Estate Planning for Carver County, Minnesota Property Owners
For most Carver County homeowners, the house is what drags an estate into probate. A transfer-on-death deed or a living trust keeps it out—here is how to set up either one and record it locally.
For a Carver County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the District Court. The two tools that keep a Carver County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the County Recorder, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.
Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Carver County
A transfer on death deed lets an owner name a beneficiary who receives Carver County property automatically at death, without probate. It is recorded with the County Recorderduring the owner’s lifetime and can be revoked any time.
Where to Record Property Documents
Deeds and other real property documents for Carver County are recorded with the County Recorder at 600 East 4th Street, Chaska, MN 55318. Phone: 952-361-1930. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
Recording costs $46 base recording fee; TOD deeds are generally transfer-tax exempt. Page count, cover sheets, and any local transfer-tax add-ons under Minnesota law can change the final amount, so confirm the total with the County Recorder before submitting.
Carver County accepts e-recording through Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Carver County
Address
600 East 4th StreetChaska, MN 55318
Phone
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
E-recording
Available via SimplifileE-recording info →
Recording fees
| Base recording fee | $46 |
$46.00 per document (flat fee, not per page). If a document cites more than 4 recorded instruments, an additional $10.00 applies for each citation over four. Some counties may charge additional technology or compliance fees. Contact the specific county recorder for the current total fee.
Minn. Stat. 357.18
Transfer tax
$1.65 per $500 of consideration (0.33%). Minn. Stat. 287.21, subd. 1.. Transfer-on-death deeds are generally exempt (Deed tax applies only when consideration is exchanged (Minn. Stat. 287.21, subd. 1). TOD deeds recorded under Minn. Stat. 507.071 involve no present transfer of consideration, so no deed tax is due at the time of recording.). Hennepin and Ramsey counties may impose an additional environmental response fund fee. The deed tax is collected by the county treasurer at the time of recording.
Verified June 3, 2026 · Source
A Living Trust Covers More Than One Deed
A transfer-on-death deed moves a single property. A revocable living trust holds the home, bank and investment accounts, and other assets together, so the whole estate skips the District Court — not just the house. For a Carver County family with more than one major asset, the trust is usually the cleaner plan.
Create a Revocable Trust in 15 minutes
Legal Sources
- Minn. Stat. 357.18
Data sourced from Minnesota statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deeds and other real property documents for Carver County are recorded with the County Recorder at 600 East 4th Street, Chaska, MN 55318. Call 952-361-1930 to confirm current recording procedures.
Recording a deed in Carver County costs $46 base recording fee; TOD deeds are generally transfer-tax exempt. Page count, required cover sheets, and any local transfer tax can change the final total.
Carver County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile. Paper recording by mail or in person is also accepted.
The County Recorder is open Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Reach the office at 952-361-1930. Confirm whether walk-in or mail-in recording is preferred before you go.
Yes. Deeds recorded in Minnesota must be signed in front of a notary before the County Recorder will accept them. A transfer-on-death deed follows the same execution rules — see the Carver County signing requirements.
A transfer-on-death (TOD) deed names a beneficiary who receives the property automatically when the owner dies, without probate. The deed is recorded with the County Recorderduring the owner’s lifetime. Start one with the Minnesota TOD deed form.
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