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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Dodge County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.0% to 1.3% of assessed value, varies by taxing districts (school, township, city, special districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Dodge County, Minnesota operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county government operations. Property taxes are calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the applicable tax rate, which varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts including school districts, townships, cities, and special service districts.

The effective property tax rate in Dodge County typically ranges from approximately 1.0% to 1.3% of assessed value, though this varies significantly based on your specific location and the taxing districts that serve your property. Recent data indicates property tax levies have increased by approximately 6.0-6.1% for recent levy years. Your actual tax rate depends on which school district, municipality, township, and special districts (such as watershed districts or library districts) serve your property address.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate Rate RangeDescription
County General0.25% - 0.35%General county operations, roads, public safety
School Districts0.60% - 0.80%Local school district operations and facilities
Municipal/Township0.10% - 0.25%City or township services (varies by location)
Special Districts0.05% - 0.15%Watershed, library, or other special service districts
Total Effective Rate1.00% - 1.35%Combined rate varies by property location

Note: These rates apply to the current levy year and are estimates that vary significantly by specific taxing district combinations. Contact the Dodge County Assessor's Office at (507) 635-6270 for exact rates applicable to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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 property taxes in Dodge County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction completion, or property improvements that weren't included in the regular assessment cycle. These supplemental taxes ensure that property taxes are prorated correctly for the current tax year based on current ownership and property conditions.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year after the change occurred. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July and your tax rate is 1.2%, you would owe approximately $600 in supplemental taxes for the remaining 6 months of that tax year ($100,000 × 1.2% × 6/12 months = $600).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Market Value Exclusion: -$76,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $224,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.15%
  • Annual Property Tax: $2,576
  • Monthly Escrow: $215

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Market Value Exclusion: -$76,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $524,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.20%
  • Annual Property Tax: $6,288
  • Monthly Escrow: $524

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Market Value Exclusion: -$76,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $924,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.25%
  • Annual Property Tax: $11,550
  • Monthly Escrow: $963

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatic. Homestead credits also limit annual assessment increases to protect against rapid market value growth.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Dodge County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to Dodge County when they become due. The monthly escrow amount is calculated by dividing your annual property tax bill by 12, often with an additional buffer to account for potential tax increases.

Property taxes in Dodge County are typically due in two installments during the fiscal year. Your lender will receive tax statements directly from the county and make payments on your behalf. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing how your escrow funds were used and whether adjustments to your monthly payment are needed. It's important to verify that your lender has your correct property tax account information and that payments are being made on time to avoid penalties and interest charges.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Dodge County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are typically due in two installments - the first half by May 15th and the second half by October 15th. Contact the Dodge County Treasurer at (507) 635-6273 for specific due dates.

Q: What is the Homestead Credit and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Credit provides market value exclusions and caps annual assessment increases for owner-occupied properties. You must file an application with the Dodge County Assessor's Office by December 1st. This is not automatic and must be renewed if you move.

Q: Are there other tax credits available that require applications? A: Yes, Minnesota offers various tax credits including the Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral, Disabled Veteran's Credit, and Agricultural Land Classification. All require separate applications with specific deadlines - contact the Assessor's Office at (507) 635-6270.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Dodge County? A: Properties are assessed annually based on market value as of January 2nd of each year. Assessment notices are typically mailed in March with appeal deadlines in late April/early May.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. First half payments made after May 15th and second half payments after October 15th are subject to penalties of 3% per month plus interest.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Dodge County typically offers online payment options through their official website. Contact the County Treasurer's Office at (507) 635-6273 for current online payment procedures and any associated convenience fees.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts (watershed, library, etc.) add additional taxes to your bill. The specific districts that apply depend on your property's location within the county, which is why tax rates vary by address even within Dodge County.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment to the Dodge County Board of Appeal and Equalization, typically meeting in late April or early May. Contact the Assessor's Office at (507) 635-6270 for specific deadlines and appeal procedures for the current assessment year.

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