How does a property I own qualify for a homestead exclusion?

To qualify for a homestead, you must meet all of the following requirements:

  • You must be one of the owners of the property, or be a qualifying relative of at least one of the owners. Details on qualifying relatives are on the homestead applications and vary depending on classification. Corporations, partnerships, trusts and life estates may also be eligible for a homestead exclusion in certain situations.
  • You must own and occupy the property as your primary place of residence by December 31st of the assessment year.
  • You must be a Minnesota resident. (If a residential property is the primary residence of a qualifying relative of an owner, it is not necessary for the owner to be a Minnesota resident.)
  • You must apply for homestead by December 31stof the assessment year. This application requires that you supply the names and Social Security numbers of all of the owners of the property and if the property is not owner occupied, the names and Social Security numbers of the owner's qualifying relatives who occupy the property. You may make application in one of the following ways:
    • In person at:
      • Sibley County Assessor's Office
        400 Court Avenue
        Gaylord, MN 55334
    • Call the Assessor's Office at 507-237-4078 and an application can be sent by mail or email
    • Print the homestead application from our website

It is recommended that you make application as soon as possible after you purchase a property, even though the deadline may be many months from the date of your purchase.

Other special circumstances may exist that would allow homestead status on a property. Please contact the Assessor's Office if you have questions regarding your particular situation.

Show All Answers

1. How does a property I own qualify for a homestead exclusion?
2. Why must I provide my Social Security Number?
3. Are homesteads on all property the same?
4. I own and live in a manufactured home located in a mobile home park, are the homestead rules the same?
5. What if I fail to comply with homestead laws or file a false homestead application?
6. What if the owner moves to a nursing home or assisted living facility?
7. My neighbor goes “South” every winter. How long can an owner be gone without losing their homestead?
8. We own two properties in Minnesota and live at each for 6 months, can we claim homestead at both?
9. What if the owner is in the military and is absent due to active service?
10. Can I claim homestead in one home and my spouse claim homestead in another home?