What if I fail to comply with homestead laws or file a false homestead application?
A property owner who obtains or attempts to obtain homestead classification for a property other than his or her primary place of residence or the primary place of residence of his or her relative is, under Minnesota Statute 609.41, subject to a fine of up to $3,000 and/or up to one year of imprisonment. In addition, a penalty equal to 100 percent of the total homestead benefit will be added to the corrected tax amount under Minnesota Statute 273.124, subd. 13. What if the owner moves to a nursing home or assisted living facility? As long as the home is maintained as the owner’s homestead, the property will remain homestead. If the property is rented, offered for sale, or otherwise occupied by someone other than the owner, the property will become non-homestead for the following assessment year. My neighbor goes “South” every winter. How long can an owner be gone without losing their homestead? An owner of property may be away from home for a reasonable length of time without depriving
