Stearns County Homestead Application Deadline Is December 31st

(KNSI) – People who bought or moved into a new home in Stearns County this year have until the end of December to make sure they aren’t paying more in property taxes than they should.

The county is reminding new homeowners that homestead applications are due December 31st. Homestead classification can change how much a homeowner pays in property taxes in 2027, and it can also decide whether they qualify for a state property tax refund.

The deadline also covers families who own a home that a relative lives in. If the owner’s mom, son, sister or another close relative moved into one of their properties this year, or moved out of it, the owner may need to file. Under state rules, a qualifying relative is a parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece of the owner, whether by blood or marriage.

Homestead status doesn’t have to be renewed every year. Once it’s approved, it stays in place unless the county assessor asks the owner to reapply.

The rules also apply in the other direction. Under Minnesota law, owners have 30 days to tell the county assessor about any change that makes a property ineligible for homestead, such as a sale or a move.

Questions can go to Stearns County Property Assessment Services at (320) 656-3680 or pa@stearnscountymn.gov. St. Cloud property owners can reach the City Assessor’s Office at (320) 255-7203 or assessor@ci.stcloud.mn.us.

Stearns County property owners can apply by clicking here. Homes inside St. Cloud city limits go through the city instead, and can find that link by clicking here.

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