Minnesota House Bill HF1721

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/23
• Refer: 2/13/23

Caption

Property tax provisions modified, and interest rate on delinquent property taxes modified.

Impact

This modification could have significant implications for property owners with delinquent taxes, as those who owe amounts exceeding 25 percent of the prior year's school district levy will incur penalties at twice the normal interest rate. This change could incentivize timely payments of property taxes, but also imposes a heavier burden on property owners who may already be struggling financially. Additionally, counties are granted the authority to establish a lower interest rate through resolutions, allowing for more localized control and consideration of community circumstances.

Summary

HF1721 is a legislative bill aimed at modifying certain provisions related to property taxes in Minnesota. The bill proposes to amend the interest rate on delinquent property taxes, specifically under Minnesota Statutes sections 279.03 and 282.261. Notably, it establishes a base interest rate tied to the rate determined under section 270C.40 and stipulates that if this rate falls below ten percent, it will default to ten percent. The goal of this provision is to create clarity and consistency in how delinquent taxes are penalized across counties, with specific inclusions for cases where the delinquent amounts exceed a specified threshold.

Contention

There may be concerns surrounding the potential financial strain this bill could impose on property owners, especially those in economically disadvantaged positions. Critics might argue that increasing penalties for delinquent taxes could disproportionately affect low-income residents. Furthermore, the bill also emphasizes that county boards and auditors can adjust rates, which may lead to inconsistencies and perceptions of unfairness if not managed properly. Stakeholders may also debate the appropriateness of leveraging interest rates as a means to enforce tax compliance.