Where to check your Minnesota property tax refund

The Minnesota Department of Revenue processes property tax refunds, and you can check the status of yours through their website or by phone. Go to taxes.state.mn.us and look for the property tax refund tracker, or call the Department of Revenue at 651-296-3781 during business hours. Have your property's parcel number or your Social Security number ready — either one will let them look up your case.

If you filed a property tax refund claim, the state processes these in batches throughout the year, not all at once. The timing depends on when you filed and whether your claim needed extra review. Some refunds arrive within weeks; others take several months if the state needs to verify information with your county assessor or your mortgage lender.

The tracker will tell you whether your claim is pending, approved, or paid. If it shows paid but you have not received the money, check your bank account — refunds are usually direct deposited, and it can take a few business days after the state processes it for the money to show up in your account.

Key Takeaways

  • The Minnesota Department of Revenue website has a property tax refund tracker where you can enter your parcel number or Social Security number to see your status.
  • You can also call 651-296-3781 to speak with someone who can look up your refund by phone during business hours.
  • Processing times vary depending on when you filed and whether the state needs to verify information with your county or lender.
  • If your status shows paid but you have not received the money, allow a few more business days for the direct deposit to reach your bank account.

What a property tax refund is and who receives one

Minnesota offers a property tax refund to homeowners and renters whose property taxes or rent are high relative to their household income. The state calls this the Property Tax Refund, and it is separate from the homestead property tax exemption. You do not receive it automatically — you have to file a claim each year on your state income tax return or through a separate form if you do not file taxes.

Homeowners can receive a refund if their property taxes exceeded a certain percentage of their household income. Renters can receive a refund based on rent paid, because Minnesota counts a portion of rent as an indirect property tax. The income limits and the percentage thresholds change each year, so whether you may have access to last year does not mean you will may have access to this year.

How to file a property tax refund claim if you have not yet

If you have not filed a claim, you can do so on your Minnesota state income tax return using Form M1-PR (Property Tax Refund Claim) or through the state's online filing system. The important date to file is typically the same as your income tax important date — usually April 15, though the state sometimes extends this date.

You will need your property's parcel number (found on your property tax statement or assessment notice), your household income from the previous year, and the total property taxes you paid or rent you paid during that year. If you are a renter, you will also need to know how much rent you paid, because the state uses a formula to estimate the property tax portion of your rent.

If you missed the important date, you can still file a late claim, but the state may deny it. Contact the Department of Revenue to ask whether a late filing is possible in your situation.

Why your refund might be delayed or pending

The most common reason for a delay is that the state is verifying your information with your county assessor's office or your mortgage lender. If you own the property with a mortgage, the lender's records have to match what you reported. If there is a discrepancy — for example, if the lender shows a different owner or property address — the state will hold your refund until it is resolved.

Another reason for delay is if your claim was flagged for review because your income or property tax amount seemed unusual compared to similar properties in your area. The state does this to catch errors and fraud. If this happens, you may receive a letter asking you to send in additional documents like your property tax statement or proof of income.

Processing backlogs also happen, especially early in the year when many claims arrive at once. If your status has been pending for more than three months and you have not received a letter asking for more information, call the Department of Revenue to check whether anything else is needed.

What to do if your refund was denied

If the tracker shows your claim was denied, the state will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include income that was too high, property taxes that did not meet the threshold, or missing information on your claim form.

Read the denial letter carefully — it will tell you whether you can appeal and how to do so. Some denials can be reversed if you provide additional documentation. For example, if the state denied your claim because it could not verify your property taxes, sending a copy of your property tax statement may resolve it.

If you disagree with the denial, you have the right to request a hearing with the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The letter will include instructions on how to request one. You do not need a lawyer, but you should gather any documents that support your claim — your property tax statement, proof of income, and your lease if you are a renter.

Direct deposit versus mailed check

The state prefers to send refunds by direct deposit because it is faster and more reliable. If you filed your income tax return electronically and provided your bank account information, your property tax refund will be deposited to that same account.

If you filed a paper return or did not provide banking information, the state will mail you a check. Mailed checks take longer — usually two to three weeks after the state approves your claim. If you have not received a mailed check within that timeframe, contact the Department of Revenue with your claim number so they can check whether it was sent and to what address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my refund status without my parcel number?

Yes. You can use your Social Security number instead of your parcel number to look up your status on the Department of Revenue website or by phone. Either piece of information will let them find your claim in their system.

What if I moved after I filed my claim?

If you filed a paper claim, contact the Department of Revenue right away with your new address so they can update it in their system. If you filed electronically with your current address on your tax return, the refund will go to that address. A mailed check will be sent to the address on file, so updating it quickly matters if you moved recently.

Do I have to file a property tax refund claim every year?

Yes. The property tax refund is not automatic. You have to file a claim each year on your state income tax return or through a separate form. Even if you received a refund last year, you must file again the following year if you want to be considered.

What if I think the refund amount is wrong?

Contact the Department of Revenue with your claim number and explain what you think is incorrect. Bring your property tax statement and proof of income so they can review the calculation. If there was an error, they can recalculate and send you the difference.

Can I get a property tax refund if I rent instead of own?

Yes. Renters can receive a property tax refund based on rent paid. The state uses a formula to estimate what portion of your rent goes toward property taxes, and you can claim a refund on that amount if your rent is high relative to your income. You will need to report your total rent paid for the year on your claim.