Assessment & Values

Homestead

Homestead Regular Application

To qualify for the homestead classification, a property must be both owned and occupied by the owner or occupied by a qualified relative of the owner who is a Minnesota resident on Jan. 2 of the assessment year, or on Dec. 1 of the assessment year and an application for homestead must be completed by Dec. 15. The use for homestead purposes must be actual and substantial. (A "qualified relative" is defined as follows: parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, niece, nephew, uncle or aunt.)

To receive the homestead classification, the owner of the property must complete a Washington County Homestead Application and provide proof of ownership. If the property was purchased for more than $1,000, a Certificate of Real Estate Value must be filed with the county auditor before the homestead classification can be extended to the property.

Property that is held in the name of a trust, a family farm partnership or a family farm corporation may qualify for the homestead classification. Contact the Assessment Division at 651-430-6175 for additional information.

A person may only have one homestead. You need only file once for homestead. However, the assessor may at any time require a homestead application to be filed in order to verify that any property classified as a homestead continues to be eligible for homestead status. If you receive an application to update the county records, complete the application and return it as soon as possible.

If there is any change in the ownership or homestead status of your property, you must notify the county assessor within thirty (30) days.

To apply for Homestead, you may appear in person at any of the locations listed below. Washington County also accepts applications through the mail. To request a Homestead Application through the mail, please call the Taxpayer Services Division at 651-430-6175.

Please note: Be sure you have moved into the property before you apply for homestead.

Department of Property Records and Taxpayer Services

The Property Records and Taxpayer Services Department is located in the Washington County Government Center at 14949 62nd Street North in Stillwater.

Telephone: 651-430-6175
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.