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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Itasca County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1.00% for residential homestead properties, varies by location and overlapping jurisdictions
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Itasca County, Minnesota operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. The county's 2025 tax levy totals $43,557,747, representing an increase from the 2024 levy of $41,297,261. Property taxes are assessed based on the estimated market value of your property as of January 2nd each year.

The effective tax rate for residential homestead properties in Itasca County is approximately 1.00% for 2025, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions. Your total property tax bill includes levies from multiple entities: the county, your school district, city or township, and any applicable special taxing districts such as watershed districts or fire departments. This layered approach means two properties with identical values in different parts of Itasca County may have substantially different tax bills.

Property owners should note that Minnesota uses a complex classification system where different property types (homestead, commercial, agricultural) are taxed at different effective rates, and various tax credits are available to qualifying property owners, though most require annual application to receive the benefit.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General0.25%County operations, roads, social services
School District0.45-0.65%Local school funding (varies by district)
City/Township0.15-0.30%Municipal services (varies by municipality)
Special Districts0.05-0.15%Fire departments, watersheds, other special services
Total Residential Homestead~1.00%Combined rate for homestead properties

Rates shown are estimates for FY 2025 and vary significantly by specific location within Itasca County. Commercial and non-homestead residential properties face higher effective rates due to different classification rates. Contact the Itasca County Assessor's office for your specific tax capacity rate based on your property's classification and location within overlapping taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Itasca 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 taxes in Itasca County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are mid-year changes to a property's assessed value. The most common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements or additions, changes in property classification, or corrections to the original assessment. Unlike the regular tax bill cycle, supplemental taxes are prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year when the change becomes effective.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in September and it's assessed in October, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering the additional taxes owed from October through the end of the tax year. The calculation takes the increased assessed value, applies the appropriate tax rate for your area, then prorates it for the remaining months. Using Itasca County's 1.00% rate, a $100,000 increase would generate $1,000 in annual taxes, but if effective in October, the supplemental bill would be approximately $250 (3 months remaining ÷ 12 months × $1,000).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Reduces taxable value
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$285,000
  • Annual Tax (1.00% rate): $2,850
  • Monthly Escrow: $238 Assumes homestead application filed

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Reduces taxable value on first tier
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$580,000
  • Annual Tax (1.00% rate): $5,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $483 Assumes homestead application filed

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Limited to qualifying portion
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$985,000
  • Annual Tax (1.00% rate): $9,850
  • Monthly Escrow: $821 Assumes homestead application filed

Note: All examples require annual homestead application filing. Actual rates vary by specific location within Itasca County due to different taxing districts. Credits shown are estimates and actual benefits depend on individual circumstances and current year formulas.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Itasca County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law. These funds are held in a non-interest-bearing account and used to pay your property taxes when due.

Itasca County property taxes are due in two installments: the first half by May 15th and the second half by August 31st. Lenders typically pay these bills directly to the county treasurer. Property owners receive annual escrow statements showing deposits, payments made on their behalf, and any account adjustments. If your property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or levy changes, your lender may require higher monthly escrow payments or request a lump sum to cover shortfalls.

Property owners should verify that their lender pays taxes on time, as late payment penalties apply regardless of escrow arrangements. You can check payment status through the Itasca County website or by contacting the treasurer's office directly. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, ensure payments are postmarked by the due dates to avoid penalties and potential tax forfeiture proceedings.

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 Itasca County for 2025? A: First half payments are due May 15, 2025, and second half payments are due August 31, 2025. If your total tax bill is $100 or less, the entire amount is due May 15th.

Q: What is the homestead credit and how do I apply? A: The homestead credit provides tax relief for owner-occupied residential properties by limiting assessment increases and reducing tax capacity. You must file an application with the Itasca County Assessor's office, and it's not automatic. The credit caps how much your taxable value can increase each year, typically around 10%.

Q: Are there other tax credits available? A: Yes, including the Blind/Disabled Homestead Classification for qualifying individuals, Green Acres for agricultural property, and various senior citizen property tax deferrals. All require separate applications with specific deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Itasca County? A: Minnesota law requires properties to be assessed annually as of January 2nd, with values reflecting market conditions as of that date. Assessment notices are typically mailed in March.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually face tax forfeiture proceedings, where the county can take ownership of the property.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Itasca County offers online payment options through their official website. Check with the county treasurer's office for accepted payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Q: How do special taxing districts affect my bill? A: Special districts for services like fire protection, watershed management, or library services add additional levies to your tax bill. These vary significantly by location within Itasca County.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Contact the Itasca County Assessor's office first to discuss your concerns. Formal appeals must be filed with the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization, typically meeting in April, with strict deadlines that must be observed.

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