The City of New Hope works with Hennepin County to provide assessing services, which involve estimating market values and classifying properties for tax purposes. The goal is to ensure fair and equitable distribution of the tax burden by providing uniform property values. Properties are inspected at least once every five years.
Proposed Levies and Taxes
Every fall, Hennepin County sends out a proposed property tax statement (truth in taxation statement) for each taxable parcel in the city. This notice includes:
- Estimated market value: the likely selling price of the property on the open market, based on sales from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.
- Taxable market value: the value used to calculate property taxes.
- Property type and classification: e.g., residential, apartment, commercial; homestead, non-homestead, blind, disabled, etc.
- Dates for budget meetings for different taxing jurisdictions.
Street and Park Infrastructure Levies
Compared to similarly priced homes in nearby communities, New Hope homeowners' property taxes may appear higher than average. This is because New Hope does not impose special assessments for street infrastructure improvement projects like most other communities.
In many places, when a street project is carried out next to a property owner's home, the owner is billed for a portion of the project's cost. However, in New Hope, these projects are funded through an annual street infrastructure levy spread across all properties, rather than singling out specific properties for special assessments.
By excluding New Hope's street infrastructure levy from the tax capacity rate comparison, the rate more closely aligns with neighboring communities.
Market Value Appeals Process
Hennepin County prepares and mails annual property tax statements/notices of valuation and classification each spring. Property owners are responsible for paying their own property tax (for example, if not escrowed by the mortgage company) by May 15 and Oct. 15. The tax statement also provides information necessary to complete the Minnesota Property Tax Refund, if eligible. The refund is prepared and filed separately from the income tax return and has a filing deadline of Aug. 15.
The statement includes information regarding the local Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting held at the city level in April. Property owners who believe their property value or classification is incorrect should call the phone number on the notice for an explanation from the assessor’s office regarding how the market value was established. An on-site review of your property may be requested or required so the appraiser can review the actual characteristics and condition of the property.
If your question or appeal has not been resolved, a formal appeal may be filed with the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization, which meets in April. The application and deadline information appear on the notice of valuation and classification.
Homesteading
After moving into a new home, residents can apply for homestead. Qualifying applicants can receive a market value exclusion, which may reduce their property taxes the following year. Homestead is a Minnesota property tax classification for residential properties occupied as a primary residence by the owner or qualifying relative of the owner.
Qualifications
To qualify for homestead, you must be the property owner or a relative or in-law of the owner. You must occupy the property as your primary residence and be a Minnesota resident.
To determine that you meet the above criteria, the County Assessor may ask you to verify your Minnesota driver's license address, the address where you are registered to vote, primary mailing address or other information.
Application Process and Details
Applications for properties in Hennepin County are made to and approved by the Hennepin County Assessor.
After purchasing and moving into a new home, apply for homestead as soon as possible. You may apply for homestead at any time during the year. You must own and occupy a property and apply for residential homestead by Dec. 31 to qualify for taxes payable in the following year.
Additional information about the homesteading process, homestead applications and benefits are available on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/homestead.
Property Data
For basic information about any property in Hennepin County (owner, value, property identification number and map), please visit the Hennepin County Property Information page.
Property Tax Information
Property tax and property information is also available by:
- Internet: Print a copy of your statement when it becomes available and pay your taxes online at www.co.hennepin.mn.us (click on Residents and find links to property tax and property information pages).
- Call: Hennepin County Property Management can be reached at 612-348-3011.
- Write:
Hennepin County Treasurer
Hennepin County Government Center
300 S 6th St
Minneapolis MN 55487
Other Resources
For more information about market value or property taxes, visit the websites below. The Hennepin County website provides property tax and assessment information for all properties in the county.
General Information & Forms
Forms and instructions are available from the State of Minnesota.