Did you know that as a Minnesota renter, you could be leaving hundreds—even thousands—of dollars on the table each year? The Minnesota Renter’s Credit is one of the most valuable yet underutilized benefits available to tenants in the Twin Cities and throughout the state. With refunds reaching up to $2,720, understanding how to claim this credit could put significant money back in your pocket.
At Apartment Resource Group, we’ve spent over 20 years helping renters throughout St. Paul, Minneapolis, and the greater Twin Cities area find their perfect home. Part of our commitment to exceptional service means ensuring our residents understand every benefit available to them—including this valuable tax credit that many Minnesota renters miss out on each year.
Whether you’re renting an apartment in St. Paul, a townhome in Bloomington, or a unit anywhere across Minnesota, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about claiming your Minnesota Renter’s Credit in 2025.
What Is the Minnesota Renter’s Credit?
The Minnesota Renter’s Credit (formerly known as the Renter’s Property Tax Refund) is a refundable tax credit designed to provide property tax relief to Minnesota renters. When you pay rent, a portion of that payment goes toward the property taxes on the building where you live. The state of Minnesota allows eligible renters to reclaim some of this money based on their income and the amount of rent they paid during the year.
According to the Minnesota Department of Revenue, to qualify for this credit, you must have:
- Lived in and paid rent on a Minnesota building where the owner was assessed property tax or made payments in lieu of property tax
- Household income below $77,570
- Not been claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
The maximum credit available is $2,720—a substantial amount that could help cover moving expenses, build your emergency fund, or simply ease your monthly budget.
Major Changes for 2025: What You Need to Know
Important Update: Starting with 2024 taxes (filed in 2025), the process for claiming the Minnesota Renter’s Credit has changed significantly. Previously, renters filed a separate Renter’s Property Tax Refund return (Form M1PR). Now, you claim the Renter’s Credit as part of your Minnesota Individual Income Tax return (Form M1).
This change means:
- No more separate filing – The credit is now integrated into your regular state tax return
- Earlier refunds – You’ll receive your renter’s credit along with any income tax refund, rather than waiting until later in the year
- New forms required – You’ll need to complete Schedule M1RENT and Schedule M1REF along with your Form M1
As the Minnesota Department of Revenue explains, “Starting with your 2024 taxes, if you are a renter, you can claim the Renter’s Credit as part of your Minnesota Individual Income Tax return (Form M1). You will no longer file a Renter’s Property Tax Refund return (Form M1PR).”
Understanding Your Certificate of Rent Paid (CRP)
The Certificate of Rent Paid (CRP) is the essential document you need to claim your Minnesota Renter’s Credit. This form shows how much rent you paid during the previous year and is provided by your landlord or property manager.
Key CRP Facts:
- Deadline for landlords: Your property owner or managing agent must give you a completed CRP by January 31 of each year
- What it contains: The amount of rent you paid and the rental period
- Electronic or paper: Landlords can provide the CRP as either an electronic or hard copy
What If You Don’t Receive Your CRP?
If your landlord fails to provide your CRP by February 1, don’t panic. You have options:
- Contact your landlord – Call or write to remind them of their legal obligation. Landlords can be fined $100 for each CRP not provided.
- Request a Rent Paid Affidavit (RPA) – If you cannot get a CRP from your property owner, you can request an RPA from the Minnesota Department of Revenue starting February 1 each year.
According to LawHelp Minnesota, “If your landlord does not give you the CRP, call the landlord and remind them that they can be fined $100 for each CRP not provided.”
At Apartment Resource Group, transparency is one of our core values. Our residents can always count on receiving their CRP documents on time, and our team is available to answer any questions about the process.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Claim Your Minnesota Renter’s Credit
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- Your Certificate of Rent Paid (CRP) from your landlord
- Your income information (W-2s, 1099s, etc.)
- Your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Step 2: Determine Your Eligibility
You may be eligible for the Renter’s Credit if:
- You rented a home in Minnesota during the tax year
- The building owner paid property taxes (or payments in lieu of property tax)
- Your household income is below the threshold ($77,570 for 2024 taxes)
- You are not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return
Step 3: Complete the Required Forms
For electronic filing: Use tax software to file your Minnesota income tax return online. The software will guide you through entering your CRP information on Schedule M1RENT.
For paper filing: Download and complete:
- Form M1 (Minnesota Individual Income Tax Return)
- Schedule M1REF
- Schedule M1RENT
Mail your completed return with copies of all your CRPs to: Minnesota Revenue Mail Station 0010 600 N. Robert St. St. Paul, MN 55146-0010
Step 4: File by the Deadline
The deadline for filing your Minnesota income tax return (including the Renter’s Credit) is April 15, 2025 for 2024 taxes.
Calculating Your Potential Refund
The amount of your Renter’s Credit depends on your household income and the amount of rent you paid. Generally, lower-income renters receive larger credits.
Income Considerations
Your household income for the renter’s credit is your adjusted gross income minus certain subtractions. If you’re married filing separately, your household income includes your spouse’s income while you were married and living together.
Subtractions That Can Increase Your Refund
Certain subtractions can help you qualify for a larger refund:
- Dependents living with you
- Age 65 or older (born before January 2, 1960)
- Disability-related subtractions
According to the Minnesota House of Representatives, “For tax year 2024 credit claims paid in 2025, the maximum refund is $2,640. Renters whose income exceeds $75,389 are not eligible for refunds.”
Special Situations: FAQs for Minnesota Renters
If you rented more than one unit during the year, you’ll need a CRP from each property. Combine the rent amounts from all CRPs when claiming your credit.
According to the Minnesota Department of Revenue, “If you lived separately the entire year, you would claim the Renter’s Credit using the renter’s income and their CRP on Schedule M1RENT.”
If you missed claiming the Renter’s Credit on your original return, you must amend your return. File Form M1X along with Schedule M1REF and Schedule M1RENT.
Yes! Even if you’re not required to file a federal or state income tax return, you must file both returns to claim the Renter’s Credit.
If you rent a mobile home and receive a CRP for renting plus a separate CRP for lot rental, claim the Renter’s Credit on Form M1 using Schedule M1RENT and combine rent amounts from both CRPs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Missing the Deadline
Don’t wait until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to gather documents and file correctly.
2. Not Requesting Your CRP Early
If you haven’t received your CRP by early February, contact your landlord immediately. The longer you wait, the more complicated it becomes.
3. Forgetting About Multiple Residences
If you moved during the year, you need CRPs from ALL rental properties where you lived.
4. Incorrect Income Reporting
Make sure your household income calculation is accurate, including any subtractions you qualify for.
5. Filing the Wrong Form
Remember: Starting in 2025, you claim this credit on your regular income tax return (Form M1), NOT the old Form M1PR.
Resources and Help
Free Tax Preparation Assistance
If you need help preparing your taxes, you may qualify for free assistance through:
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) – For qualifying taxpayers
- AARP Tax-Aide – For older taxpayers
The Minnesota Department of Revenue offers a tool to find free tax preparation help in your area.
Helpful Links
- Minnesota Department of Revenue – Renter’s Credit
- Renter’s Credit FAQs
- HOME Line – Renter’s Credit Information
- LawHelp Minnesota – Renter’s Refund Guide
Why Understanding Your Renter Rights Matters
At Apartment Resource Group, we believe that informed renters are empowered renters. Understanding benefits like the Minnesota Renter’s Credit is just one part of being a knowledgeable tenant in the Twin Cities.
With over 20 years of experience in property management throughout St. Paul, Minneapolis, Bloomington, Eagan, and surrounding communities, we’ve built our reputation on transparency and exceptional service. Our team is committed to ensuring every resident has the information they need to thrive in their home.
Looking for your next apartment in the Twin Cities? Browse our available properties or contact us to learn more about how we support our residents.
Key Takeaways
✅ The Minnesota Renter’s Credit can provide refunds up to $2,720
✅ Starting in 2025, claim the credit on your regular Form M1 income tax return—not the old M1PR
✅ Your landlord must provide your CRP by January 31
✅ File by April 15, 2025 for 2024 taxes
✅ Don’t leave money on the table—even if you’re not required to file taxes, you must file to claim the credit
Need a Great Place to Rent in the Twin Cities?
Apartment Resource Group offers quality rental properties throughout the Twin Cities metro area, from St. Paul to Minneapolis, Bloomington to Eagan. Our commitment to transparency means you’ll always receive your CRP on time and have a property management team that truly cares about your experience.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice. Tax laws change frequently, and individual circumstances vary. Please consult with a qualified tax professional or the Minnesota Department of Revenue for guidance specific to your situation.
