Hennepin County, MN $109 Million Tax Forfeiture Settlement

If you owned or held an interest in property that was forfeited in Minnesota due to non-payment of taxes, you might be eligible to claim up to 90% of the surplus value from a class action settlement.

Hennepin County has agreed to pay $109 million to settle a class action lawsuit for allegedly failing to compensate property owners for the value of their tax-forfeited properties beyond unpaid taxes and related fees.

Who can file a claim?

To be part of the settlement, you must have held any ownership interest, including a valid lien or other security interest, in an "Eligible Property" forfeited during the specified "Class Period," and for which there was "Surplus Value."

Eligibility dates by county:

• Hennepin County Properties: Forfeited between August 16, 2012, and December 31, 2023.
• St. Louis County Properties: Forfeited between June 2, 2016, and December 31, 2023.
• All Other Minnesota Counties: Forfeited between June 23, 2016, and December 31, 2023.

How much can class members get?

Former owners will receive up to 90% of the surplus value of their forfeited property, plus interest from the date of forfeiture. The surplus value is the property's value at the time of forfeiture minus taxes and associated charges owed.

• Former Owners: Up to 90% of the surplus value, plus interest.
• Severed Mineral Rights Owners: A flat payment of $300 per parcel, plus interest.
• Lienholders: Payment up to the lien value as of the date of forfeiture, plus interest, based on the unpaid lien amount, the surplus value, and other valid claims.

If multiple approved claims are made on an eligible property, the total settlement payment will be allocated among the claimants, with the payment capped at 90% of the surplus value plus interest.

What documentation is required to submit a claim?

Claimants need to provide proof of their ownership interest, lien, or other security interest in the forfeited property. This may include deeds, mortgages, property tax bills, or lien documents.

The required documentation varies based on the claimant's category:

• Property Owners: Deeds, mortgages, property tax bills.
• Heirs/Successors: Wills, obituaries, probate documents.
• Lienholders: Lien documents at the time of forfeiture.

How to file a claim

To claim an award, you must complete and submit a claim form. You can file a claim online or download a claim form and mail it to the Claims Administrator at:

Tyler v. Hennepin County

c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC

P.O. Box 5324

New York, NY 10150-5324

Payment methods

Payments will be made via check to the address provided in the claim form.

Important dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: June 6, 2025
• Final Approval Hearing: December 16, 2024

When is the Tyler v. Hennepin County payout date?

After the final approval hearing on December 16, 2024, the court will decide whether to approve the settlement. If approved, payments will be distributed to those who submitted valid claims.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The class action lawsuit was initiated because the State and Minnesota Counties allegedly violated property owners' constitutional rights by not compensating them for the value of tax-forfeited properties beyond unpaid taxes and fees. The U.S. Supreme Court found the claims valid, but the defendants deny liability. The settlement avoids further litigation costs and provides compensation to affected property owners.