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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Benson County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Benson County, ND. 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
Varies by district - 33.38% decrease for 2025, largest reduction in ND
1st Due
May 15
2nd Due
Oct 15
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Benson County, North Dakota operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county government operations, road maintenance, and emergency services. Property taxes in North Dakota are administered at the county level, with the Benson County Tax Equalization Office located at 311 B Avenue South, Minnewaukan, North Dakota handling assessments and collections.

For the 2025 tax year, Benson County is experiencing a significant property tax rate decrease of 33.38%, representing the largest percentage decrease among all North Dakota counties. However, actual tax rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts including school districts, city levies, park districts, and other local assessment districts. Property owners should expect their specific tax rate to differ based on their exact location and the overlapping jurisdictions that serve their property.

The county follows North Dakota's standard assessment practices with properties typically assessed at market value without a statewide assessment cap, though local tax credits and homestead protections are available to qualifying property owners who submit the required applications.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General FundTBD*Basic county services, administration, courthouse operations
School District LevyVaries by districtK-12 education funding, varies significantly by school district
City/Municipal LevyVaries by cityCity services (where applicable), municipal infrastructure
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water districts, park districts as applicable
Total Effective Rate~0.67%Estimated after 33.38% decrease from previous year

*Rates shown are estimates for Levy Year 2025 and vary by specific location within Benson County due to different combinations of special taxing districts. The significant rate decrease reflects county-wide adjustments, but individual properties may experience different impacts based on their specific taxing district combinations.

Note: Exact current rates were not specified in available data. Property owners should contact the Benson County Tax Equalization Office for precise rates applicable to their specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Benson 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 Benson County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property during the tax year that affect its assessed value. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements, ownership transfers that reveal unreported improvements, or corrections to previous assessments.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if a $50,000 addition is completed in January and the property tax rate is 1%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $500 for that tax year.

Property owners receive a separate supplemental tax bill that details the reason for the additional assessment, the change in assessed value, and the resulting tax owed. These supplemental taxes typically follow the same payment schedule as regular property taxes and are subject to the same penalty structure for late payments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (estimated): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.67% (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $1,977
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $165

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (estimated): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $595,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.67% (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $3,987
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $332

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (estimated): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.67% (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $6,667
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $556

Note: Tax credits shown require application and approval. Actual rates vary by specific location within the county. Homestead credits may cap assessment increases rather than provide direct reductions.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Benson County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders mandate escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your lender collects a monthly amount equal to your estimated annual property taxes divided by 12, plus a cushion typically equal to 1/6 of the annual tax amount as required by federal law.

Property taxes in Benson County are typically paid in two installments, with the first installment due November 10 and the second installment due in May of the following year. Lenders usually pay from escrow accounts before the due dates to avoid penalties. Your lender should provide annual escrow analysis statements showing the account activity and any required adjustments to your monthly payment.

If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for making payments directly to Benson County by the specified due dates. The county accepts payments at the courthouse in Minnewaukan, and online payment options may be available. Contact the Tax Equalization Office to verify current payment methods and confirm exact due dates, as these can occasionally shift due to weekends or holidays.

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 Benson County for 2025? A: The first installment is typically due November 10, with the second installment due the following May. Contact the Tax Equalization Office at 311 B Avenue South, Minnewaukan for exact current year dates.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Homestead credits are available but require application with the county assessor. These credits typically limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Applications must be filed by specified deadlines - contact the Tax Equalization Office for current application requirements and deadlines.

Q: Are there property tax credits for seniors or disabled veterans? A: North Dakota offers various tax credits for qualifying seniors and disabled veterans, but these require separate applications with documentation. Contact the Benson County assessor's office for specific eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Benson County? A: North Dakota requires counties to maintain current market values, with systematic reappraisal cycles varying by county practice. Contact the Tax Equalization Office for Benson County's specific assessment schedule.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals can be filed with the County Board of Equalization. There are specific deadlines and procedures that must be followed. Contact the Tax Equalization Office for appeal forms and filing requirements.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the county treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and procedures for bringing delinquent accounts current.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Benson County Tax Equalization Office to confirm current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my taxes change if my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax rates can change annually based on budget needs of the county, school districts, and other special taxing districts that serve your property. Even with the same assessment, rate changes affect your total tax bill.

Q: Do I need to reapply for tax credits every year? A: Most tax credits require annual application or renewal. Contact the assessor's office to confirm renewal requirements for any credits you currently receive.

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
TAX REFORM AND RELIEF ADVISORY COMMITTEEndlegis.gov
02
Tax Doc
Tax Commissioner Releases Third Quarter 2025 Taxable ...tax.nd.gov
03
Tax Doc
Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committeendlegis.gov
04
Memorandumtax.nd.gov
05
State
Property Tax | North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissionertax.nd.gov
06
Tax Doc
Tax Forms Searchtax.nd.gov
07
Tax Doc
Homestead Exemption and Property Taxesnar.realtor
08
Homestead Exemption Information – Real Central Appraisal Districtrealcad.org
09
County
Homestead Exemption – Sumter County Board of Tax Assessorssumterassessors.com
10
County
Benson Countynd.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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