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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lincoln County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% average, varies significantly by school district, city, township, and special taxing districts within Lincoln County
1st Due
May 15
2nd Due
Oct 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lincoln 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 based on assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts including school districts, cities, townships, and special service districts.

The effective tax rate in Lincoln County typically ranges around Minnesota's statewide average of approximately 1%, though actual rates vary significantly based on your specific location within the county. Property owners should note that tax rates can differ between neighboring properties depending on which school district, city, township, and special taxing districts serve their area. The county projects an 8.1% preliminary increase for the 2026 tax year, with final 2025 rates to be determined by the County Board of Commissioners.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General LevyVariesFunds county operations, roads, public safety
School District LevyVaries by DistrictLocal school funding, varies by school district boundaries
City/Township LevyVaries by MunicipalityMunicipal services for incorporated cities and townships
Special AssessmentsVariesSolid waste, drainage districts, other special services

Note: Specific rates for levy year 2025 are pending final determination by the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners. Rates shown apply to fiscal year 2025-2026 and vary significantly based on your property's location within different taxing districts throughout Lincoln County. Contact the Lincoln County Assessor's office for your specific district combination and current rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. These taxes cover the period from when the change occurred until the end of the current fiscal year, calculated on a pro-rated basis.

For example, if you purchase a home in Lincoln County in January and the previous owner received homestead classification while you do not qualify, a supplemental tax bill may be issued for the difference in tax rates. Similarly, completing new construction or major improvements during the tax year can trigger supplemental assessments. The county auditor certifies these supplemental taxes as special assessments against the real property, and payment in full is required to avoid penalties and potential liens.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: (Limits assessment increases, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.0%
  • Annual Tax: ~$3,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$250

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: (Caps assessment growth at state limits)
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.0%
  • Annual Tax: ~$6,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$500

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property (Non-Homestead)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • No Homestead Credit: (Commercial/rental property)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.0%
  • Annual Tax: ~$10,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$833

Note: These examples use estimated rates. Actual rates vary by taxing districts. All credits require application and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lincoln County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly payments include principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI). Lenders collect approximately 1/12 of your annual property tax bill each month and pay the county directly when taxes are due.

Lincoln County typically sends property tax notices in the fall, with payments due in two installments during the fiscal year. Lenders receive these notices and verify escrow account balances, conducting annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds. If your escrow account has a shortage, your monthly payment may increase; if there's a surplus, you may receive a refund. Property owners should review annual escrow statements and can request to pay taxes independently if they meet lender requirements and prefer direct payment to Lincoln County.

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 Lincoln County for fiscal year 2025-2026? A: Payment schedules vary by county in Minnesota. Contact the Lincoln County Treasurer's office for specific due dates for the current fiscal year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Minnesota offers various tax credits including Homestead Credit, Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral, and Disabled Veterans Credit. All credits require application and are not automatically applied - you must file with the county assessor.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce market value but limits annual assessment increases (typically to 10% or less) for owner-occupied properties. You must apply with Lincoln County and requalify annually by filing the required forms.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Lincoln County? A: Minnesota requires annual assessment of all properties. Assessment notices are typically sent in spring, with appeal deadlines in early summer.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Minnesota law allows counties to charge penalties and interest on delinquent taxes. Contact Lincoln County Treasurer for current penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online to Lincoln County? A: Many Minnesota counties offer online payment options. Check the Lincoln County website or contact the Treasurer's office for available electronic payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Lincoln County? A: Different combinations of school districts, cities, townships, and special service districts create varying total tax rates throughout the county.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File an appeal with the Lincoln County Board of Appeal and Equalization during the designated appeal period, typically in early summer following assessment notices.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
JANUARY MEETING COUNTY BOARDco.lincoln.mn.us
02
Tax Doc
Preliminary Property Tax Levies for 2026revenue.state.mn.us
03
County
LINCOLN COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT ...co.lincoln.mn.us
04
Homestead Market Value Exclusionrevenue.state.mn.us
05
County
Lincoln County Property Assessment and Tax Datapropertyweb.co.lincoln.or.us
06
Contract with American Solutions for Businesslincolncountync.gov
07
County
LINCOLN COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT ...lincolncountymn.gov
08
County
lincoln county ivanhoe, minnesota financial statements and ...co.lincoln.mn.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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