Assessor
Responsibilities
- Estimates Value: The law specifically requires that assessors view each parcel of real estate to appraise its market value. Property values change continuously with changing economic conditions. In addition to market changes, numerous physical changes affect the value of land and buildings. All factors that may influence value must be considered when estimating the value of property. This task requires a physical inspection of all property subject to assessment.
- Classifies Property: The assessor also determines the classification or use of each parcel. For instance, property may be Residential Homestead (owner-occupied), Relative Residential Homestead (relative of owner is occupant), Residential Non-Homestead, Agricultural, or Commercial/Industrial. Each classification is taxed and receives credits at a different percentage of market value. These percentages are set by the state legislature.
- Accepts Applications for Property Tax Programs: The Minnesota property tax law provides certain credits or forms of special tax relief, one of the more common being the Homestead Credit. Application for Homestead-Classification; Application for Tax Exemption; Application for Agricultural Tax and Special Assessment Deferment; Applications for Special Disability Classification are among programs of interest to property owners.
Assessment Data
All assessment data is available free of charge at the public computer terminal at our office and the assessor’s office will always attempt to assist the public in the use of this data whenever possible. It is also available to the public at our website: Benton County MN - Beacon
You may find Minn Dept of Revenue Electronic Certificate of Real State Value (eCRV) search tool to be useful in researching comparable sales.
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Minnesota Department of Revenue Online Facts Sheets
- Understanding Property Tax
- Estimated Market Value
- Homestead Classification
- Appealing Property Value and Classification
- Market Value Exclusion for Veterans with a Disability
- Special Homestead Classification - For Property Owners who are Blind or Disabled
- Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens
- Special Agricultural Homestead
- Green Acres and Rural Preserve - Property Tax Deferral for Agricultural and Rural Vacant Land
- Class 2c Managed Forest Land
- Sustainable Forest Incentive Act
- State General Levy Tax
NOTICE OF DISCLAIMER: Benton County makes the Web information available on an "as is" basis. All warranties and representations of any kind with regard to said information is disclaimed, including the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use. Benton County does not warrant the information against deficiencies of any kind. Under no circumstances will Benton County, or any of its officers or employees, be liable for any consequential, incidental, special or exemplary damages even if appraised of the likelihood of such damages.