Lake County Mails 2026 Tax Statements, Valuation Notices Together This Spring

Lake County combined two separate property notices into one envelope this spring, sending residents their 2026 Property Tax Statement alongside their 2026 Valuation Notice. The tax statement covers taxes payable in 2026; the valuation notice sets the assessed market value and property classification that will drive taxes payable in 2027.

County treasurers in Minnesota are required by statute to send property tax statements by March 31 each year. The property tax statement is the final notice sent to property owners in a given tax year cycle, containing a breakdown of tax amounts owed to each taxing jurisdiction. The valuation notice, issued by the county assessor, must be mailed at least ten days before the meeting of the Local Boards of Appeal and Equalization, which typically convene between April 1 and later in the spring.

First-half 2026 property tax payments are due May 15, with second-half payments due October 15. If either date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, payment is due the following Monday. Owners of agricultural real property have until November 15 for their second-half payment.

Property owners who have not yet received the combined mailing can view or print current or delinquent tax statements at any time at parcelinfo.com. Taxes can be paid in person, by mail, online, or through a drop box in front of the Law Enforcement Center at 613 3rd Ave, which is marked with a sign indicating property tax payments are accepted there. The Lake County Auditor's webpage at co.lake.mn.us/auditor/ lists updated payment options.

The county's 2026 tax cycle follows a schedule in which auditors computed tax rates in January, with first-half state aid payments to local governments scheduled for July 20 and second-half state aid payments on December 26.

County officials advise reviewing each notice carefully, as the two documents cover different tax years and serve distinct administrative purposes within the property tax cycle.