Deadline Approaches: Claim Your Share of the $109 Million Settlement!
Time is of the essence for Minnesotans! If you’ve lost equity due to the seizure of your property because of delinquent taxes, you might still have a chance to reclaim some of that lost wealth. A substantial $109 million settlement fund awaits those affected, but the clock is ticking.
What You Need to Know About the Settlement
Thousands of Minnesotans are potentially eligible for a slice of this class-action settlement. However, to access these funds, you must file your claim by Friday, June 6. Alarmingly, only less than 1,000 claims have been made out of nearly 8,000 eligible seized properties. This is a call to action for all those impacted!
Expert Insights on the Importance of Filing
"We have been sending out notices, trying to raise awareness about this crucial deadline,” says Vildan Teske, an attorney who played a pivotal role in this landmark case that made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. “If you were going to file a claim, now is the time to do it.”
Garrett Blanchfield, another attorney involved, emphasizes the gravity of these seizures: “These actions often take away people’s largest assets, which they’ve spent years building equity in, but tax bills piled up."
The Legal Journey: How the Settlement Came to Be
The Minnesota Legislature established this fund in 2024 following a Supreme Court ruling declaring a century-old state law that permitted counties to seize and sell properties with overdue taxes as unconstitutional. This law allowed various governmental entities to split the proceeds from these sales after clearing unpaid taxes, interest, fees, and other costs.
In a unanimous ruling in 2023, the Supreme Court found that this law violated the Fifth Amendment’s prohibition on seizing property without just compensation. A wave of lawsuits erupted after this landmark ruling, prompting more than a dozen other states with similar laws to reevaluate their policies.
The Case that Changed Everything
The saga began with Geraldine Tyler, who filed suit against Hennepin County after her north Minneapolis condominium was seized and sold over a debt of only $2,300 in back taxes plus $13,200 in interest, penalties, and fees. Tyler had purchased her condo in 1999 but left it behind for assisted living in 2010, allowing the tax issues to escalate.
The resulting legal battle not only brought her case to the forefront but also sparked a broader conversation regarding property rights and equitable treatment in tax law.
Take Action Now: Filing Your Claim
If you believe you are affected by this situation, don’t delay. The opportunity to reclaim what is rightfully yours is fleeting. For more information and to file your claim, visit the official Minnesota Tax Forfeiture Settlement website.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss Out!
Engagement is key—make sure you spread the word to friends and family who might also be eligible. Together, we can ensure that fairness is restored and those hit hardest by the seizure of their properties have the chance to reclaim their lost wealth.
Time is ticking—file your claim today and reclaim your financial peace of mind!
