The Minnesota Department of Revenue reports the conversion of an outdated, inefficient paper process to a completely electronic system, known as eCRV for filing Certificate of Real Estate Value forms.
"By going electronic, we're not only saving 600,000 pieces of paper each year, we are also saving the state, counties, industry professionals and the public time and resources, and making information accessible with the click of a mouse," said Revenue Commissioner Myron Frans.
Each year 145,000 CRVs are filed in Minnesota. A CRV must be filed for all real estate sales in Minnesota with a value of $1,000 or more. The eCRV centralizes all of this data. The CRV information is submitted to counties and the department uses it to analyze property tax assessments.
The department also uses this information for an annual study to determine the distribution of local government and school district aid across the state.
The Department of Revenue reports filing the form electronically is:
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• Secure: private information, including Social Security numbers, is now even more secure.
• Cost efficient: the new system will save the state, counties, industry professionals, and the public valuable time and resources.
• Simple and Fast: Filling out and submitting the form only takes a few mouse-clicks.
• Convenient: Users no longer have to travel to a county to submit or view CRV records.
This online system is a collaboration of work with Minnesota counties and the private sector.
"Our county staff loves the eCRV," said Cheryl Perish, Todd County recorder, in a news release. "This is a wonderful system. It saves time. If we find something that doesn't look correct, they fix it within minutes and we can keep moving forward. The eCRV is a win-win for the closing agent, the county offices, and, I believe, the department."
Additionally, an online public search feature allows anyone to view statewide eCRV information in a single place.
For all sales transacted after Sept. 30, certificates of real estate value must be submitted using eCRV. County and department staffs are prepared to help anyone needing assistance with this transition.
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For more information on eCRV, go to www.revenue.state.mn.us and enter "eCRV" in the Search box.
