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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Wabasha County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
62.08% to 81.29% of assessed value, varies by school district and taxing districts
1st Due
May 15
2nd Due
Oct 15
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Wabasha County, Minnesota operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, county government operations, municipal services, and special districts. Property taxes in Wabasha County fund everything from road maintenance and public safety to education and library services. The tax is calculated by applying local tax rates to the assessed value of your property, with the final amount varying significantly based on your specific location within the county.

Tax rates in Wabasha County vary considerably depending on which taxing districts serve your property. For the 2025 levy year, total tax rates range from approximately 62.08% to 81.29% of assessed value, depending on your school district and whether you're located within city limits or township boundaries. These variations occur because different areas are served by different school districts, cities, townships, and special service districts, each with their own portion of the overall tax levy. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate by checking which taxing districts apply to their property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
School District13.64% - 32.69%Local school district levy, varies by district (253, 813, 2805, 2899)
County7.98% - 8.37%Wabasha County general services and operations
City/Township15.65% - 39.60%Municipal or township services, varies by jurisdiction
Other Districts0.46% - 1.02%Special service districts and assessments
Motor Vehicle Registration0.15% - 0.29%Additional motor vehicle fees where applicable
Total Rate62.08% - 81.29%Combined rate for 2025 levy year

These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and are expressed as percentages of assessed value. The wide variation in rates reflects different service levels and special districts throughout Wabasha County. For example, District 253 has rates of 80.735% in townships and 81.291% in cities with additional assessments, while District 2899 has lower rates around 62.08%. Property owners can find their specific district designation and applicable rates on their annual property tax statement.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Wabasha 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 Wabasha County are additional property tax bills issued when significant changes occur to a property after the annual assessment has been completed. The most common triggers include new construction, major improvements, ownership changes that affect exemption status, or corrections to assessment errors. When supplemental taxes are levied, they represent the difference between what you originally owed and what you should owe based on the property changes.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current year's tax rates to the difference in assessed value caused by the triggering event. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition after the January 2nd assessment date, and your area's tax rate is 75%, you would owe approximately $750 in supplemental taxes ($100,000 × 0.75% = $750). These taxes are typically prorated based on the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred, so improvements completed later in the year result in lower supplemental tax bills.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (Township, District 253)

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Reduction: -$15,000 (estimated)
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $285,000
  • Tax Rate: 80.735%
  • Annual Property Tax: $2,301
  • Monthly Escrow: $192

Example 2: $600,000 Home (City, District 253-BVW)

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Reduction: -$20,000 (estimated)
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $580,000
  • Tax Rate: 81.291%
  • Annual Property Tax: $4,715
  • Monthly Escrow: $393

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (Township, District 2805)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Reduction: -$25,000 (estimated)
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $975,000
  • Tax Rate: 73.475%
  • Annual Property Tax: $7,164
  • Monthly Escrow: $597

Note: Homestead and other tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Credit amounts are estimates and actual reductions depend on income limits and other qualifying factors.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Wabasha County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to Wabasha County when they become due. Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, which may result in payment adjustments if tax amounts change significantly.

Property tax payments in Wabasha County are due in two installments: the first half is due May 15th and the second half is due October 15th, with additional deadlines of November 15th for agricultural and mobile home taxes. If your taxes are escrowed, your lender will make these payments on your behalf, but you'll still receive a tax statement for your records at the end of March. Property owners should verify that their lender has current mailing addresses and tax amounts, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow services.

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 Wabasha County for the 2025 tax year? A: First half taxes are due May 15, 2025, and second half taxes are due October 15, 2025. Agricultural and mobile home taxes have an additional deadline of November 15, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Credit, which requires annual application and caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Additional credits may be available for seniors, veterans with disabilities, and agricultural properties. All credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

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 your home's market value. You must apply annually and occupy the property as your primary residence. Applications are typically due by December 1st.

Q: When are properties assessed and how can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 2nd. Assessment notices are mailed in March, and you typically have until April 30th to appeal to the local Board of Appeal and Equalization, with further appeals possible to the county board.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalty charges and interest. The specific penalty rates and calculation methods can be obtained from the Wabasha County Auditor/Treasurer's office.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Wabasha County Auditor/Treasurer's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Wabasha County? A: Tax rates vary because different areas are served by different school districts (253, 813, 2805, 2899), cities versus townships, and various special service districts, each contributing different amounts to the total tax levy.

Q: What if I don't receive a tax statement? A: Tax statements are mailed at the end of March. If you purchased property after statements were mailed, you won't receive one automatically but will get a courtesy letter with tax information. Contact the Auditor/Treasurer's office if you don't receive expected tax documents.

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