Friends and neighbors,
Let’s talk about Geraldine Tyler. She’s a 94-year-old woman from Minneapolis who found herself in a tough spot. Ms. Tyler lost her home after falling behind on property taxes. She owed about $2,300 in property taxes on her one-bedroom condo, which grew to about $15,000 with interest and fees. Hennepin County seized her home and sold it for $40,000. But after the sale, the county kept the entire amount, even though she only owed $15,000. In effect, Hennepin County took an extra $25,000 from Ms. Tyler!
Ms. Tyler fought back. Her case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. In a significant legal victory, the Court ruled in favor of Ms. Tyler, ruling that the government keeping the extra $25,000 from the sale violated her rights.
The case has wide-reaching implications for property owners across Minnesota. Moving forward, all counties in Minnesota will have to refund excess money they’ve kept from tax-forfeited property sales. Last session, the legislature provided some funding to help, and a class action lawsuit is also underway in Ramsey County to ensure that property owners receive the compensation they deserve. For those eligible, compensation could reach up to 90% of the property’s surplus value, plus interest.
If you or someone you know may have been affected by property forfeiture between 2012 and 2023, visit www.mntaxforfeituresettlement.com for more information on eligibility.
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I love hearing your feedback! If you ever have any comments, questions, or concerns about what we are working on here at the Capitol, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach me by phone at 651-296-5612 or email me at sen.steve.drazkowski@mnsenate.gov.
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It is a privilege to serve you.