the taxes based on the current valuation of the property, regardless of how inaccurate you believe it to be.
Understand County-Specific Requirements for Property Taxes
Filing a tax petition on a property assessment is a complicated matter, and following the wrong steps for your specific county can further hinder your success.
While the overarching law is statewide, the county-specific procedure can vary from county to county. Whether your property is in Hennepin, Ramsey, or a smaller rural county, you must verify the specific local rules.
Some jurisdictions are stricter regarding the number of copies required or specific local forms that must accompany the standard petition, so keep that in mind when preparing your documents.
Filing a Tax Petition With the District Court
Once the petition has been served to the appropriate parties, the case must be officially opened with the District Court in the county where the property is located. You are responsible for the initial filing fee, which typically ranges from $300 to $500 per petition.
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It is important to note that if you are contesting multiple contiguous parcels, you may be able to combine them, but distinct properties will require separate filing fees.
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Most Minnesota counties utilize the EFS (Electronic Filing System).
This is where Pro Legal can come in to help! Our experts are already registered and proficient with the system, and we can help you file your petition on time.
Don’t Withhold Payments: Pay Taxes as They’re Due
A common misconception is that filing a petition allows you to withhold tax payments. In reality, Minnesota law generally requires you to pay the taxes as they become due while the petition is pending.
Usually, you must pay at least the amount of taxes not in dispute, or a specific percentage required by the statute, to keep the petition active.
If you lose your case or settle for a smaller reduction than anticipated, you could be liable for interest on any unpaid portions.
Evaluate Your Evidence: Data & Appraisals
Filing the petition is only the beginning. To succeed in your petition, you must prove that the County Assessor’s valuation is incorrect.
For example, consider having an independent appraisal done that supports a lower value.
For commercial properties, consider organizing your financial data to demonstrate that the property’s income-producing potential doesn’t support the current tax value.
Pave the Way to Success: E-File With Pro Legal Support Services
Pro Legal Support Services makes it easy and stress-free to file tax petitions. Our experts can file all types of documents, saving you time and reducing errors.
Pro Legal Support Services is proficient in legal compliance and will provide complete proof-of-service documentation.
Ready to request service? Submit your request online today!