NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 6, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Mary Garness
Public Records and Property Valuation Director
218-726-2675 or garnessm@stlouiscountymn.gov
County Assessor offers reminder: deadline is Dec. 31 for homestead application and disabled veteran’s homestead
The St. Louis County Assessor's Department has an important reminder for anyone who's moved in the last year: the deadline to apply for homestead classification is December 31, 2025. The occupant of the property must apply for this classification. It does not happen automatically at closing. To be eligible, the applicant must be a Minnesota resident and must own the property or be a qualifying relative of the owner. Additionally, they must occupy the property as their primary residence.
A homestead classification may qualify the property for a reduced classification rate, reduced taxable market value, property tax refund, and/or special program eligibility. For taxes payable in 2025 the maximum exclusion amount was increased to $38,000 for properties valued at $95,000, with no exclusion for properties valued over $517,200. The homestead exclusion in 2025 will phase out for homes valued at $517,200. Previously the amount was $413,800.
Honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 70% or more may qualify for a Disabled Veterans Market Value Exclusion. The deadline to apply for this special program is also December 31, 2025. Disability ratings are determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Qualifying veterans are eligible for a market value exclusion of up to $150,000. Veterans who are totally and permanently disabled are eligible for a market value exclusion of up to $300,000. Spouses of deceased veterans who were 100%t totally and permanently disabled, and those who receive dependency and indemnity compensation, may also qualify for a market value exclusion of up to $300,000. Disabled veterans who qualify under this special program, will not receive the regular residential homestead market value exclusion. Rating change reapplications are also due on December 31.
More information on these programs is available online at: stlouiscountymn.gov/assessor.
"The homestead classification and the disabled veteran’s market value exclusion can really make a difference for property owners, as these programs will likely reduce the amount of their tax bill,” said Mary Garness, Director of Public Records and Property Valuation. “I believe it’s important to share reminders with our residents, where appropriate, to ensure they get benefits that they are eligible for. We don’t want our residents to miss out on opportunities that would be helpful, especially as we head into the busy holiday season when things may slip through the cracks.”
To apply for the homestead classification, people can contact any of the following St. Louis County Assessor's Offices: Duluth, 218-726-2304; Virginia, 218-471-7147; Hibbing, 218-312-8389; Cook, 218-471-7705; or Ely, 218-365-8236. There's also a toll-free number for people calling long distance from within St. Louis County: 1-800-450-9777.
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