Residents of Rice County who have recently moved into a new property or purchased one, this year should be aware of the approaching deadline for a critical tax benefit. According to a public notice issued by the county, those who wish to take advantage of the property tax homestead classification for the 2025 tax year and the eligibility for a Property Tax Refund need to act quickly.
The homestead classification can considerably affect your property taxes, but to secure this, residents must file an application with the county assessor by December 31. The county defines a "qualifying relative" as a variety of familial relations, including parents, children, and extended family like uncles, aunts, and grandparents, whether by blood or marriage for occupied homes. When it comes to unoccupied agricultural properties, those relationships are somewhat tighter, focusing on immediate family such as children or siblings.
Applications after the December 31 deadline will not be considered for the 2025 tax year, so timeliness is crucial. The good news for homeowners is that once homestead classification is granted, annual reapplication is not normally necessary unless the county assessor requests it. For those whose circumstances have shifted over the past year, like a change in the use of the property or no longer meeting the qualifying conditions, the county requires them to contact the assessor.
Any change in status, for example, if you sell or move out, or for any reason no longer qualify for homestead, mandates notification to the assessor within 30 days of the occurrence. The homestead classification is an ongoing agreement of sorts, one that demands up-to-date communication to ensure both the county and the taxpayer stay on the same page. The Rice County Assessor's Office is ready to assist property owners with their applications or answer any questions and can be found at the Government Services Building in Faribault, or reached at 507-332-6102, or via email at [email protected].
