Minnesota cabin owners could be in line for a big tax cut

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota cabin owners could be in line for a big tax cut.
 
The Star Tribune (http://strib.mn/1ZvCGrF) reports that House Republicans are proposing to eliminate the statewide property taxes on cabins. Minnesota levies that tax on cabins as if they were businesses, meaning they're taxed at a higher rate than normal homes. The tax has generated about $44 million each year for the state.
 
Democratic Rep. Paul Marquart says it's unfair to cut taxes for wealthy lakefront property owners before slashing everyday homeowners' bills. But advocates lobbying for the change say state law treats them unfairly and makes owning a cabin too expensive.
 
Top lawmakers are working out how to spend a projected $1.2 billion surplus when the Legislature returns in early March.