Folks who purchased or moved into a new home this year may need to file a homestead classification application before taxes.

Stearns County says the property tax homestead classification affects the amount of taxes a property owner will pay in 2017, and may affect a taxpayer’s ability to get a refund.

Applications should be filled out if property was purchased before Dec. 1 this year and the owner, or qualifying relative, live there. You should also submit an application if the property owner, or qualifying relative, lives there for homestead purposes and it was previously classified as non-homestead.

Applications are due to the County Assessor by Dec. 15. 

For more information and an application, visit the Stearns County website.