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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ramsey County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.392% county base rate, 1.0-1.5% total effective rate (varies by city/school district)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ramsey County property taxes fund essential local services including schools, public safety, parks, libraries, and county operations. The county assesses properties annually based on estimated market value as of January 2nd each year. Property owners receive tax statements that reflect levies from multiple jurisdictions including the county, cities, school districts, and special taxing districts.

The effective property tax rate in Ramsey County varies significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts. While the county's base rate is approximately 0.392% for FY 2025-2026, total effective rates typically range from 1.0% to 1.5% when combined with municipal, school district, and special district levies. Property owners should note that most tax credits and benefits require annual application and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Ramsey County General0.392%County operations, services, infrastructure
School Districts0.4-0.8%Varies by district (Saint Paul, Roseville, etc.)
Municipal0.2-0.6%City services, varies by municipality
Regional Services0.05-0.1%Metro Council, regional transit
Special Districts0.0-0.3%Watersheds, soil/water conservation, TIF districts
Total Effective Rate1.0-1.5%Combined rate varies by property location

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 levy year. Actual rates vary significantly based on the specific taxing districts where your property is located. Properties in different cities, school districts, or special assessment areas will have different total effective rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ramsey County, property taxes are due in two installments:

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 Ramsey County are additional assessments that occur when property undergoes significant changes during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements, or ownership transfers that reveal updated market values. Unlike annual assessments, supplemental taxes are calculated on a pro-rated basis for the portion of the tax year affected.

For example, if a $200,000 home addition is completed and assessed in July, the supplemental tax would apply to the increased value for the remaining months of the fiscal year (July through December). The supplemental amount would be calculated as: ($200,000 × applicable tax rate × 6 months ÷ 12 months). Property owners receive separate supplemental tax bills with specific due dates, typically 30-60 days after issuance.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$18,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $282,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.2% (example district combination)
  • Annual Tax: $3,384
  • Monthly Escrow: $282

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$36,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $564,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.3% (example district combination)
  • Annual Tax: $7,332
  • Monthly Escrow: $611

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$60,000 (requires application, subject to caps)
  • Net Taxable Value: $940,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.4% (example district combination)
  • Annual Tax: $13,160
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,097

Note: Homestead and other credits require annual application. Rates vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, typically 1/12th of the annual tax bill plus a cushion amount. The escrow account pays your property taxes directly to Ramsey County when due dates arrive.

Property tax payments in Ramsey County are due in two installments: first half due May 15th and second half due October 15th each year. Lenders typically pay both installments on behalf of borrowers. Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information, especially after assessment changes or successful appeals. To confirm payments or access tax records, visit the official payment portal at https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/property-home/taxes/pay-property-taxes.

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 Ramsey County? A: For FY 2025-2026, first half taxes are due May 15, 2026, and second half taxes are due October 15, 2026. Payments postmarked by the due date are considered timely.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Common credits include Homestead Credit (for owner-occupied properties), Senior Citizen Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Blind/Disabled Credit. All credits require annual application by December 1st for the following tax year. Applications are available through the county assessor's office.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits assessment increases to 10% annually for qualifying owner-occupied properties and provides tax rate reductions. It does not reduce market value but caps taxable value growth. You must file annually by December 1st - it is not automatic.

Q: When are properties assessed and can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 2nd. Assessment notices are mailed in March. Appeals must be filed by April 30th with the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization or County Board of Equalization.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties of 3% for the first month, plus 1% per month thereafter, plus interest charges. Properties may become subject to tax forfeiture proceedings if taxes remain unpaid.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, online payments are accepted through the county's official portal. You can also pay by mail, in person at county offices, or through secure drop boxes.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Ramsey County? A: Total tax rates depend on which taxing districts serve your property location. Different combinations of cities, school districts, and special districts create varying total effective rates across the county.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts for services like watersheds, economic development (TIF), or infrastructure improvements may add additional levies. These appear as separate line items on your tax statement and vary by property location.

For complete information and applications, visit: https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/property-home/property-taxes

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