Compensation Available for Owners of Forfeited Minnesota Property

Understanding the Minnesota Property Forfeiture Settlement

If you have lost your property in Minnesota due to unpaid property taxes, you may be eligible for financial compensation through a recent class action settlement. The settlement has been initiated to address claims that property owners did not receive fair compensation for their forfeited properties, particularly when the property’s value exceeded the owed taxes and related fees.

Details of the Lawsuit

The case, highlighted as Tyler v. Hennepin County, focuses on the rights of property owners, their heirs, or other interested parties who have faced forfeiture due to tax-related issues. This lawsuit emphasizes the need to provide just compensation where properties were taken without adequate reimbursement for their true market value.

Who Is Eligible for Compensation?

If you owned or had a stake in a property in Minnesota that was forfeited due to non-payment of property taxes, you might qualify as a Class Member in this settlement. The eligible counties include:

• Hennepin County: For properties forfeited between August 16, 2012, and December 31, 2023.
• St. Louis County: For properties forfeited from June 2, 2016, to December 31, 2023.
• All Other Minnesota Counties: For properties forfeited from June 23, 2016, to December 31, 2023.

Interests in real property can include ownership stakes, mortgages, or any liens on the property. Even if the original owner has passed away or the entity no longer exists, heirs may still be eligible for a claim under this agreement.

What Will the Settlement Provide?

Class Members who file a valid claim can receive up to 90% of the surplus value from their forfeited property. This is based on either the sales price or the fair market value assessed by local authorities, minus any outstanding taxes and fees. Mineral rights holders will receive a fixed payment of $300, plus interest. It’s important to understand that if multiple claims arise for the same property, the total amount disbursed cannot exceed 90% of its surplus value. All claims need to be submitted and validated before any payments can occur.

Your Rights and Options

As a Class Member, there are several actions you can take to secure your rights:

• File a Claim: To be eligible for compensation, you must file a claim. You can do so through the website MNTaxForfeitureSettlement.com, or download a claim form. Ensure your submission is completed online by 5 p.m. CDT on June 6, 2025, or postmarked by this date.
• Do Nothing, Object, or Exclude Yourself: If you choose not to participate, you will not receive compensation but will be bound by the Court's decisions. If you wish to object to the settlement, this can be done, and you may still qualify for compensation. Any objections must be submitted by November 8, 2024. If you decide to exclude yourself, you retain your right to sue over the claims addressed by this settlement, but will not receive any payment.

Detailed instructions on how to file your claim, object, or opt-out can be found at MNTaxForfeitureSettlement.com or by calling 1-833-709-0093.

Upcoming Court Hearing

A fairness hearing will be held by the Court to evaluate the settlement on December 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. CT. The hearing will be conducted online exclusively at www.Zoom.com. Class members are encouraged to attend as observers. Please label yourself as an "Observer" when joining.

During the hearing, the Court will consider any objections and assess whether the settlement terms are fair. It will also review attorney’s fees and expenses associated with administering the settlement fund.

Summary of Information

This summary serves as a guide for property owners affected by the forfeiture process. For more comprehensive information, please visit MNTaxForfeitureSettlement.com, call 1-833-709-0093, or reach out through written correspondence to the Kroll Settlement Administration. It’s vital to stay informed about your rights and the options available to you under this settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I think I qualify for the settlement?

If you believe you qualify, file a claim at MNTaxForfeitureSettlement.com before the deadline to ensure you receive any compensation you may be entitled to.

How will the settlement amount be calculated?

The settlement amount is based on the property's surplus value after deducting any taxes and charges owed. Claims will be capped at 90% of this value.

What are my options if I do not want to participate in the settlement?

You can choose to do nothing and be bound by the settlement, object to the terms, or exclude yourself, which allows you to retain the right to pursue your claims individually.

Is the online hearing mandatory to attend?

No, attending the hearing is not mandatory, but it is an opportunity to understand the proceedings and participate as an observer.

Where can I find more information about the lawsuit?

More information can be found on MNTaxForfeitureSettlement.com or by contacting customer service at 1-833-709-0093.

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