Assessor's Office

Mission statement

To deliver quality assessment services in an effective, professional and cost-effective manner.

Department overview
The Office of the Assessor is responsible for discovering, listing and valuing all taxable property, both real and personal, for ad valorem tax purposes.

The assessment date is Jan. 2 of each year, at which time the assessor determines a full or partial value of new construction or improvements, depending upon the state of completion. Annual sales studies are used to analyze market conditions to determine how the assessor's estimated market value compares to actual property sales. The Minnesota Department of Revenue requires the estimated market value to fall within a range of 90% to 105% of actual market value.

Green Acres
Green Acres is a state program for valuing agricultural lands, an effort to preserve the state's farming heritage. It is administered by the Rice County Assessor's Office. The Green Acres Addendum Form must accompany the Green Acres Application.

Homesteading
The Rice County Assessor accepts homestead applications, a claim that a property is the owner's principal residence. Homesteading is a status that affects the tax rate of a property. Complete a Homestead Application and return it to the Assessor's Office to claim homestead status on a property. View the Applications and Documents page for additional homestead applications and instructions.