Rebate checks for Minnesotans begin this week, up to $1,300 per family

(FOX 9) - A prominent promise made by Gov. Tim Walz last legislative session will begin to come to fruition for Minnesotans this week.

On Wednesday, Gov. Walz held an event to announce that as families gear up for the back-to-school season, the one-time tax rebate payments of up to $1,300 per family will start being sent to tax filers. 

"As Minnesotans plan for back-to-school, we know that the excitement families are feeling is mixed with the stress that comes with buying books, backpacks, and clothes," said Gov. Walz. "We’re going to help with that – both with payments of up to $1,300 per family and universal free breakfast and lunch. I am grateful for the Department of Revenue’s work to deliver these payments to Minnesotans as soon as possible."

The legislation provides payments to eligible Minnesotans, including $520 for married couples filing a joint 2021 income or property tax return with adjusted gross income of $150,000 or less. Another $260 will be received for each dependent, with a cap of up to three dependents. 

Individuals with a 2021 adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less are expected to receive payments of $260.

"This tax rebate was proposed and passed to help ease the pain of the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation," said Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart. "Gov. Walz and Revenue staff prioritized the implementation of this rebate program this summer knowing how important the payments are to Minnesotans to help pay for everyday expenses." 

According to the announcement, direct deposit payments will go out first, followed by paper checks in the mail. Nearly $2.1 million in rebate payments are expected to be initiated by the end of September.