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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Pennington County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 0.80% county average - varies significantly by school district, municipality, and special taxing districts
1st Due
May 15
2nd Due
Oct 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Pennington County, Minnesota operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. Property owners in Pennington County pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the local tax rate, which varies significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts.

The 2025 property tax rate for Pennington County is projected to be approximately 0.80% of assessed value, though this represents a county-wide average. Your actual tax rate will depend on which city, school district, and special taxing districts your property falls within. For example, properties in different school districts within the county may see rate variations of several percentage points. The county assessor determines property values annually, and tax bills are calculated by applying the combined tax rates from all applicable taxing jurisdictions to your net taxable assessed value after any applicable credits.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General Levy0.15% - 0.25%Funds county operations, roads, public safety
School District Levy0.40% - 0.65%Varies by district; funds K-12 education
Municipal Levy0.10% - 0.30%City services (varies by municipality)
Special Districts0.05% - 0.20%Fire districts, library districts, watershed districts
Total Combined Rate0.70% - 1.40%Varies significantly by location within county

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025 (payable in 2025). Actual rates depend on your specific location within Pennington County and which taxing districts apply to your property. Contact the Pennington County Assessor's Office at (218) 683-7029 for your specific rate calculation.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Pennington 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 Pennington County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or property improvements that occur after the annual assessment date. When you purchase property or complete construction during the tax year, a supplemental assessment may be issued to account for the change in assessed value or ownership period.

For example, if you purchase a $400,000 home in March that was previously assessed at $300,000 under the former owner's homestead status, you may receive a supplemental tax bill for the difference in tax liability from March through December. The supplemental amount would be calculated as: ($400,000 - $300,000) × applicable tax rate × remaining months in tax year ÷ 12 months. New construction is prorated from the date of substantial completion or occupancy.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$42,000 (reduces taxable value)
  • Net Taxable Value: $258,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.80%
  • Annual Tax: $2,064
  • Monthly Escrow: $172

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$42,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $558,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.80%
  • Annual Tax: $4,464
  • Monthly Escrow: $372

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

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Credits Applied: None (non-homestead)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.80%
  • Annual Tax: $8,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $667

Note: Homestead and other credits require annual application and are not automatic. Contact the assessor's office for current credit amounts and application requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Pennington County require property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments along with your mortgage payment. Your lender estimates annual tax liability and divides by 12, often maintaining a cushion of 1-2 months of payments. Property taxes in Minnesota are paid twice yearly, with first half due May 15 and second half due October 15.

Lenders typically pay your taxes directly to Pennington County before the November 15 due date to avoid penalties. You should receive an annual escrow analysis showing how your payments are calculated and any adjustments needed. If your assessment or tax rate changes significantly, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. Property owners without escrow accounts are responsible for making payments directly to the county treasurer by the established due dates.

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 Pennington County for 2025? A: Property taxes are due November 15, 2025 for the 2025 levy year. Senior citizens may apply for tax deferral by this same date.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The homestead credit reduces your taxable assessed value and caps annual assessment increases. You must apply through the Pennington County Assessor's Office at (218) 683-7029. Applications are typically due by May 1 for taxes payable the following year.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits how much your property's taxable value can increase each year (typically around 10%), rather than reducing the market value. It requires annual verification and is not automatic - you must maintain homestead status through the assessor's office.

Q: When are properties assessed and how can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed annually with values determined as of January 2. Assessment notices are typically mailed in March, and appeal deadlines are usually in April or May. Contact the assessor's office for specific appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Pennington County Treasurer for current penalty rates and payment options if you miss the November 15 deadline.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with Pennington County's official website or call the treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Pennington County? A: Different school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts (fire, library, watershed) create varying combined tax rates depending on your property's specific location within the county.

Q: What other tax credits might I qualify for? A: Additional credits may include disabled veteran, senior citizen, or agricultural exemptions. Each requires separate application and has specific eligibility requirements. Contact the assessor's office at (218) 683-7029 for complete information and application deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Pennington Co. - MN.govmn.gov
02
Tax Doc
Tax-Rates.org — The 2024-2025 Tax Resourcemylrc.sdlegislature.gov
03
Preliminary Levy Changes for CY 2025revenue.state.mn.us
04
County
Application for Class 4c(3)(ii) - Pennington County, Minnesotaco.pennington.mn.us
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calendar for Property Ownersrevenue.state.mn.us
06
Board minutes of April 23rd, 2024penningtonmn.gov
07
eo_mn.csvirs.gov
08
County
Pennington County Assessor's Officeco.pennington.mn.us
09
County
COUNTY BOARD ROOM TUESDAY, MAY 10TH, 2022, 10:00 ...co.pennington.mn.us
10
County
recording checklist - Pennington Countyco.pennington.mn.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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