HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Swift County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.0% to 1.4% effective rate (varies by taxing jurisdiction within county)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Swift County, Minnesota operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including county operations, schools, townships, and special districts. Property taxes in Swift County are calculated based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property, with funds supporting everything from public safety and road maintenance to education and library services.

Property tax rates in Swift County vary by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing jurisdictions including the county levy, school districts, townships or cities, and special taxing districts. For the 2025 tax year, Swift County experienced an 8.1% increase in property tax rates over 2024 levels. Actual effective tax rates typically range from approximately 1.0% to 1.4% of market value, depending on your specific location and applicable tax credits. Property owners should note that most tax credits and exemptions require annual application and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General Levy0.45%County operations, roads, public safety
School District Levy0.55-0.75%Local school funding, varies by district
Township/City Levy0.15-0.25%Municipal services, varies by location
Special Districts0.05-0.15%Watershed, library, other special services
Total Effective Rate1.20-1.60%Combined rate varies by location

Rates shown are estimates for FY 2025-2026 and vary significantly based on your specific taxing districts. Contact the Swift County Assessor's Office for exact rates applicable to your property address. School district rates vary based on local referenda and bonding measures.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Swift 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 property taxes in Swift County are additional tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, new construction completion, or property improvements that increase assessed value. These taxes cover the period from when the change occurred until the end of the current tax year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by taking the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplying by the applicable tax rate, and prorating for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and your total tax rate is 1.3%, you would owe approximately $542 in supplemental taxes (($50,000 × 1.3% × 10 months) ÷ 12 months) to cover March through December of that tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Market Value Exclusion: $0 (credit limits assessment increases only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.25% (example rate)
  • Annual Tax: $3,750
  • Monthly Escrow: $313

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Senior Credit

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Less: Senior Property Tax Deferral (if qualified): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.35% (example rate)
  • Annual Tax Before Credits: $8,100
  • Less: Senior Credit (if qualified): Up to $1,320
  • Annual Tax After Credits: $6,780
  • Monthly Escrow: $565

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.45% (example rate)
  • Annual Tax: $14,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,208

All tax credits shown require annual application. Contact Swift County Assessor for current credit amounts and eligibility requirements.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Swift County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment and pays your tax bills directly to Swift County when due. Lenders typically collect an initial escrow deposit at closing equal to 2-3 months of estimated property taxes.

Property tax bills in Minnesota are typically due in two installments, and your lender will pay these on your behalf from your escrow account. Lenders must provide an annual escrow analysis showing payments made and any shortage or surplus in your account. If property taxes increase significantly, your lender may require additional escrow payments to cover the shortfall. You can request an escrow account review if you believe your monthly payment is too high or if you've made improvements that may affect your assessment.

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 Swift County property taxes due for 2025? A: Property taxes are typically due in two installments. Contact Swift County Treasurer for specific due dates, as payment schedules vary by county in Minnesota.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Available credits include the Homestead Credit, Senior Property Tax Deferral, and Disabled Veteran Credit. All require annual application through the Swift County Assessor's Office. Applications are typically due by December 1st for the following tax year.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits how much your assessed value can increase each year (typically capped at 10% annually) rather than reducing your market value. You must file an application and occupy the property as your primary residence. This is a credit that requires annual certification.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Swift County? A: Minnesota requires annual assessment of all properties as of January 2nd each year. Assessment notices are typically mailed in March, with values reflecting market conditions as of the assessment date.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: You can appeal to the Swift County Board of Appeal and Equalization, typically meeting in April. If unsatisfied, you can appeal to the Minnesota Tax Court by April 30th. Contact the Swift County Assessor's Office for specific procedures and deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Minnesota law provides for interest charges and penalties on delinquent property taxes. Contact the Swift County Treasurer for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Many Minnesota counties offer online payment options. Check the Swift County website or contact the Treasurer's Office for available electronic payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: Why did my taxes increase when my assessment stayed the same? A: Property taxes can increase due to higher tax rates (levies) approved by local governments, school districts, or special taxing districts, even if your assessed value remains unchanged. Tax rates vary by the specific combination of taxing jurisdictions that serve your property location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Preliminary Property Tax Levies for 2026revenue.state.mn.us
02
County
Swift County, MNswiftcounty.gov
03
County
swift county benson, minnesota year ended december 31, ...auditor.state.mn.us
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calendar for Property Ownersrevenue.state.mn.us
05
2019 - Appleton, Minnesota!appletonmn.gov
06
eo_mn.csvirs.gov
07
Homestead Classificationrevenue.state.mn.us
08
County
County Websites / mn.gov // Minnesota's State Portalmn.gov
09
County
0100.10 - 2021 Final Report (Swift County SAUD 2021 [12/31/ ...swiftcounty.gov
10
County
SWIFT COUNTY BENSON, MINNESOTA FINANCIAL ...swiftcounty.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate