Minnesota lawmakers passed a sweeping tax bill in the session's final days that includes a scaled-back version of the one-time rebates that lawmakers have been talking about for more than a year.
The state estimates more than 2.5 million Minnesota households are eligible for a rebate under the tax bill. It's been more than two decades since lawmakers last sent Minnesotans similar one-time rebate checks pitched by former Gov. Jesse Ventura.
Since then, tax filing technology has dramatically improved, and the state recently got some experience sending out direct payments through the COVID-19 front-line worker program. Some Minnesotans might not have to take any steps to get their rebate later this year.
"With the legislation now signed into law, we can begin implementing the tax rebate payments that were targeted to those who need them most," said Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the size of the rebates, how they'll be handed out and how quickly they could arrive.
How much are the one-time rebates?
Single Minnesotans who had an adjusted gross income of up to $75,000 a year in tax year 2021 can get a one-time refundable tax credit of $260, and married joint filers with an income of up to $150,000 that year get $520.
Families who meet those income thresholds are also eligible for an additional $260 per child, up to three children, for a maximum of $1,300. The 2021 tax year covers the period after December 31, 2020, and before January 1, 2022.
