Minnesota · Property tax exemptions for surviving spouses · Updated Oct 2026
Minnesota property tax exemptions for surviving spouses (2026)
Every statewide property tax break in Minnesota that our guide lists for surviving spouses: breaks made for them, and breaks a surviving spouse can keep or claim. What each is worth, who qualifies, the deadline and how to apply.
Short answer
The main property tax break for surviving spouses in Minnesota is the Market Value Exclusion for Veterans with a Disability. $150,000 off your home's taxable market value for a 70% or higher service-connected disability rating; $300,000 off for a 100% permanent and total rating.
- Worth
- $300,000
- Income limit
- None listed in our sources
- Deadline
- December 31
Property tax breaks for surviving spouses in Minnesota
Disabled veteransMarket Value Exclusion for Veterans with a Disability
$150,000 off your home's taxable market value for a 70% or higher service-connected disability rating; $300,000 off for a 100% permanent and total rating.
For surviving spouses: Also: surviving spouses of a 100% P&T veteran or of a service member who died in service, or who receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation ($300,000, until they remarry or sell); and VA-approved primary family caregivers of a 70%+ veteran ($150,000 or $300,000).
- Who qualifies
- Honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 70% or more who own and occupy a homesteaded home on December 31. Also: surviving spouses of a 100% P&T veteran or of a service member who died in service, or who receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation ($300,000, until they remarry or sell); and VA-approved primary family caregivers of a 70%+ veteran ($150,000 or $300,000).
- How to apply
- Apply to your county assessor's office. The home must already be classified as a homestead. Bring your DD-214 (or other discharge papers) and VA documentation of your disability rating; your county veterans service officer can help.
- Deadline
- By December 31 to qualify for taxes payable the next year.
- Renewal
- Veterans: continues while you qualify. Surviving spouses must apply to continue receiving it.
- Law
- Minn. Stat. § 273.13, subd. 34
Source: official page
How to apply, step by step
- Apply to your county assessor's office.
- The home must already be classified as a homestead.
- Bring your DD-214 (or other discharge papers) and VA documentation of your disability rating; your county veterans service officer can help.
Deadline: By December 31 to qualify for taxes payable the next year.
Renewal: Veterans: continues while you qualify. Surviving spouses must apply to continue receiving it.
Savings estimate for Minnesota
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Minnesota
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Pre-set for surviving spouses: you own and live in the home and are a surviving spouse. Change any answer.
Document checklist for Minnesota
Pick the breaks you plan to apply for. You get a checklist of forms, documents, steps and deadlines to print or keep on your phone.
Questions about surviving spouses property tax breaks in Minnesota
Who qualifies for property tax breaks for surviving spouses in Minnesota?
Market Value Exclusion for Veterans with a Disability: Honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 70% or more who own and occupy a homesteaded home on December 31. Also: surviving spouses of a 100% P&T veteran or of a service member who died in service, or who receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation ($300,000, until they remarry or sell); and VA-approved primary family caregivers of a 70%+ veteran ($150,000 or $300,000).
Is there an income limit for surviving spouses' property tax breaks in Minnesota?
Our sources list no income limit for any of these breaks.
When is the deadline for surviving spouses to apply in Minnesota?
Market Value Exclusion for Veterans with a Disability: By December 31 to qualify for taxes payable the next year.
Do surviving spouses have to reapply every year in Minnesota?
Market Value Exclusion for Veterans with a Disability: Veterans: continues while you qualify. Surviving spouses must apply to continue receiving it.
Where do surviving spouses apply for property tax breaks in Minnesota?
Your county assessor decides homestead classification, the market value exclusions and the blind/disabled classification; you apply to the county assessor where the home is. The Minnesota Department of Revenue runs the Homestead Credit Refund and the Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral. For the Market Value Exclusion for Veterans with a Disability: Apply to your county assessor's office.
SourcesLast checked: Oct 2026.