Assessor

Homestead Applications:

There is a drop off box located between the courthouse and the parking lot to the east of the courthouse. If you have a homestead application to submit, you may use the drop box, mail to us at the address below or bring it to the office. If you need assistance filling out the application, feel free to call us at 507 375-1205 or stop in the office.:

• Watonwan County Assessor
• Watonwan County Courthouse
• 710 2nd Ave. S.
• PO BOX 518
• St. James, MN 56081-0518

Responsibilities & Services

The county assessor estimates property market values and classifies them according to their use for property tax purposes. On a regular basis the assessor reviews the market valuation of your property to determine if changes in the real estate market require a change in the estimated market value.

Minnesota law requires that assessors actually view each parcel of real estate every five years to appraise its market value. In addition, each year the appraiser inspects parcels with new construction, alterations, or improvements.

Taxes

The assessor’s responsibility is with market value and classification, not taxes. The assessor does not: collect taxes, calculate taxes, determine tax rates, or establish property tax laws.