Property Tax Information Site
This site provides Washington County taxpayers with an overview of the potential tax impact of the proposed Land and Water Legacy Program referendum.
You can use the calculators here to estimate how the referendum might affect your property taxes. These estimates are based on current interest rate assumptions and a 20-year repayment schedule for any debt issued.
Please note that these figures are estimates. Final tax impacts will be determined through the County’s formal review and approval process and may differ from the estimates shown on this site.
This site was developed in partnership with Ehlers, an independent municipal advisor. If you have questions about the information presented here, please contact Ehlers using the information below.
Jump to CalculatorsAbout the Land and Water Legacy Program Referendum
On June 2, 2026, the Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a referendum question for the November 3, 2026, general election ballot to renew funding to continue the Land and Water Legacy Program.
Question 1: To continue to improve the water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams, including the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers, protect drinking water sources, preserve wetlands and woodlands, protect land along water bodies from development and preserve natural areas, purchase parklands, and protect wildlife habitat, shall Washington County be authorized to issue general obligation bonds in an aggregate amount not to exceed $40,000,000 to acquire and improve land under the Washington County Land and Water Legacy Program with the use of funds limited to these purposes only, full public disclosure of all project spending, and subject to an annual public audit?
If approved by voters, the potential 20-year, $40 million referendum will be used for the following purposes:
- To continue to improve water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams, including the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers
- Protect drinking water sources
- Preserve wetlands and woodlands
- Protect land along water bodies from development and preserve natural areas
- Purchase parklands
- Protect wildlife habitat
Impact on Property Taxes
The proposed Land and Water Legacy Program investments would result in a property tax increase beginning with taxes payable in 2028, and the tax levies would remain in place for 20 years. To determine an estimate of the impact on your property, use the 2026 Estimated Market Value (EMV), which is found on the “Notice of Valuation and Classification” mailed to you by the County in March 2026.
Washington County
Property Tax Information - (651) 430-6175
Click on the link below, review and agree to the terms and conditions (may need to allow pops ups to see this screen). Enter your search criteria and select your parcel from the results screen. Click the “Tax Information” button and use the left-most value listed as “Total MKT” in the “Value Information” section for pay 2027 in the calculator below.
Online Calculators: Estimating Tax Impact
Residential Homestead Property
If you own a RESIDENTIAL HOMESTEAD property, enter the Estimated Market Value below to see the estimated tax impact.
For information about the estimated tax impact for properties not classified as residential homestead property (such as agricultural, commercial/industrial, or other classifications), please contact Washington County’s Property Records and Taxpayer Services – Taxation team. Please provide your name, address, phone number and parcel number(s) when submitting your request.
Email: PRTS-Taxation-Mailbox@washingtoncountymn.gov
Phone: 651‑430‑6155
There are certain Minnesota Tax Credits and Deferrals that may affect certain property owners' situations. They include:
Minnesota Homestead Credit Refund
If your household income is less than approximately $139,320, 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 each year to owners of homestead property
- Applies only to the taxes attributable to the house, garage, and one acre on agricultural homestead property
- Available to all owners of residential homestead and agricultural homestead property with household incomes of less than $139,320
- Refund is on a sliding scale, based on your income and your total property tax burden
- The maximum refund is $3,310
- To determine eligibility and refund amounts, complete Minnesota tax form M1PR
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 and the maximum refund is $1,000.
To determine eligibility and refund amounts, complete Minnesota tax form M1PR.
Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral
If you are 65 years or older and have a household income of $96,000 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. The program:
- Limits the maximum amount of property tax you pay to 3 percent of your total household income
- Provides predictability; the amount of tax you pay will not change for as long as you participate in this program
For more information and instructions on obtaining a property tax refund, please visit https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-refund.
Income Taxes
If you itemize deductions for federal income taxes, you may deduct a portion of your property taxes paid.
Starting with your 2024 taxes, renters can claim the Renter’s refundable credit on a Minnesota income tax return. Renters will no longer file a Renter’s Property Tax Refund.