Property and Tax Info Page || Assessments Info Page
Informal Appeal Options
The Preliminary Market Value Review/Open Book Meeting is to discuss concerns relating to the 2009 Estimated Market Value for Taxes Payable in 2010. The Assessor’s Office cannot address an appeal of the taxes or the 2008 Estimated Market Value for Taxes Payable in 2009 at the Open Book Meeting. An appeal of the 2008 Estimated Market Value can only be appealed through the Minnesota Tax Court at this time.
Preliminary Market Value Review
If you have questions regarding your Notice of Valuation and Classification for Taxes Payable in 2010, you may call the Assessor’s Office at 651-266-2000 to discuss your concerns with an appraiser over the phone. Please be aware that you will:
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Not speak with an appraiser immediately
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Be asked to provide information regarding your concern
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Receive a return phone call from an appraiser within 2-3 days
Attend an Open Book Meeting - (Open Book Meetings have concluded for 2009)
If you have questions or disagree with the Property Classification or the Estimated Market Value of your January 2, 2009 Assessment for Taxes payable in 2010 and have not had an opportunity to speak with an appraiser over the phone, please attend an open book meeting to discuss your concerns. Often your questions can be addressed informally at this level. Bring any documentation supporting your claim of overvaluation or erroneous classification with you to the Open Book Meeting, such as a recent appraisal or sale of the property.
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Estimated market values of your neighbor's properties do not support a claim of overvaluation of your property.
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An interior review of your property will be required prior to any value adjustment.
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Based on the documentation you bring and our review of your property, we may be able to adust the valuation or classification of your property without further appeals.
How an Open Book Meeting Works
Formal Appeal Options
If we cannot resolve your questions or concerns through an Informal Appeal Option, you have the following additional options available:
County Board of Appeal and Equalization
You may request a formal review by the County Assessor by completing a County Board of Appeal and Equalization form, which can be obtained from our office by calling 651-266-2000. Appeal forms must:
- Include documentation supporting your appeal, such as an appraisal or recent sale of the property.
- Be postmarked by May 15, 2009. Your appeal will be reviewed and you will be notified by mail of the result.
If you still are not satisfied with the Assessor's response to your Appeal, you may appear before the County Board of Equalization in person, by letter, or through a representative authorized by you.
The 2009 County Board of Appeal and Equalization will meet at the Ramsey County Property Records and Revenue Building, 90 West Plato Blvd., St. Paul, MN.
- The Board will convene June 17, 2009 and conclude on or before June 30, 2009.
- Appointment times will be scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- To appear at the County Board of Appeal and Equalization, call 651.266.2131, in advance to be scheduled on the Board agenda.
- All appearances will be by appointment only.
Minnesota Tax Court
An appeal of the 2008 Estimated Market Value for Taxes Payable in 2009 must be filed on or before April 30, 2009. For more information on how to file a petition, see the 7-step Guide to Filing in Minnesota Tax Court(PDF).
Small Claims Division - You may take your case directly to the Small Claims Division of Tax Court if:
- The assessor’s estimated market value of your property is less than $300,000; or
- The entire parcel is classified as a residential homestead and the parcel contains no more than one dwelling unit; or
- You are appealing the denial of the homestead classification.
- Filing fee for Small Claims Division is $150.00, plus the Library fee.
Regular Division -Regardless of your property type or the nature of your claim, you always have the option to file directly with the Regular Division of Tax Court.
- Filing fee for Regular Division is $310.00, plus the Library fee.
For more information, contact the Minnesota Tax Court.
Notice for Petitioners with Income Producing Property
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 278.05, subd. 6, the petitioner contesting the valuation of income-producing property must provide the County Assessor with income and expense figures in the form of:
- Year-end financial statements for the year prior to the assessment date,
- Year-end financial statements for the year of the assessment date, and
- Rent rolls on the assessment date including:
- tenant name
- lease start and end dates
- option terms
- base rent
- square footage leased and vacant space
- verified net rentable square footage of the building or buildings
- anticipated income in the form of proposed budgets
The required income and expense information must be provided to the County Assessor no later than 60 days after the applicable filing deadline.
You must also provide the appraisal of the property you intend to use at the trial to the County Attorney, at least five (5) days before the trial.
If you fail to comply with either of these requirements, your petition may be dismissed.
