The Minnesota Department of Revenue turns 50 years old

ST. PAUL, Minn. - July 2023 officially marks 50 years since the Minnesota Department of Taxation changed its name to the Minnesota Department of Revenue. From administering a handful of assessments and taxes in the early 20th century, the department received more than 6 million payments, issued approximately 3.5 million tax refunds, and collected more than $33 billion in tax revenue in 2021.

“This agency has a long history of funding the priorities of the state of Minnesota,” said Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart. “From protecting our natural resources, to providing educational opportunities for students, to building the infrastructure that has allowed Minnesota’s economy to grow and thrive; the work done by dedicated employees of this agency over the years has made a positive impact on generations of Minnesotans.”

History of the Minnesota Department of Revenue

Beginning in 1907, the Minnesota Tax Commission replaced the State Board of Equalization and was headed by a three-member committee appointed by the governor. As the state’s tax needs evolved, so did the agency. In 1939, a reorganization of state government changed the Minnesota Tax Commission to the Minnesota Department of Taxation, an agency headed by a single commissioner appointed by the governor. Following legislation passed during the 1973 legislative session, the agency name was changed to the Minnesota Department of Revenue. For further reading about the history of the Minnesota Department of Revenue, visit the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library.

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