The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Presents, Poinsettias and, well, Property Taxes

December 21, 2016

Amidst the bustle of the holidays, the State of Minnesota thinks it’s also time to start thinking about property tax changes for the coming year. As I mentioned in my last blog post, the State’s Truth In Taxation law requires annual property tax statements be sent to property owners by local governments. This is followed by public hearings, budgets and levies, most of which take place at this time of year (don’t get me started on timing and transparency).

Like you, the last thing I want to think about right now is property taxes. But it’s important to know where to go to learn why your tax bill may be changing and what’s responsible for these changes. I recommend the step-by-step guide from the Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence (MCFE) to help you break down your property tax bill and understand the budget and levying procedures of the local government.

Few people like property taxes, particularly during the holiday season, but they don’t have to be such a mystery either. After the holidays, I encourage you to grab a cup of coffee or cocoa and dig in to the property tax issue with me!

As a great first step, be sure to attend our next Coffee & CREam event on Jan. 5. State House and Senate tax committee chairs, Sen. Roger Chamberlain and Rep. Greg Davids, will discuss what they think the 2017 session will bring. This tax policy-based Coffee and CREam event will be held at the Excellence Room at Cushman & Wakefield / NorthMarq, 3600 American Blvd W, Minneapolis, MN 55431. Plenty of free parking will be available.