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42 | P a g e <br /> <br />Explaining the Appeals Process <br /> <br />In Minnesota, property tax laws provide the legal parameters that govern the work of <br />assessors. These statutes lay down a cycle of assessment activities that are conducted on an <br />annual basis. Each year, assessors are required to work on a number of tasks that include <br />listing, valuing, and classifying all taxable properties; processing both real and personal <br />property transfers; analyzing market data; monitoring assessment levels for several <br />different classes of property; and arranging and conducting an appeals process. <br /> <br />The latter of these activities is a key part of the assessment cycle that provides property <br />owners with an opportunity to review and, if necessary, challenge their estimate of market <br />value and/or classification that will be used for taxation purposes in the following year. <br /> <br />At what point in the assessment cycle does the appeals process begin? <br />The appeals process begins in March and extends through June. When property owners <br />receive their Valuation Notices during the month of March, they should read them carefully <br />for instructions about deadlines, filing procedures, meeting dates and times. If they are not <br />clear, they should call the assessor’s office for clarification and additional information <br />because a missed deadline, an incorrect filing, or the failure to attend a scheduled meeting <br />can cause an appeal to be dismissed. <br /> <br />What steps should property owners take to appeal their assessments? <br />There are two avenues of appeal that property owners may take to challenge their <br />assessments. The first route is referred to as the three-step appeal and the second is known <br />as the one-step appeal. These steps are illustrated in the flow chart on the following page. <br /> <br />How should property owners begin their appeal? <br />Property owners are encouraged to contact their appraiser to discuss their property <br />assessment concerns. An informal meeting can be scheduled to review the property, examine <br />market data, answer questions, and clarify the valuation and classification practices used. <br />This discussion can also be handled by telephone, mail, or e-mail during regular business <br />hours. <br />