Spousal Homestead

Qualifying for Classification

To qualify for homestead classification, you must:

  • Occupy the property listed on the application as your primary residence
  • Be one of the owners of the property listed on the application
  • Be a Minnesota resident

Claiming Multiple Properties

If a property is occupied by a married owner, the owner's spouse may not claim another property as a homestead unless the spouse does not occupy the house due to 1 of the following reasons:

  • Marriage dissolution proceedings are pending
  • The spouses are legally separated
  • The spouse's employment or self-employment location requires the spouse to have a separate homestead

Separate Homesteads due to Employment

If the spouses' employment or self-employment location requires the spouse to have a separate homestead, all of the following conditions must be met:

  • The distance between the places of employment or self-employment must be at least 50 miles
  • The distance between the homesteads must be at least 50 miles
  • Other personal circumstances causing the spouses to live separately, not including intent to obtain two homestead classifications for property tax purposes

Proof of Qualifications

The assessor may require proof of:

  • Employment or self-employment
  • Employment or self-employment location
  • Distances between each homestead
  • Distances between places of employment
  • Marriage dissolution proceedings or legal separation

Application Process

Applications must be submitted by December 31. To obtain an application, please call the Assessor's Office at 507-934-7062 or stop by our office, located at the:
Nicollet County Government Center
501 S. Minnesota Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082