Green Acres and Rural Preserve
The Green Acres and Rural Preserve programs provide property tax relief for qualifying farmland. The programs work together to limit increases in market value of farmland affected by development pressure and other outside influences. These programs are administered by the counties.
Green Acres applies to property classified as 2a agricultural, while Rural Preserve applies to property classified as 2b but is part of an agricultural homestead.
The assessor determines two values on property enrolled in either program: the estimated market value and the agricultural value.
Taxes are calculated by the assessor on both market values, but paid on the lower agricultural value. The difference between the tax calculated on agricultural market value and the actual market value is deferred until the property is sold or no longer qualifies for the program.
For more information about the Green Acres and Rural Preserve programs, please visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue website at the following link:
Green Acres and Rural Preserve Programs
Hennepin County Green Acres and Rural Preserve Programs
This is a property tax deferral program for certain agricultural property.
Two values are determined on qualifying property:
- The agricultural value based on sales of agricultural property not impacted by other influences, such as development.
- The actual market value based on sales of similar property, which may be influenced by development pressures.
Taxes are calculated on both market values, but paid on the lower, agricultural value each year.
The difference between the tax calculated on agricultural market value and the actual market value is deferred until the property is sold or no longer qualifies for the program.
Qualification
The property must be:
1. Classified as 2a agricultural land primarily devoted to agricultural use
2. At least 10 acres in size or a nursery or greenhouse
3. Either:
- Classified as homestead
- Farmed with the homestead property of a qualifying person or entity
- Owned by the applicant or their family at least 7 years
- Owned by a commercial nursery or greenhouse
Deadline
Deadline is May 1.
To fill out an application or for more information on the Hennepin County Green Acres and Rural Preserve programs, visit the Hennepin County website at the following link:
Hennepin County Green Acres and Rural Preserve Programs