Duluth Property Tax Records
Duluth property tax records are managed by St. Louis County, which handles all property assessment, tax billing, and collection for the city. The City of Duluth's Finance Department covers local city accounting and procurement, but the county is the primary source for property tax data and records. This page explains how to search Duluth property tax records online, who handles assessments and payments, how to apply for homestead status, and how to file an appeal if you believe your value is too high.
Duluth Overview
How Duluth Property Taxes Work
Property taxes in Duluth follow Minnesota's statewide structure. St. Louis County assesses all real property in the city as of January 2 each year under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 273. The county sets an estimated market value for each parcel. That figure is used to calculate the tax owed the following year. Tax statements are mailed to property owners by March 31 each year under Chapter 276.
Taxes in Duluth are paid in two equal halves. First half is due May 15. Second half is due October 15. If your total bill is $100 or less, you may pay the full amount by May 15. Missing either due date results in interest under Chapter 279. Extended non-payment can eventually lead to tax forfeiture.
The City of Duluth sets its levy each fall through the Truth in Taxation process under Chapter 275. St. Louis County, the Duluth school district, and other taxing districts all add their own levies to your bill. Duluth is the county seat and the largest city in St. Louis County, so county resources are well developed here. The city's Finance Department at duluthmn.gov handles city budget, accounting, and procurement matters.
Search Duluth Property Tax Records Online
St. Louis County provides online tools for searching Duluth property tax records. The county's property tax page at stlouiscountymn.gov/land-property/Property-Taxes covers tax statements, due dates, and payment information. For parcel-level searches, use the county property search at stlouiscountymn.gov/land-property/Property-Search. You can look up properties by address or parcel number to find assessed values, ownership records, and tax history.
The screenshot below is from the Minnesota Department of Revenue property tax page, which provides statewide resources and data relevant to Duluth property owners.
The Minnesota DOR at revenue.state.mn.us covers property tax refunds, Form M1PR, and statewide data including information relevant to Duluth property owners.
The county assessor's page at stlouiscountymn.gov/land-property/Assessor has details on the assessment process, classification types, and how to contact the assessor for Duluth properties. For maps and GIS data, visit stlouiscountymn.gov/land-property/Maps. Parcel boundary maps can help confirm property lines and ownership.
St. Louis County Assessor for Duluth
The St. Louis County Assessor's office values all Duluth properties. Every parcel gets a new estimated market value as of January 2. Assessors review comparable sales, property condition, location, and use when setting values. Under MN Statutes Chapter 273, all property must be assessed at full market value unless a classification such as homestead, agricultural, or commercial reduces the taxable amount.
Duluth has a wide variety of property types, from residential neighborhoods on the hillside to commercial and industrial properties along the harbor. The assessor handles all of these categories. If you have questions about your estimated market value or property class, contact the assessor's office at St. Louis County. The assessor's page at stlouiscountymn.gov/land-property/Assessor is the starting point for classification and valuation questions.
| County | St. Louis County |
|---|---|
| Property Tax Page | stlouiscountymn.gov - Property Taxes |
| Property Search | stlouiscountymn.gov - Property Search |
| Assessor | stlouiscountymn.gov - Assessor |
| City Finance | duluthmn.gov - Finance Department |
Paying Duluth Property Taxes
St. Louis County handles all property tax billing and payment for Duluth. Tax statements are mailed by March 31. First half is due May 15 and second half is due October 15. Online payment, mail, and in-person options are available through the county. Check the property tax page at stlouiscountymn.gov/land-property/Property-Taxes for current payment methods and any updated instructions.
The screenshot below is from the Minnesota DOR's interactive property tax data tool. It provides context on how Duluth's county levy and assessed values compare across the state.
The interactive tool at revenue.state.mn.us/interactive-property-tax-data shows levy rates and tax trends across all Minnesota counties, including St. Louis County data for Duluth parcels.
Homestead Classification in Duluth
Homestead classification lowers your property tax by applying a reduced class rate to your primary home. To qualify in Duluth, you must own and occupy the property as your main residence. You must be living there by December 1 and submit your homestead application by December 31 of the same year. Applications are filed with St. Louis County.
You will need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number when you apply. St. Louis County uses this to verify that the property is your primary residence. Once homestead status is approved, it remains active from year to year as long as you continue to own and occupy the property. Under MN Statutes Chapter 273, homestead residential property receives a lower class rate than non-homestead residential property.
The Minnesota Property Tax Refund program through Form M1PR may also benefit Duluth residents with lower incomes. Both owners and renters can apply through the Minnesota Department of Revenue at revenue.state.mn.us. The refund can offset part of the property tax burden regardless of whether you own or rent your home.
Note: Seasonal or investment properties in Duluth do not qualify for homestead classification, even if you spend significant time there.
St. Louis County Property Tax Records
Duluth is the county seat of St. Louis County, the largest county in Minnesota by area. All property tax records for Duluth properties are maintained and administered at the county level. For detailed information on county assessor services, search tools, and resources, visit the St. Louis County page.
Visit the St. Louis County property tax records page for county-wide resources and procedures.
Appealing a Duluth Property Assessment
If you think St. Louis County has set your Duluth property value too high, you have the right to appeal. Start by contacting the county assessor's office for an informal review. Staff can walk through how the value was determined. If you are not satisfied after that conversation, you can appear before the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization in the spring under Chapter 274.
If the local board does not resolve the issue, you can escalate to the St. Louis County Board of Appeal and Equalization. Beyond that, you can file a petition with the Minnesota Tax Court under Chapter 278. The Tax Court hears property tax cases from all Minnesota counties. Reach them at (651) 539-3260. You must file by April 30 of the year the taxes are payable. That deadline is firm, so act quickly if you want to contest your value.
Nearby Qualifying Cities
These Minnesota cities also have property tax records pages.