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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Kittson County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
~1.00% for residential homestead, varies significantly by taxing districts within county
1st Due
May 15
2nd Due
Oct 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Kittson County, Minnesota operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated by applying tax rates to the net tax capacity of your property, which is derived from its assessed market value. For 2025, the effective tax rate for residential homestead properties in Kittson County is approximately 1.00%, though this can vary significantly based on your specific location within the county.

Your actual property tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, townships or cities, and any special service districts. These overlapping jurisdictions each set their own levy amounts, which are combined to determine your total tax bill. The county assesses property tax revenues as available if collected within 60 days after the end of the current period, ensuring timely funding for local services.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Property TypeClass RateNet Tax Capacity (on $250K)Property TaxEffective Rate
Residential Homestead1.0%$2,260$2,5091.00%
Agricultural Homestead0.5%/1.0%$1,300$8130.33%
Agricultural Non-homestead1.0%$2,500$2,2500.90%
Seasonal Recreational1.0%$2,500$2,5211.01%

These rates apply to taxes payable in 2025 and are based on property with an estimated market value of $250,000. Actual tax rates vary by location within Kittson County depending on your specific school district, township or city, and any special taxing districts that serve your property. Agricultural homestead properties may qualify for preferential rates on the first tier of valuation.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Kittson 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 Kittson County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase the property's assessed value during the tax year. These taxes are calculated on a pro-rated basis from the date the change occurred through the end of the fiscal year.

For example, if you complete a home addition worth $50,000 in July and the improvement increases your assessed value, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering the additional tax owed from July through the end of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be calculated by applying the current tax rate to the increased net tax capacity, then pro-rating for the partial year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Net Tax Capacity: $2,712 (after homestead classification)
  • Less: Homestead Credit Application: $150
  • Net Taxable Capacity: $2,562
  • Annual Tax: $2,562 × 1.00% = $2,562
  • Monthly Escrow: $213

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Net Tax Capacity: $5,424
  • Less: Homestead Credit Application: $150
  • Net Taxable Capacity: $5,274
  • Annual Tax: $5,274 × 1.00% = $5,274
  • Monthly Escrow: $440

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

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Net Tax Capacity: $9,040
  • Less: Homestead Credit Application: $150
  • Net Taxable Capacity: $8,890
  • Annual Tax: $8,890 × 1.00% = $8,890
  • Monthly Escrow: $741

Note: Credits require application and are not automatically applied. Homestead classification limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Kittson County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill and holds these funds in an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to the county when they become due.

Property taxes in Kittson County are due May 15th for real estate taxes, with the first half payment due on this date (or the full amount if taxes are $100 or less). Your lender will typically pay from the escrow account before the due date to avoid penalties. Lenders are required to provide an annual escrow analysis showing how your payments were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year. You can verify that payments were received by checking with the Kittson County Treasurer's office or through their online payment system.

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 Kittson County? A: Real estate taxes are due May 15th (first half payment, or full payment if $100 or less), and personal property taxes are due May 29th. When the 15th falls on a weekend, the due date is extended to the next business day.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The homestead classification provides preferential tax treatment by limiting how much your assessed value can increase annually. This is NOT automatic - you must file an application with the county assessor to receive homestead benefits. The homestead credit caps assessment growth rather than reducing your property's market value.

Q: Are there tax credits for seniors or disabled residents? A: Yes, but these require separate applications through your county assessor's office. Contact the Kittson County Assessor to determine eligibility and application deadlines for senior citizen property tax deferrals and disabled veteran credits.

Q: How often is property reassessed? A: Minnesota requires property to be assessed annually, with physical inspections conducted on a cyclical basis. The county assessor reviews market conditions and sales data each year to determine current market values.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalty charges and interest. Contact the Kittson County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Kittson County Treasurer's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the county assessor by specific deadlines, typically in April. Contact the Kittson County Assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: Do special taxing districts affect my tax bill? A: Yes, your location within school districts, townships, cities, and special service districts determines your total tax rate. Each jurisdiction sets its own levy, which combines to create your overall tax rate.

Q: What agricultural exemptions are available? A: Agricultural homestead properties may qualify for reduced class rates (0.5% on first tier, 1.0% on remaining value) if they meet specific requirements including proximity to the owner's homestead. Family farm corporations and partnerships may also qualify under certain conditions. Applications are required.

Q: How are taxes calculated on seasonal recreational property? A: Seasonal recreational properties (cabins) are taxed at a 1.0% class rate with an effective rate of approximately 1.01% on the full market value, without homestead classification benefits.

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