A manufactured home is a structure transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and is designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities and contains the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems in it.

How is the manufactured home assessed and taxed today?

The value and property tax classification of a manufactured home are established with reference to the assessment date, January 2nd of each year, and founded on standard assessment practices. However, it is classified and taxed as either personal or real property according to specific conditions defined in law. These conditions are based on whether or not it is located on land that is owned by the home owner or on land owned by someone other than the home owner.

Real Property: If the manufactured home owner holds title to the land upon which it is situated; the home is permanently affixed by a foundation or installed according to building codes/standards; and the home is connected to public or private utilities and services, then the appropriate classification is real property.

Personal Property: The personal property classification applies when the home owner leases the land or does not hold title to the land on which it is sited; the home is permanently affixed by foundation or installed according to building codes/standards; and the home is connected to public or private utilities and services.

Valuation Notices:

Each manufactured home shall be valued each year by the assessor and be assessed with reference to its value on January 2 of that year. Notice of the Valuation shall be mailed to the person to be assessed at least ten days before the meeting of the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. The notice shall contain the mount of valuation in terms of market value, the assessor's office address, and the date, place, and time set for the meeting of the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization and the County Board of Appeal and Equalization.

Tax Statements and Due Dates:

No later than July 15th in the year of assessment the County Treasurer shall mail to the taxpayer a statement of tax due on the manufactured home. The taxes shall be due on the last day of August, except that if the tax exceeds $50, one-half of the amount due may be paid on August 31st and the remainder on November 15th.

Titles:

All manufactured homes are required to be titled through the Drive and Vehicle Services Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The registrar of motor vehicles in each county can issue a certificate of title in the same manner as a motor vehicle. It is a record detailing the vehicle identification number, manufacture year, make, model, title number, date issued, name and address of owner, lien information, and the name and address of any secured parties. Much like a real estate deed or other legal documents, this certificate should be kept in a safe place and updated whenever there is an assignment of ownership.

If a manufactured home is sold, what is the seller or buyer required to do?

When selling a manufactured home to another person, the buyer and seller are responsible to file information with the Department of Public Safety by transferring the certificate of title at the county registrar's office of motor vehicles. Before the registrar transfers ownership, the following requirements must be satisfied: (1) all past and current taxes due are paid, (2) a certified statement from the assessor and treasurer of the county where the home is located acknowledging that it has been assessed and that taxes have been paid must be furnished, and (3) a current certificate of title with any required lien releases must be submitted. Additionally, the seller should inform the assessor about the change in ownership. Once a new certificate of title is issued, the buyer should also furnish a copy to the assessor to ensure that the county assessment records are updated.

Important Manufactured Home Dates:

May 29th - Last day to establish homestead

July 15th - Last day to send out tax statements

August 31st - 1st half of taxes are due

November 15th - 2nd half of  taxes are due

Mobile Home Change Form:

Click here to get the Mobile Home Change Form.

*Applications are available at the Steele County Assessor's Office or you may find the application in the "Applications" section of this website.