Assessing

Property taxes are set each year by determining the amount needed to provide services to the community. Policy makers, such as the school board, city council and county board, develop and propose a budget. Then, public hearings are held in November or December to give community members a chance to provide feedback. Final budgets are set by late December.

The cost of providing services to the community (the final budget) is divided among community members, based on taxable market values (assessed values) and property class rates. The residential rate is different than a commercial or apartment rate.

Learn more about how property taxes are calculated by watching the video below.

Understanding how properties are valued is an important step in knowing how property taxes are determined. The below video from Hennepin County explains the factors that go into assessing property values, what impacts changes from year to year and what residents can do if they disagree with their valuation

Hennepin County sends three property tax-related notices each year:

• March: Property Valuation Notice – Based on the prior year's sales, this notice is used to calculate future taxes. (Example: Notices received in March 2026 are based on 2025 sales and used to calculate taxes payable in 2027.)

• November: Proposed Property Tax Notice – Estimates next year’s taxes (not including special assessments) and provides information on truth-in-taxation meetings where residents can provide input.

• March: Final Tax Statement – Provides a breakdown of taxes due, with payment deadlines in May and October.

If you disagree with your property assessment, you have the right to appeal.

• Informal Appeal (April – May): Contact your assessor to discuss your valuation or attend an open book discussion (details on your valuation notice).

• Formal Appeal (May – June): If concerns remain unresolved, you can:

  • Submit a written appeal or attend a hearing with the local or county Board of Appeal and Equalization.

  • File a property tax petition with the Minnesota Tax Court.

For more information on the appeal process, visit Hennepin County's property assessment webpage.