Property Assessment

COVID-19 Property Assessment Inspection Policy


Minnesota Statute 273.08 requires that the Assessor’s Office view properties at least once every five years for property tax assessment purposes.  

 

2021 NORTH MANKATO REASSESSMENT NOTICE

Staff appraisers from the County Assessor’s office (Michele, Melissa, and Shana) will be taking photos and viewing the exterior of properties in North Mankato over the next few months and will have county identification with them. Due to current health concerns, staff will not be approaching doors or conducting interior inspections until a later date.

 

Property owners will be notified by mail prior to our visit.

 

2021 TOWNSHIP REASSESSMENT NOTICE

Staff appraisers from the County Assessor’s office (Bridget and Shana) will be taking photos and viewing the exterior of properties in Lafayette, West Newton and Ridgely Townships over the next few months and will have county identification with them.

 

Due to health concerns, staff will not be conducting interior inspections until a later date. Staff will be knocking on doors to inform the owner that they are on-site and will be taking safety precautions including masking and social distancing while at the property. Please notify any household members that may be home during the day that we will be visiting the site and knocking on the door.

If the owner/tenant is not home at the time of our visit, a notice will be left at the property so they are aware we have been on-site.

 

Property owners will be notified by mail prior to our visit.

      

2021 COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL/APARTMENT 

REASSESSMENT NOTICE

A staff appraiser from the County Assessor’s office (Marc) will be taking photos and viewing the exterior and the interior of commercial/industrial property in St. Peter and North Mankato over the next few months and will have county identification with him. Staff will also be taking photos and viewing the exterior and interior common areas of apartment buildings in North Mankato. Safety precautions (masking and social distancing) will be adhered to during all inspections.

 

Inspection protocol may be subject to change throughout the year depending on the current pandemic situation.

Appraiser Map (PDF)

Property Tax Assessment

In Minnesota, property taxes provide most of the funding for local government services. Each property’s share of taxes is determined according to its value, classification (use), and the property tax levies.

Assessment Responsibilities

Nicollet County assessors are responsible for estimating property values and setting property classification for tax purposes. Our department sends the property valuation (Value Notice) each spring to every property owner in Nicollet County. We administer a variety of property tax credit programs including Homestead, Green Acres, and Disaster Tax Credit. We address property valuation concerns and appeals and provide assessment and value information to the County Board, Local Boards of Review, and to the public.

The Assessor’s responsibility is with market value and classification, not taxes. The Public Services Office handles collecting taxes and determining tax rates. The Minnesota State Legislature establishes property tax laws.

Annual Assessment Date

All property is valued and classified as of January 2 of each year. This value is used to calculate taxes the following year. If a property is only partially complete on January 2, it will have a partial value for that year’s assessment. If a structure is complete on January 2, but it burns down on January 3, the fully assessed value still applies for that assessment year.

State Assessor Requirements

All assessors employed in Minnesota are required to hold 1 of 4 levels of licensure:

  • 1st Level: Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA)
  • 2nd Level: Certified Minnesota Assessor Specialist (CMAS)
  • 3rd Level: Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA)
  • 4th Level: Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor (SAMA)

Determining the Required Licensure Level

The complexity of area taxing districts and the total market valuation in several classes of property determine which licensure level is required. The authority to value income-producing properties is also restricted by law to only licensed assessors who have successfully completed at least 2 income classes. Extensive course work, written exams, oral exams, and/or the presentation of form or narrative appraisals along with required years of experience in the field must be satisfactorily accomplished by these individuals seeking licensure. Additionally, assessors must satisfy the established requirements for continuing education every 4 years to maintain their current licenses.