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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Carlton County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Carlton County, MN. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% of market value, varies by tax district and special assessments
1st Due
May 15
2nd Due
Oct 15
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Carlton County, Minnesota operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, townships, and special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for local government services such as public safety, road maintenance, libraries, and emergency services. The effective tax rate in Carlton County varies by location within the county, typically ranging around the state average of approximately 1% of market value, though this can vary significantly based on your specific tax district.

Property tax rates in Carlton County are not uniform across the entire county due to the presence of various special taxing districts, including school districts, watershed districts, and other local improvement districts. Your exact tax rate depends on which combination of these districts your property falls within. The county uses a complex calculation system that applies different rates to different portions of your property's value, with residential homestead properties receiving preferential treatment through various tax credits that must be applied for annually.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available data for Carlton County, here are the typical tax rate components:

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General Levy0.25-0.35%County operations, services, infrastructure
School District Levy0.45-0.65%Local school funding (varies by district)
Township/City Levy0.10-0.25%Municipal services, varies by location
Special Districts0.05-0.15%Watershed, library, other special assessments
Total Effective Rate0.85-1.40%Combined rate varies by location

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Preliminary 2026 levies show an average 8.1% increase from 2025 levels. Actual rates vary significantly based on your specific taxing districts within Carlton County. Contact the Carlton County Assessor for your exact district combination and current rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Carlton County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
May 15
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Oct 15
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Carlton County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, value, or classification that weren't captured in the regular assessment cycle. Common triggers include new construction completion, property splits or combinations, changes from agricultural to residential classification, or discovery of previously unassessed improvements.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between what should have been owed based on the current assessment and what was actually billed on the original tax statement. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in June, and the local tax rate is 1.2%, you would receive a supplemental bill for approximately $600 ($100,000 × 0.012 × 0.5 years remaining). The supplemental amount is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year when the change became effective, ensuring you only pay for the period the enhanced value was actually in place.

Example Calculation

Here are three property tax calculation examples for Carlton County properties, assuming a combined effective rate of 1.15% and standard homestead credits:

$300,000 Home (with Homestead Credit):

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Market Value Credit: -$11,200 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $288,800
  • Annual Tax: $288,800 × 1.15% = $3,321
  • Monthly Payment: $277

$600,000 Home (with Homestead Credit):

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Market Value Credit: -$11,200 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $588,800
  • Annual Tax: $588,800 × 1.15% = $6,771
  • Monthly Payment: $564

$1,000,000 Home (with Homestead Credit):

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Market Value Credit: -$11,200 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $988,800
  • Annual Tax: $988,800 × 1.15% = $11,371
  • Monthly Payment: $948

Note: All credits require annual application and approval. Actual rates vary by specific tax district location within Carlton County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most Carlton County homeowners with mortgages have their property taxes collected through an escrow account managed by their mortgage servicer. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus a cushion amount, and pays the county directly when taxes are due. This system ensures taxes are paid on time and spreads the cost throughout the year rather than requiring large lump-sum payments.

Carlton County property taxes are typically due in two installments: the first half due May 15th and the second half due October 15th. Lenders usually pay slightly before these deadlines to ensure timely payment. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your servicer showing the previous year's activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property tax bill increases significantly (such as the 8.1% preliminary increase shown for 2026), your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Always verify that your lender has paid your taxes correctly by checking with Carlton County's online payment system or contacting the County Treasurer's office directly.

How HonestCasa Helps
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  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Carlton County for the current fiscal year? A: For FY 2025-2026, the first installment is due May 15th and the second installment is due October 15th. A full-year payment option may also be available with the first due date.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Market Value Credit (up to $11,200 value reduction), which requires annual application by December 1st. Additional credits may include Disabled Veteran's Credit and Senior/Disabled Property Tax Deferral. All credits require separate applications and are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit primarily caps your assessment increases to limit dramatic year-over-year tax increases, rather than reducing your actual market value. You must file annually by December 1st to maintain eligibility. It's not an exemption but a credit applied during tax calculation.

Q: When does Carlton County assess properties and can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 2nd for the following tax year. Assessment notices are typically mailed in March. You have 30 days from the notice date to appeal to the County Board of Appeal and Equalization.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments are subject to penalty and interest charges. Contact Carlton County Treasurer's office at (218) 384-9141 for current penalty rates and specific penalty calculations.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Carlton County offers online payment options through their official website at co.carlton.mn.us. Payments can also be made by mail or in person at the County Treasurer's office.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Carlton County? A: Different areas of Carlton County fall within different combinations of school districts, townships, watershed districts, and other special taxing districts. Your total rate is the sum of all districts that serve your property location.

Q: What happens if my property has new construction or improvements? A: New construction or major improvements may trigger a supplemental tax bill for the partial year, calculated from when the improvement was completed. The following year, it will be included in your regular assessment cycle.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
$$$ REFUNDScarltoncountymn.gov
02
Tax Doc
Preliminary Property Tax Levies for 2026revenue.state.mn.us
03
County
Carlton County Carlton, Minnesotaosa.state.mn.us
04
County
Property Taxes | Carlton County, MNco.carlton.mn.us
05
County
Auditor / Treasurer | Carlton County, MNco.carlton.mn.us
06
County
Who Lives at 1902 County Road 5, Carlton, MN 55718 | Spokeospokeo.com
07
eo_mn.csvirs.gov
08
Say “I Do” at the Historic Courthousecarltoncountymn.gov
09
Tax Doc
Ways to Reduce Your Property Taxescarltoncountymn.gov
10
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAX Omnibus Tax Bill Articles 6-7, 9-11, 13, ...revenue.state.mn.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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