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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Mower County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by location within county due to different taxing districts and municipal boundaries
1st Due
May 15
2nd Due
Oct 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Mower County, Minnesota operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including county government operations, school districts, and various special taxing districts. Property taxes in Mower County are administered by the County Assessor's Office and represent the primary funding source for local government services. Based on the tax capacity distribution, approximately 34% of property tax revenue goes to Mower County operations, while cities within the county receive about 45% of the tax capacity, with the remainder supporting school districts and other local entities.

Property tax rates in Mower County vary by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. The effective tax rate generally aligns with Minnesota's statewide average of approximately 1% of market value, though individual properties may experience different rates depending on their specific location and applicable tax credits. Property owners should note that actual tax bills depend not only on assessed value but also on which taxing jurisdictions serve their specific property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County GeneralVaries by levyCounty operations, sheriff, courts, social services
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school district operations and debt service
MunicipalVaries by cityCity services (applies only within city limits)
Special DistrictsVaries by locationFire districts, library districts, other special services
State GeneralVaries annuallyState-imposed levy for various programs

Note: Specific rates for the current levy year are set annually by each taxing authority. The 2025 property tax rates have not been finalized as local authorities are still determining their budgets. Contact the Mower County Assessor's Office or check the county website for the most current rate information. Rates vary significantly within the county based on which combination of taxing districts serve each property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Mower 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 Mower County may be assessed when significant changes occur to a property during the tax year, such as new construction, major improvements, or changes in ownership that trigger reassessment. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes reflect current property conditions and ownership throughout the tax year rather than waiting for the next regular assessment cycle.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year affected. For example, if a property owner completes a $100,000 addition in July, the supplemental tax would apply to the increased assessment for the remaining months of that tax year. Property owners receive separate billing for supplemental taxes, which follow the same payment schedule as regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (with Homestead Credit)

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Reduces tax capacity
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $2,400-$3,300*
  • Monthly Escrow: $200-$275

Example 2: $600,000 Home (with Homestead Credit)

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Reduces tax capacity
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $5,400-$7,200*
  • Monthly Escrow: $450-$600

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

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Reduces tax capacity
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $9,500-$12,000*
  • Monthly Escrow: $790-$1,000

Tax amounts vary based on specific location within Mower County and applicable taxing districts. Credits shown require application and are not automatic. Contact the County Assessor's Office for precise calculations.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Mower County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, then pays property taxes directly to Mower County when due. Lenders typically collect enough to cover the annual tax bill plus maintain a cushion of 1-2 months of payments.

Property taxes in Mower County are due May 15th and October 15th each year, with agricultural land second-half payments due November 15th. Lenders must ensure payments reach the county by these deadlines to avoid penalties. Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information, especially after assessment changes or successful appeals. The county provides tax statements that borrowers can share with their lenders to confirm accurate escrow calculations and payments.

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 Mower County? A: Property taxes are due May 15th and October 15th each year. Second-half property taxes on agricultural land are due November 15th. Personal property taxes are due by May 15th.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Various tax credits are available including homestead credit, senior citizen credit, and disabled veteran credit. All credits require application through the County Assessor's Office and are not automatically applied. Contact the assessor for specific eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit reduces the tax capacity of your property and helps limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value. You must apply for homestead classification, and it's not automatic. The credit applies only to your primary residence.

Q: When are properties assessed in Mower County? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 2nd for taxes payable the following year. Assessment notices are typically mailed in spring, with appeal periods following shortly after.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the County Treasurer's Office for current penalty rates and payment options if you've missed the due date.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check the Mower County website or contact the County Treasurer's Office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts (fire, library, etc.) add additional taxes based on your property location. Your total tax bill includes all applicable districts serving your address.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the County Assessor's Office within the specified appeal period after receiving your assessment notice. The assessor's office can provide appeal forms and deadline information.

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