This site provides information for taxpayers of Inver Grove Heights 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 Referendum

The district will be holding a special election on November 7, 2017, seeking voter approval of two questions.

Question 1 would revoke the district’s existing referendum revenue authorization of $562.13 per pupil and replace it with a new authority of $819.00 per pupil, resulting in an increase of $256.87 per pupil. The proposed authority would increase each year by the rate of inflation and be applicable for 10 years, beginning with taxes payable in 2018. If approved, this would increase the district’s revenue by approximately $984,000 for fiscal year 2018-19.

Question 2 would authorize a capital project levy of 2.1724% times the net tax capacity of the school district. The revenue raised by this authorization will provide funds for the purchase of textbooks, curriculum materials, musical instruments, classroom furnishings, equipment, technology and software for student achievement. The proposed capital project levy authorization would raise approximately $638,000 for taxes payable in 2018, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for ten 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 2018 taxes, either view the tax impact for sample property types and values here or follow the instructions below.

The 2017 Payable 2018 Estimated Market Value (EMV) is listed on the “Valuation Notice” mailed by your county in March 2017 (see example below). If you don't have that document available, find the information online using the instructions below or contact Dakota County and ask for the 2017 EMV for taxes payable in 2018.

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 e-mail message to mnschools@ehlers-inc.com. with your name, school district name, and property I.D. number(s).
  • Call Ehlers (Twin Cities area 651-697-8542 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 Inver Grove Heights 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, Deductibility, 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 $108,660, 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 and agricultural homestead property with incomes of less than $108,660
   • Applies only to the taxes attributable to the house, garage, and one acre on agricultural homestead property
   • Refund is on a sliding scale, based on your income and your total property tax burden
   • The maximum refund is $2,660
   • To determine eligibility and refund amounts, complete Minnesota tax form M1PR (available online at 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. Deductibility of Property Taxes for State and Federal Income Taxes

   If you itemize deductions for federal income taxes, you may deduct all property taxes paid. Therefore, any increase in property taxes resulting from the proposed referendum will reduce your income tax liability. The reduction in income taxes may be as much as 42 percent of the increase in property taxes, depending on your total income and other credits and deductions.

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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