Minnesota § 278.03 - PAYMENT OF TAX
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 278.03 — PAYMENT OF TAX, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 278.03. PAYMENT OF TAX
Subdivision 1.Real property.
In the case of real property, if the proceedings instituted by the filing of the petition have not been completed before the 16th day of May next following the filing, the petitioner shall pay to the county treasurer 50 percent of the tax levied for such year against the property involved, unless permission to continue prosecution of the petition without such payment is obtained as herein provided. If the proceedings instituted by the filing of the petition have not been completed by the next October 16, or, in the case of class 1b agricultural homestead, class 2a agricultural homestead, and class 2b(2) agricultural nonhomestead property, November 16, the petitioner shall pay to the county treasurer 50 percent of the unpaid balance of the taxes levied for the year against the property involved if the unpaid balance is $2,000 or less and 80 percent of the unpaid balance if the unpaid balance is over $2,000, unless permission to continue prosecution of the petition without payment is obtained as herein provided. The petitioner, upon ten days' notice to the county attorney and to the county auditor, given at least ten days prior to the 16th day of May or the 16th day of October, or, in the case of class 1b agricultural homestead, class 2a agricultural homestead, and class 2b(2) agricultural nonhomestead property, the 16th day of November, may apply to the court for permission to continue prosecution of the petition without payment; and, if it is made to appear
(1) that the proposed review is to be taken in good faith;
(2) that there is probable cause to believe that the property may be held exempt from the tax levied or that the tax may be determined to be less than 50 percent of the amount levied; and
(3) that it would work a hardship upon petitioner to pay the taxes due,
the court may permit the petitioner to continue prosecution of the petition without payment, or may fix a lesser amount to be paid as a condition of continuing the prosecution of the petition.
Failure to make payment of the amount required when due shall operate automatically to dismiss the petition and all proceedings thereunder unless the payment is waived by an order of the court permitting the petitioner to continue prosecution of the petition without payment. The petition shall be automatically reinstated upon payment of the entire tax plus interest and penalty if the payment is made within one year of the dismissal. The county treasurer shall, upon request of the petitioner, issue duplicate receipts for the tax payment, one of which shall be filed by the petitioner in the proceeding.
Subd. 2.Personal property.
In the case of personal property, if the proceedings instituted by the filing of the petition have not been completed before May 16 next following the filing of the petition, the petitioner shall pay to the county treasurer 50 percent of the tax levied for the year against the property involved, unless permission to file the petition without payment is obtained as provided in this subdivision. The petitioner, upon ten days' notice to the county attorney and to the county auditor, given at least ten days before May 16, may apply to the court for permission to file the petition without such payment; and, if it is made to appear:
(1) that the proposed review is to be taken in good faith;
(2) that there is probable cause to believe that the property may be held exempt from the tax levied or that the tax may be determined to be less than 50 percent of the amount levied; and
(3) that it would work a hardship upon petitioner to pay 50 percent of the tax.
The court may permit the petitioner to continue to prosecute the petition without payment, or may fix a lesser amount to be paid as a condition to the right to continue to prosecute the same. Payment of the amount so fixed shall be endorsed on the order by the county treasurer.
History:
(2126-3) 1935 c 300 s 3; 1937 c 483 s 1; 1978 c 672 s 10; 3Sp1981 c 2 art 1 s 34; 1983 c 342 art 7 s 11; 1Sp1986 c 1 art 4 s 32,51; 1989 c 277 art 2 s 40; 1989 c 324 s 25; 1993 c 375 art 3 s 34
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 278.03
What does Minnesota Statutes § 278.03 cover?
Section 278.03 ("PAYMENT OF TAX") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 278.03?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 278.03" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 278.03 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.