This site provides information for taxpayers of Minneapolis Public Schools regarding how the district's proposed referendum will affect their property taxes. The site was prepared by the school district's municipal advisors, Ehlers, in cooperation with the school district. If you have questions about the information on this site, you may call Ehlers at the numbers listed below.

About the 2018 MPS Strong Referendum

The district will be holding a special election on November 6, 2018, seeking voter approval of two questions.

Question 1 would increase the district's operating referendum revenue by $490.00 per pupil. The proposed authority will increase each year by the rate of inflation and be applicable for seven years, beginning with taxes payable in 2019. If approved, this will increase the district's revenue by approximately $18,040,000 for fiscal year 2019-20.

Question 2 would authorize a capital project levy of 2.249% times the net tax capacity of the school district. The revenue will provide funds for the purchase, installation, and maintenance of software applications and technology equipment, and for training and directly related personnel costs. The proposed capital project levy would raise approximately $12,000,000 for taxes payable in 2019, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for seven years.

For additional information on how the funds would be used, click on the "Return to School District Website" button above.

Impact on Property Taxes

To determine the estimated impact of the proposed ballot questions on your 2019 taxes, either view the tax impact for sample property types and values here or follow the instructions below..

The 2018 Payable 2019 Estimated Market Value (EMV) is listed on the “Valuation Notice” mailed by your county in March 2018 (see example below). If you don't have that document available, find the information online using the instructions below or contact Hennepin County and ask for the 2018 EMV for taxes payable in 2019.

If you own a RESIDENTIAL HOMESTEAD property, enter the Estimated Market Value below to see the estimated tax impact.

Estimated Market Value:

Calculate

If you own COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL property, enter the Estimated Market Value below to see the estimated tax impact.

Estimated Market Value:

Calculate

If you own other types of property, either view the tax impact for sample property types and values here or contact Ehlers.

• Find the Property I.D. number(s) for all parcels of property that you own within the district (normally shown in the upper right hand corner of your Valuation Notice or the upper left corner of your property tax statement).
• Email or call Ehlers
  • Send an email message to mnschools@ehlers-inc.com with your name, school district name, and property I.D. number(s).
  • Call Ehlers (Twin Cities area 651-697-8500 or toll-free 1-800-552-1171) during regular business hours and ask to speak to a member of the Education Team. Tell the Ehlers representative that you are calling about the tax impact of the Minneapolis Public Schools referendum and provide the Property I.D. number(s).
  • An Ehlers representative will contact your county to find the value and classification of your property, calculate the tax impact, and either call or e-mail you with the results. Please allow 1-3 days for a response.

Property Tax Refunds, Exclusions, and Deferrals

Click the links below for information regarding how state and federal programs may reduce the net impact of the proposed property tax increases for some taxpayers.

1. Minnesota Homestead Credit Refund

   If your adjusted gross income is less than approximately $110,650, you may qualify for the Homestead Credit Refund (also known as the “Circuit Breaker” refund). This program, which has existed since the 1970s, is intended to reduce tax burdens for homeowners with relatively low incomes and relatively high property tax burdens. Some important facts about this program are summarized below.

   • Available to all owners of residential homestead with incomes of less than $110,650
   • Refund is on a sliding scale, based on your income and your total property tax burden
   • The maximum refund is $2,710
   • Average refund was $853 for tax year 2016
   • To determine eligibility and refund amounts, complete Minnesota tax form M1PR (available online a www.revenue.state.mn.us).

   If you qualify for this program, you may receive an additional refund of up to 80% of the amount of the property tax increase caused by the proposed referendum. For example, if the referendum increases your property taxes by $100 per year, your refund may cover up to $80 of this increase.

2. Special Property Tax Refund

   If your total property taxes increase by more than 12 percent and more than $100 from one year to the next, you may qualify for a state refund equal to a portion of the increase. There is no income limit for this refund. To determine eligibility and refund amounts complete Minnesota tax form M1PR (available online at www.revenue.state.mn.us).

3. Homestead Exclusion

   If your property is homesteaded, then your home is eligible to receive the Homestead Market Value Exclusion. The Homestead Market Value Exclusion causes the amount of the value that is taxable to be reduced by excluding a portion of a property’s estimated market value for certain portions of the school levies. Be certain to file your homestead status with your county. For more information, go to http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/local_gov/prop_tax_admin/pages/hmve.aspx.

4. Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral

   If you are 65 years or older and have a household income of $60,000 or less, you may be eligible to defer a portion of the property taxes on your home, through the Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral Program. Some basic facts about this program are summarized below.

   • It limits the maximum amount of property tax you pay to 3 percent of your total household income, and
   • It provides predictability; the amount of tax you pay will not change for as long as you participate in this program.

   For more information go to: http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/propertytax/ . Under the General Information heading, click on Fact Sheets and then click on Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral.

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