Are senior citizens taxes frozen?
The senior citizen tax freeze that existed in the mid-1970s has been replaced by the property tax refund program. However, you may be able to defer a portion of the property tax on your homestead if you are a qualifying senior citizen. To be eligible, you must be at least 65 years old with a household income of $60,000 or less and must have lived in your home for at least 15 years. Senior citizens that participate in this program are only required to pay a tax equal to 3 percent of their net income. The state of Minnesota will pay the remaining tax as a low-interest loan. The unpaid tax, along with accumulated interest, will become a lien on the property. This lien must be satisfied upon sale of the property. Homeowners who apply for the property tax refund will not receive the refund as a cash payment. Instead, the refund will be applied to the deferred property tax total. To receive a fact sheet and/or an application, please call the State Property Tax Refund Office at (651) 296-0335
