First-half property taxes due May 15

Crow Wing County Treasurer Laureen Borden issued a reminder that first-half real estate taxes are due May 15.

If the amount of tax on any parcel is $50 or less, it must be paid in full by May 15. Owners of commercial property such as resorts have until May 31 to pay the first-half taxes. Commercial use of real property where 60 percent of gross income is earned during the months of May-August may have the extended deadline of May 31 if an affidavit is attached to the payment. Forms may be picked up or requested through the treasurer's office.

Taxpayers may be eligible for a state property tax refund. Property must be homesteaded. If the tax payable in 2005 increased by 12 percent and $100 or more from taxes paid in 2004, people may be eligible for a special refund.

An additional refund is available if a taxpayer has a low income and a high tax. Form M1PR may be picked up at the public library or the treasurer's office. The filing deadline is Aug. 15.

Tax payments may be mailed, dropped in the Crow Wing County drop box at the back of the courthouse on Laurel Street in Brainerd or paid in person on the courthouse's first floor. Because May 15 is a Sunday, payments will be taken through May 16 without late penalty.

For more information, contact the treasurer's office at 824-1300.