Murray County Property Tax Records

Murray County property tax records are maintained by the county assessor and auditor-treasurer at 2500 28th Street in Slayton, Minnesota. You can search parcel data, look up assessed values, and find tax payment history through the Beacon online portal or by contacting the county offices in Slayton. This page covers how to access Murray County property tax records, how assessments are conducted, when taxes are due, how homestead classification works, and what steps to take if you want to appeal your property's value.

How Murray County Property Taxes Work

Murray County is in southwestern Minnesota. It is a largely rural, agricultural county with the county seat in Slayton. Property types here are predominantly farmland, with residential homes in small towns and some rural acreage. All of these are valued under the same state rules that apply across all 87 Minnesota counties. The county assessor sets each parcel's estimated market value as of January 2 each year under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 273. Agricultural land classifications are especially relevant in Murray County, as farm parcels often carry reduced taxable values compared to full market.

Once assessments are done, the auditor-treasurer manages billing and collection. Tax statements go out by March 31. Murray County taxes are split into two equal halves. The first half is due May 15 and the second half is due October 15. Missed payments accrue interest under Chapter 279. Properties with long-unpaid taxes face forfeiture under Chapter 282.

Levy amounts are set each fall through the Truth in Taxation process under Chapter 275. Murray County, local townships, school districts, and any special taxing districts each set their levies before December 31. The combined rate appears on your tax statement.

Note: Wind energy property in Murray County may be subject to special tax treatment under state law, which can affect how those parcels are assessed and classified.

Search Murray County Property Tax Records Online

Murray County uses Beacon by Schneider Geospatial for online property searches. The system is free to access. You can look up any parcel by owner name, property address, or parcel identification number. Results include assessed values, tax amounts, property classification, and ownership details. Use the Murray County portal at beacon.schneidercorp.com.

The county website at murraycountymn.com links to both the assessor and auditor-treasurer departments. The assessor page at murraycountymn.com/departments/assessor/ covers homestead applications and classification information. The auditor-treasurer page at murraycountymn.com/departments/auditor-treasurer/ covers billing and payment options.

For statewide property tax data including Murray County, the Minnesota Department of Revenue publishes summaries at revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-data-and-statistics. The screenshot below shows the DOR's statewide property tax records portal.

The Minnesota DOR at revenue.state.mn.us provides statewide property tax resources including data, forms, and refund information relevant to Murray County property owners.

Murray County Assessor Office

The Murray County Assessor values all real and personal property in the county. Given the agricultural nature of the county, a large portion of the work involves valuing farm parcels, cropland, pasture, and rural homesteads. Values are set at full market value as of January 2 under Chapter 273. Farm parcels often qualify for green acres or agricultural classification, which reduces the taxable value. The assessor determines which classification applies based on the actual use of the land.

The assessor's office handles homestead applications, agricultural classifications, and valuation questions. If you believe your property is overvalued, calling the assessor at (507) 836-6163 is the right first step. Informal review often resolves the issue without a formal appeal. The department page at murraycountymn.com/departments/assessor/ has forms and additional information.

Paying Murray County Property Taxes

The Murray County Auditor-Treasurer at (507) 836-6148 manages all tax billing and collection. Tax statements are mailed by March 31. The first half of your taxes is due May 15 and the second half is due October 15. Homestead properties with a combined tax under $100 can be paid in full by May 15. Pay in person at 2500 28th Street in Slayton or check the department page at murraycountymn.com/departments/auditor-treasurer/ for mail and online payment options.

Always include your parcel ID number when making a payment to ensure it is applied to the correct property. If your mortgage lender escrows your taxes, they pay on your behalf, but you should verify payment was made near each due date. Late payments generate interest and penalties under Chapter 279. Properties that remain delinquent for extended periods can be forfeited to the state under Chapter 282.

The screenshot below shows the Minnesota DOR's interactive property tax data tool, which includes county-level data for Murray County alongside all other Minnesota counties.

The DOR interactive data tool at revenue.state.mn.us/interactive-property-tax-data lets you view and compare levy rates, assessed values, and tax trends for Murray County.

Homestead Classification in Murray County

Homestead classification in Murray County lowers the class rate applied to your primary residence, which reduces your property tax bill. To qualify, you must own and occupy the property as your main home by December 1 and apply by December 31 through the assessor's office. You need to provide a Social Security number or ITIN. Under Chapter 273, homestead property carries a lower class rate than non-homestead residential parcels. The classification stays in place as long as the property remains your primary home.

Many Murray County property owners have farm homesteads. If you live on a farm, you may qualify for both homestead and agricultural classification on the same parcel. The house site and the farm ground each carry their own class rate. Together, these classifications can significantly reduce your overall tax burden. Call the assessor at (507) 836-6163 to confirm whether your property qualifies and to get help with the application.

The Minnesota Property Tax Refund program through Form M1PR provides an additional layer of income-based relief for qualifying homeowners and renters. The Minnesota Department of Revenue at revenue.state.mn.us administers the program. Your refund amount depends on your income and what you paid in property taxes for the year.

Note: Farm property that is not your primary residence does not qualify for homestead classification even if you work the land every day.

Murray County Land Records and Recorder

The Murray County Recorder maintains deed records, mortgages, and other documents that affect real property ownership. Each recorded sale contributes to the market data the assessor uses to value properties in the county. The deed tax paid at recording is governed by MN Statutes Chapter 272. The recorder department page is at murraycountymn.com/departments/recorder/.

Beacon connects land records to the parcel database. A search on the Murray County Beacon portal shows current owner, assessed value, tax history, and sale information in one place. This is useful for buyers, researchers, or anyone reviewing a specific parcel's record. For statewide property tax statistics including Murray County, the DOR publishes data at revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-data-and-statistics.

Appealing a Murray County Property Tax Assessment

If you believe the Murray County Assessor has overvalued your property, you can challenge that value. Start with a direct call to the assessor at (507) 836-6163. Bring comparable sales from similar properties in the area or a recent appraisal to support your case. Informal review is the fastest path to a resolution, and many owners get their concerns addressed without a formal process.

If you are not satisfied after the informal review, appear before the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization in spring under Chapter 274. After the local board, you can appeal to the County Board of Appeal and Equalization. The final step is a petition to the Minnesota Tax Court at (651) 539-3260 or mn.gov/tax-court. Under Chapter 278, Tax Court petitions must be filed by April 30 of the year your taxes are due. Missing that date ends your appeal rights for that cycle.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Murray County. Each runs its own property tax system through a local assessor and auditor-treasurer.