Simplification of state’s property tax system is a division goal

Minnesota has more than 50 property tax classifications and myriad programs available to help property owners reduce what they owe.

It is up to the House Property Tax and Local Government Finance Division to work toward fairness in the system that primarily funds local governments.

The division held its first meeting Wednesday and took up several bills that get at the heart what some say is unfair treatment of farmers as it relates to taxing their homestead.

For example, HF174, sponsored by Rep. Ben Lien (DFL-Moorhead), would increase the amount of land eligible for homestead credit consideration. It was held over for possible inclusion in a committee omnibus bill. Its companion, SF110, sponsored by Sen. Kent Eken (DFL-Twin Valley), awaits action by the Senate Taxes Committee.

Other bills heard by the division were:

• HF163, sponsored by Rep. Steve Drazkowski (R-Mazeppa), that would modify a rural vacant land tax due date;
• HF166, sponsored by House Majority Leader Joyce Peppin (R-Rogers), to limit fiscal disparities contributions for municipalities; and
• HF244, sponsored by Rep. Greg Davids (R-Preston), to provide a training waiver for local board of appeals and equalization. 

WATCH Full video of Wednesday's meeting on YouTube