Assessor's Office

The Bemidji City Council encourages taxpayers to call or visit, attend the various meetings on valuation and budget, and learn all you can about the taxation process.

The City of Bemidji contracts with Beltrami County for assessing services.  The Assessor's office is located on the first floor of the Beltrami County Administration building.  Property tax functions are all coordinated through the customer service area. Staff from the Assessor's, Auditor-Treasurer's and Recorder's Offices have combined their services in this area so that customers should be able to receive all property related services with just one stop.  

What the Assessor Does

The County Assessor's office is responsible for estimating the market value and determining the legislative classification of all property in Beltrami County, including the City of Bemidji, for real estate tax purposes. The City Assessor will physically view property at the minimum of every fifth year, but re-value property each year based on a guide from the County Assessor. The City Assessor also classifies each parcel, based on its use, each year. 

The guide used by the City Assessor to determine the estimated market value is developed through an analysis of real estate sales, and the characteristics of the properties which sold. The guide is based on median sales prices.

Properties which are occupied as a primary residence by the owner, or a qualified relative of the owner may qualify for homestead. Occupants should contact the County Assessors office and fill out a homestead or relative homestead application. Homestead is a property tax reduction intended to keep taxes lower on owner/qualified relative occupied homes.

The estimated market value and classification are based on the condition and use of the property on January 2nd of each year. A notice of values and classes are mailed to the property owner in the spring of the year. If they disagree with the value or classification or have a question on the notice they received they should contact this office or their Township/City Assessor. If they feel they need to appeal the value or class further, there is information on the Notice as to the process. After the appeal process, the values and classifications are set and used for property tax for the following year.