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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Jackson County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.4% of assessed market value (varies by location within county due to overlapping jurisdictions)
1st Due
May 15
2nd Due
Oct 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Jackson County, Minnesota operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential county services including law enforcement, courts, roads, and social services. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the estimated market value of real estate as of January 2nd each year. The county is in the process of finalizing its 2025 tax levy, with total budgeted expenses of approximately $32.96 million for the upcoming fiscal year.

Property tax rates in Jackson County vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions including school districts, cities, townships, and special assessment districts. The effective tax rate typically ranges from 0.8% to 1.4% of assessed market value, though this can be higher in areas with additional special assessments. Minnesota's property tax system allows for various tax credits that can reduce your final tax bill, but most require annual application and are not automatically applied to your property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated Rate RangeDescription
County General Levy0.25% - 0.35%Basic county operations, law enforcement, courts
School District Levy0.45% - 0.65%Local school district operations and debt service
City/Township Levy0.10% - 0.30%Municipal services (varies by municipality)
Special Assessments0.05% - 0.15%Watershed districts, library districts, other special districts
Total Estimated Rate0.85% - 1.45%Combined effective rate (FY 2025-2026)

Note: Final 2025 tax rates have not been certified. Actual rates vary significantly by location within Jackson County based on which taxing jurisdictions apply to your specific property address. Contact the Jackson County Assessor's office for exact rates applicable to your property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Jackson 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 property taxes in Jackson County are triggered when there is a change in property ownership or when new construction/improvements add value to existing property during the tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure that the property's increased value contributes proportionally to local services for the remainder of the tax year.

When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated by taking the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, multiplying by the applicable tax rate, and prorating for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in July that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now reflects a market value of $350,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $150,000 difference for the remaining 6 months of the tax year. The supplemental bill is typically issued 30-60 days after the triggering event and becomes due within 30 days of issuance.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Market Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Application: -$50,760
  • Net Taxable Value: $249,240
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 1.1%
  • Annual Property Tax: $2,742
  • Monthly Escrow: $228

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Market Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Application: -$50,760
  • Net Taxable Value: $549,240
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 1.2%
  • Annual Property Tax: $6,591
  • Monthly Escrow: $549

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Application: -$50,760
  • Net Taxable Value: $949,240
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 1.3%
  • Annual Property Tax: $12,340
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,028

Note: These examples assume successful application for Minnesota's Homestead Credit. Tax credits require annual application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by specific location within Jackson County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Jackson County require borrowers to establish an escrow account to ensure property taxes are paid on time. Your lender will collect approximately 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, holding these funds in a separate escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Jackson County when the May 15th and October 15th payment deadlines arrive.

Lenders are required to provide an annual escrow analysis showing the previous year's tax payments and projecting the coming year's requirements. If your property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or new special assessments, your lender may require an escrow shortage payment or increase your monthly payment to cover the higher tax burden. You can request documentation from your lender showing exactly when and how much was paid to Jackson County for your property taxes, and you have the right to pay property taxes directly if you meet certain loan-to-value requirements with your lender.

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 Jackson County property taxes due for 2025? A: Property taxes are paid in two installments - the first half is due May 15, 2025, and the second half is due October 15, 2025. Payments must be postmarked by these dates to avoid penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they apply automatically? A: Minnesota offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit, Senior Citizen Credit, and Disabled Veteran Credit. These are NOT automatic and require annual application. The Homestead Credit is the most common, providing up to $50,760 in taxable value reduction for primary residences.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps the annual increase in your home's taxable value and provides a reduction in assessed value for tax purposes. You must apply annually and occupy the property as your primary residence. It does not reduce your home's market value, only the portion subject to taxation.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Jackson County? A: All properties are reassessed annually as of January 2nd. Assessment notices are typically mailed in March, and you have 30 days from the notice date to appeal your assessment to the Jackson County Board of Appeal and Equalization.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. First half payments made after May 15th incur penalties, and second half payments made after October 15th face additional penalties and interest charges that compound monthly.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Jackson County offers online payment options through their official website. You can also pay by mail, phone, or in person at the County Treasurer's office. Credit card payments may incur additional processing fees.

Q: Why did my property taxes increase when my home's value didn't change much? A: Property tax increases can result from higher levy amounts approved by the county, school district, or other taxing jurisdictions, even if your property value remains stable. Special assessments for new infrastructure or services can also increase your total tax bill.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my property tax bill? A: Properties in Jackson County may be subject to additional taxes from watershed districts, library districts, or other special taxing authorities depending on your exact location. These appear as separate line items on your tax statement and vary significantly based on your property's address.

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