Advanced homestead credit refund for seniors process and credit establishment provision

SF 1957 establishes a new "advance homestead credit for seniors" program for Minnesotans aged 65+ who already qualify for the standard homestead property tax credit. The bill allows eligible seniors to receive 50% of their prior year homestead credit refund as an advance payment applied to their first half of property taxes. County auditors must certify and apply this credit to qualifying properties by January 2 of the tax year, with any excess credit reducing the first half payment to $0. Local governments and school districts will be reimbursed by the state for tax reductions under this program, with payments scheduled for October 31 and December 26 annually. The program begins for property taxes payable in 2027.