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