When Are Minnesota Taxes Due? Key Deadlines

Navigating tax obligations can be complex, and understanding specific due dates is essential for compliance. For residents and property owners in Minnesota, various tax types come with their own distinct schedules. This article clarifies these deadlines, providing a guide to help individuals manage their Minnesota tax responsibilities effectively. By understanding the timing for income tax, estimated payments, and property tax, taxpayers can plan accordingly and meet their obligations.

Key Individual Income Tax Deadlines

The primary due date for filing Minnesota individual income tax returns, Form M1, generally aligns with the federal income tax deadline. This typically falls on April 15th for most taxpayers. If April 15th happens to land on a weekend or a legal holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day.

Individuals whose income is not subject to sufficient withholding, such as self-employed individuals or those with significant investment income, often need to make estimated tax payments using Form M14. These payments are typically due quarterly throughout the year. The standard quarterly estimated tax payment due dates are April 15th, June 15th, September 15th, and January 15th of the following year.

If any of these quarterly due dates fall on a weekend or holiday, the payment is due on the next business day. Taxpayers who expect to owe $500 or more in Minnesota income tax after accounting for withholding and refundable credits are generally required to make these estimated payments. To avoid underpayment, total payments for the year, including withholding and estimated payments, should meet specific thresholds, such as 90% of the current year’s tax liability or 100% of the prior year’s tax liability.

Property Tax Deadlines

Property tax due dates in Minnesota can vary depending on the type of property, and sometimes even by the specific county where the property is located. For most residential properties, the taxes are typically paid in two equal installments. The first half is generally due by May 15th.

The second half of residential property taxes is usually due by October 15th. However, for agricultural properties, the second payment commonly has a later due date, often November 15th. Mobile home taxes may also have distinct due dates, with the first half due around August 31st and the second half by November 15th.

Property owners should consult their annual property tax statements, which are typically mailed by March 31st, for the exact dates and amounts specific to their property. If the total tax due for a property is $100 or less, the entire amount is generally due as a single payment on May 15th.

Understanding Income Tax Extensions

An extension for Minnesota individual income tax provides additional time to file a tax return, but it does not extend the time to pay any taxes owed. Tax payments are still due by the original deadline, which is typically April 15th. An extension generally grants an additional six months to file, moving the deadline to October 15th for most individual income tax filers.

Minnesota offers an automatic extension to file. Taxpayers usually do not need to submit a specific form to receive this extension if they anticipate owing no tax or expect a refund. If a federal extension is granted, a Minnesota extension is often automatically recognized. If a taxpayer anticipates owing Minnesota income tax, it is important to pay any estimated tax liability by the April 15th deadline to avoid penalties.

Methods for Tax Payment

Taxpayers have several options for making Minnesota tax payments, including individual income tax, estimated tax, and property tax. One widely used method is online payment through the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s e-Services system. This system allows for direct debit from a bank account, providing a secure and efficient way to submit payments. When using e-Services, individuals can select their customer type, tax type, and filing period to ensure the payment is applied correctly.

Another online option involves paying by credit or debit card through approved third-party processors. While convenient, these card payments typically incur a processing fee, which is a percentage of the payment amount. For example, a fee of around 1.25% for debit cards and 2.15% for credit cards may be charged.

Payments can also be made by mail using a check or money order. When sending payments by mail, it is important to include a payment voucher or the relevant form to ensure the payment is properly credited to the taxpayer’s account. The payment voucher system, accessible online, can generate these necessary forms. For those who prefer to pay in person, cash payments are generally accepted only at the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s office in St. Paul.