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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Traverse County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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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
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Traverse County, Minnesota operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including county government operations, public safety, road maintenance, and educational services. Property taxes are levied annually based on assessed values as of January 1st, with the tax burden distributed among various local taxing authorities including the county, cities, townships, school districts, and special taxing districts.

The effective property tax rate in Traverse County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, including school districts, watershed districts, and municipal boundaries. For 2025, the county approved a net levy of $7,413,576.96, representing a 6.51% increase from the 2024 levy. Property owners receive their tax statements in March, with payments due in two installments: the first half due May 15th and the second half due October 15th or November 15th. Actual tax rates and final calculations depend on your specific location within the county and which taxing districts apply to your property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate/LevyDescription
Traverse CountyPortion of $7,413,576.96County operations, public safety, roads, social services
School DistrictsVaries by districtEducational services, facilities, transportation
Municipal/TownshipVaries by jurisdictionLocal government services, infrastructure
Special DistrictsVaries by locationWatershed, soil conservation, regional services
Total Effective RateVaries by locationCombined rate of all applicable taxing authorities

Note: These rates apply to taxes payable in 2025 (FY 2025-2026). Actual tax rates vary significantly within Traverse County depending on which school district, municipality, township, and special taxing districts apply to your specific property location. Contact the Traverse County Assessor's office for rates specific to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Traverse 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 Traverse County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use after the January 1st assessment date. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase assessed value, changes in property classification, or corrections to the original assessment.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $100,000 home addition is completed in July, and the effective tax rate is 1.2%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $600 (the annual tax on the addition) multiplied by 6/12 months, resulting in a $300 supplemental tax bill. These supplemental bills are issued separately from regular tax statements and have their own payment due dates, typically 30 days from the issue date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Market Value Credit (if applicable): $24,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $276,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.1%
  • Annual Property Tax: $3,036
  • Monthly Escrow: $253

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Market Value Credit (if applicable): $24,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $576,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.1%
  • Annual Property Tax: $6,336
  • Monthly Escrow: $528

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Market Value Credit (if applicable): $24,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $976,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.1%
  • Annual Property Tax: $10,736
  • Monthly Escrow: $895

Note: Homestead credits require annual application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by specific location within the county. These examples use estimated county-wide average rates for illustration purposes.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Traverse County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, calculated by dividing your annual property tax by 12 months, often with a small buffer for potential increases.

Property tax payments from escrow accounts are typically made directly by your lender when taxes are due in May and October/November. Your lender will receive the tax statement and handle payment processing. It's important to verify that your lender has the correct mailing address and property information to ensure timely receipt of tax bills. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the account activity and any adjustments needed for the following year. If your taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or levy changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. Property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow services.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Traverse County for 2025? A: Property taxes are due in two installments for FY 2025-2026: first half due May 15, 2025, and second half due October 15, 2025 (or November 15, 2025, depending on your specific tax district).

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The Homestead Market Value Credit can reduce your taxable value and requires annual application with the county assessor by December 1st. This credit caps annual assessment increases and provides tax relief for qualifying primary residences.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits how much your home's taxable value can increase each year (typically capped at 10% growth) and may provide market value exclusions. It does NOT reduce your home's market value but limits assessment growth for tax purposes. You must file annually - it's not automatic.

Q: When are properties assessed and can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 1st. Assessment notices are mailed in March. You can appeal your assessment to the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization, typically meeting in April, or to the County Board of Appeal and Equalization later in the year.

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

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Traverse County Treasurer's office to inquire about online payment options, accepted payment methods, and any associated processing fees.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Traverse County? A: Tax rates vary because different areas are served by different school districts, municipalities, townships, and special taxing districts (watershed, soil conservation, etc.). Each has its own levy requirements.

Q: Are there other tax credits available besides homestead? A: Minnesota offers various property tax credits including Disabled Veterans Credit, Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral, and others. Each requires separate application with specific deadlines and qualification requirements. Contact the county assessor for complete information and application deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Traverse County Financial Statements and Management ...osa.state.mn.us
02
Preliminary Levy Changes for CY 2025revenue.state.mn.us
03
County
Traverse County, Minnesotaco.traverse.mn.us
04
Summary of November 2024 Feedback Sessionsrevenue.state.mn.us
05
Tax Doc
Residential Homestead Property Tax Burden Reportrevenue.state.mn.us
06
Tax Doc
Residential Homestead Property Tax Burden Reportrevenue.state.mn.us
07
Tax Doc
Residential Homestead Property Tax Burden Reportrevenue.state.mn.us
08
County
Financial Assistance Programs | Traverse County, Minnesotaco.traverse.mn.us
09
INTRODUCTION OF BILLShouse.mn.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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