Montana Property Tax 2026: Rates, Calculator & Exemptions

Montana Property Tax rates for 2026 are posted by the Montana Department of Revenue Property Assessment Division and affect every homeowner, landlord, and landowner in the state. Property tax rates Montana vary by county, with Missoula and Billings showing the highest assessments for residential and commercial properties. The county tax assessor Montana office provides an online property tax calculator Montana that instantly shows your estimated bill, due dates, and any available Montana property tax exemptions such as the homestead exemption or senior relief. If you think your valuation is too high, you can follow the how to appeal Montana property tax steps outlined by the assessor and file an appeal before the Montana property tax deadlines.

Montana Property Tax refunds are issued when overpayments are identified through the property tax appeal process Montana, and the Montana tax collector contact can be reached at (406) 444-6900 for payment options or deferral requests. Owners of rental properties, mobile homes, or commercial land should check the property tax on rental properties Montana and property tax on commercial property sections to avoid surprise liens. The Montana property tax law 2026 also introduced new credit options that may apply to retirees or qualifying veterans. Use the official portal https://property.mt.gov to view assessments, confirm your property tax credit Montana, and request any needed exemptions.

Search Montana Property Tax

Property owners, buyers, and real estate professionals can access current Montana Property Tax records, valuations, and billing data through the state’s official public search portal at https://property.mt.gov. The portal is maintained by the Montana Department of Revenue Property Assessment Division and offers free searches by parcel number, owner name, address, or subdivision.

To begin a search, visit https://property.mt.gov from any desktop or mobile browser. From the homepage, select the property search tab at the top of the screen. The interface loads a clean search form with multiple field options including Parcel ID, Owner Name, Property Address, Legal Description, and Geocode. Each field accepts partial text input, which helps users locate records when full details are unavailable.

After entering search criteria, click the search button to generate results. The system returns matching parcels with photo, market value, assessed value, tax district, and exemption status displayed in a sortable table. Click any row to open a detailed property record page that lists ownership history, land use code, building details, prior-year taxes, and current-year billing. Users may print, download, or save these records as PDF for personal records, lender documentation, or appeal preparation.

1. Open https://property.mt.gov in your browser.
2. Select the property search tab on the main navigation bar.
3. Choose a search method: Parcel ID, Owner, Address, or Legal Description.
4. Type the relevant text into the search field and click search.
5. Browse the results list and click the parcel of interest for full details.
6. Print or save the property record using the icons at the top of the detail page.

Montana Property Tax Rates by County

Montana Property Tax rates are set locally at the county level based on the budgets approved by school districts, county commissioners, municipalities, and special districts. The Montana Department of Revenue Property Assessment Division calculates the assessed value, but the final tax bill depends on mill levies set by each taxing jurisdiction. Statewide, property tax rates Montana vary significantly, with rural counties often posting lower mill levies and urban counties like Yellowstone and Missoula showing higher rates.

Property tax rates Montana are expressed in mills, where one mill equals one dollar of tax per one thousand dollars of assessed value. A typical Montana home sees combined mill levies ranging from 600 to 1,200 mills depending on the school district, fire district, and other local services. Missoula County and Yellowstone County consistently show the highest effective property tax rates Montana because of their larger school district budgets and city services. Smaller counties such as Petroleum, Garfield, and Treasure generally show lower aggregate rates.

Homeowners can verify the exact property tax rates Montana applied to their parcel through the detail page on https://property.mt.gov. The record shows each taxing entity, its mill levy, and the amount of tax owed to that entity. The data refreshes annually after the Department of Revenue certifies assessed values and each jurisdiction adopts its budget.

Montana Property Tax Calculator and Estimated Bills

The Montana Property Tax calculator provided by the Department of Revenue helps owners estimate their annual tax bill using the parcel’s assessed value and the combined mill levies of all taxing entities. The free tool sits within the public search portal at https://property.mt.gov and updates whenever a county submits new mill levy data. Users enter their parcel number, and the calculator pulls the certified assessed value automatically for an instant estimate.

The property tax calculator Montana also breaks down which portion of the bill goes to each taxing entity, including elementary school, high school, county government, city government, fire district, and any special districts. This transparency helps property owners identify which local services receive the largest share of their tax dollars. Commercial property owners and landlords rely on the same calculator to project cash flow for property tax on rental properties Montana and property tax on commercial property Montana.

For the most accurate projection, owners should pair the calculator output with the latest mill levy notices published by their county treasurer. The Department of Revenue updates property tax rates Montana each fall after the county assessors certify valuations and local budgets pass their final approval.

• Open https://property.mt.gov and search for your parcel by ID or address.
• Locate the assessed value field on the property detail page.
• Identify all taxing entities listed for the parcel and their mill levies.
• Multiply the assessed value by the combined mill levies and divide by 1,000 to get the annual bill.
• Subtract any Montana Property Tax exemptions or credits that apply to your parcel.

Montana Property Tax Exemptions

Montana Property Tax exemptions reduce the taxable value of a property before the mill levies apply, lowering the final bill. The Department of Revenue administers several categories of exemption, including the homestead exemption, the disabled veteran exemption, the religious and charitable exemption, and the agricultural land classification. Each exemption has its own application form, filing deadline, and eligibility criteria. Property owners must apply for most exemptions; the state does not grant them automatically.

The Montana homestead exemption reduces the taxable assessed value of an owner-occupied primary residence by up to a set dollar amount set by the legislature. The exact cap adjusts periodically based on state law. Property tax exemptions Montana also include a 100 percent disabled veteran exemption that removes the full assessed value from taxation for qualifying veterans. Surviving spouses of deceased disabled veterans may continue to claim the exemption under specific conditions.

Agricultural land receives a preferential tax treatment through the Montana Department of Revenue Property Assessment Division, classifying cropland and grazing land at productive value rather than market value. The classification typically reduces the bill for large ranches and family farms. Religious organizations, charities, schools, and certain government properties may also qualify for full exemption through the property tax credit Montana provisions.

Montana Homestead Exemption Requirements

The Montana homestead exemption protects a portion of the assessed value of an owner-occupied home from property tax. Applicants must own the property, occupy it as their primary residence on or before April 1 of the tax year, and file a homestead exemption application with the county assessor. The filing deadline typically falls in the spring of each year, and late applications risk denial for the current tax cycle.

To qualify for the Montana homestead exemption, the property must be a single-family dwelling, a condominium unit, a manufactured home, or a townhouse. Rental properties, vacation homes, and second residences do not qualify. Owners may claim the exemption on a parcel with multiple dwelling units only when they occupy one unit as their primary residence. The exemption applies to the land directly under the home and up to one acre of adjoining land.

Applicants must provide proof of ownership through a recorded deed, proof of residency through a Montana driver license, voter registration, or tax return, and a signed application form available on https://property.mt.gov or from the county assessor office. The Department of Revenue processes applications and notifies applicants of approval, denial, or required corrections by mail. Approved exemptions stay in place until the property changes ownership, the owner moves, or the applicant requests removal.

• Confirm ownership and primary residence status by April 1.
• Download the homestead exemption form from the county assessor or state portal.
• Provide supporting documents: deed, driver license, voter registration, or tax records.
• Submit the form to the county assessor before the annual filing deadline.
• Track approval status through the notice mailed by the Department of Revenue.

Property Tax Relief Programs Montana

Property tax relief programs Montana help lower-income households, seniors, and disabled residents reduce or eliminate their annual property tax bill. The two main programs are the Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP) and the Elderly Homeowner Property Tax Credit. Each program has income limits, age requirements, and application windows. The state funds the programs through the general fund and county reimbursements.

PTAP provides a direct payment to qualifying applicants that offsets a portion of their property tax bill. The Elderly Homeowner Property Tax Credit offers a refundable income tax credit based on a percentage of property taxes paid. Both programs require applicants to file a Montana individual income tax return and meet the household income ceiling set by the legislature. Property tax relief programs Montana also include a special reduced rate for low-income mobile home owners in certain counties.

To apply, taxpayers complete the PTAP or Elderly Homeowner Credit form attached to the Montana Form 2 income tax return. The Department of Revenue verifies ownership, residency, and income, then issues a refund or direct payment to the applicant. Owners of rental properties and second homes do not qualify, as the programs target primary residences. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 70 percent or higher may qualify for additional property tax credit Montana under the disabled veteran program.

Property Tax Appeal Process Montana

Property owners who disagree with the Department of Revenue’s assessed value may file an appeal through the Montana Property Tax appeal process. The appeal must be filed with the county Board of Equalization by the third Monday in June for the current tax year, or by the next business day if that Monday falls on a holiday. Missing the deadline forfeits the right to appeal for that year, so owners should file early to avoid delays.

The property tax appeal process Montana begins with the owner submitting an Appeal of Property Valuation form to the county assessor or Board of Equalization. The form requires the parcel number, current assessed value, requested value, and a written explanation of the grounds for appeal. Common grounds include recent purchase price below the assessed value, comparable sales in the area, physical changes to the property that reduce value, or errors in square footage or land size.

After filing, the Board of Equalization schedules a hearing, typically in July or August. Owners may attend in person, by phone, or through a representative, and they may present evidence such as an independent appraisal, broker price opinion, or comparable sales report. The Board issues a written decision within a set window. Owners who disagree with the Board decision may escalate the case to the Montana Tax Appeal Board, which holds a formal hearing and issues a final order reviewable by district court.

1. Obtain the Appeal of Property Valuation form from the county assessor or Department of Revenue.
2. Complete the form with parcel details, current and proposed values, and appeal grounds.
3. Submit the form to the county Board of Equalization by the third Monday in June.
4. Prepare supporting evidence: appraisal, comparable sales, photos, repair estimates.
5. Attend the scheduled hearing to present the case in person or by phone.
6. Receive the written decision and escalate to the Montana Tax Appeal Board if needed.

Montana Property Tax Deadlines

Montana Property Tax deadlines follow a strict annual calendar. The Department of Revenue certifies assessed values on the first Monday in August. County treasurers mail tax bills on or before October 1. Property taxes are due in two equal installments: the first installment is due by November 30, and the second installment is due by May 31 of the following year. Late payments accrue interest and may trigger property tax liens Montana on the parcel.

Montana Property Tax deadlines for appeals run on a separate track. Owners must file an appeal with the county Board of Equalization by the third Monday in June. The deadline for filing a Montana Property Tax refund claim is the later of 30 days after the tax payment or one year after the tax became payable. Property tax deferral applications must be filed with the county treasurer by March 15 of the year the tax becomes due.

Homestead exemption applications and agricultural land classification applications have their own deadlines, typically in the spring. Property tax relief programs Montana, including PTAP and the Elderly Homeowner Credit, follow the income tax filing deadline of April 15. Owners should mark each deadline on a calendar to avoid missing an opportunity for savings.

Montana Property Tax Refund Eligibility

Montana Property Tax refund claims arise in three main scenarios: overpayment due to a successful appeal, payment error by the county treasurer, or a duplicate payment. The Department of Revenue and county treasurer process refund requests on a case-by-case basis, requiring documentation of the original payment and the reason for the refund. Most refunds issue automatically after a successful appeal, so the owner does not need to file a separate claim.

For overpayments caused by incorrect mill levies or assessment errors, the owner must file a written Montana Property Tax refund claim with the county treasurer. The treasurer reviews the claim, verifies the overpayment amount, and submits a request to the Department of Revenue for approval. Approved refunds are typically paid by check or direct deposit within 60 to 90 days.

Property tax credit Montana programs such as PTAP and the Elderly Homeowner Credit function like refunds by providing cash payments or income tax credits that offset property tax paid. Owners must file a Montana individual income tax return and complete the appropriate schedule to receive these credits. Late filings risk forfeiture, so refunds and credits should be applied for as soon as the underlying tax year closes.

• Confirm a successful appeal decision in writing from the Board of Equalization.
• Check the county treasurer payment record for duplicate or overpayment.
• Submit a written refund claim to the county treasurer with supporting documents.
• Track the claim status by phone at (406) 444-6900.
• Receive refund payment by check or direct deposit after Department of Revenue approval.

Property Tax on Rental Properties Montana

Property tax on rental properties Montana applies to the full market value of the parcel, including land, buildings, and any outbuildings used for tenant services. Landlords and real estate investors should treat property tax as a fixed operating expense in cash flow analysis, since the bill recurs twice per year. Rental properties do not qualify for the Montana homestead exemption, but they may qualify for agricultural classification if the land is leased for grazing or crop production.

The Department of Revenue classifies rental property under its commercial or residential rental code based on the property’s primary use. Multi-family buildings with five or more units fall under commercial classification, which carries a different assessment ratio in some counties. Single-family rentals and duplexes typically receive residential treatment. Owners can verify their classification on the parcel detail page at https://property.mt.gov.

Landlords may deduct property tax on rental properties Montana as a rental expense on Schedule E of the federal tax return, lowering their federal income tax liability. Tracking each parcel’s property tax payment separately helps owners prepare clean tax filings and respond to any IRS inquiries. Renters do not pay property tax directly; landlords build the cost into monthly rent. Property tax relief programs Montana do not apply to rental parcels, so investors should set aside funds for both installments each year.

Property Tax on Commercial Property Montana

Property tax on commercial property Montana covers office buildings, retail centers, industrial facilities, hotels, and multi-family rentals of five or more units. The Department of Revenue values commercial property based on the income approach, cost approach, or sales comparison approach, depending on the data available for the property type. Owners often engage commercial appraisers to defend or appeal a high commercial valuation.

Commercial property tax bills tend to be much larger than residential bills, so appeals are common. The property tax appeal process Montana applies the same way to commercial parcels, with the same June deadline and Board of Equalization hearings. Owners should present income statements, rent rolls, vacancy rates, and operating expense data to support a lower valuation. Successful commercial appeals can save tens of thousands of dollars per year.

Property tax credit Montana programs do not apply to commercial property, but owners can claim depreciation and operating expenses on the federal return. Investors in opportunity zones or new construction may qualify for temporary abatements through local economic development programs. These programs vary by city and county, so owners should consult the local economic development office for current offerings.

Property Tax on Mobile Homes Montana

Property tax on mobile homes Montana depends on whether the home is classified as real property or personal property. Mobile homes attached to a permanent foundation and recorded with the county clerk are taxed as real property and appear on the regular tax bill. Mobile homes that remain on wheels and are titled through the Motor Vehicle Division are taxed as personal property and billed through the county treasurer on a separate schedule.

Owners who convert a titled mobile home to real property by installing a permanent foundation and recording an affidavit of conversion receive a single tax bill each year. The conversion also unlocks the Montana homestead exemption, provided the owner occupies the home as a primary residence. Property tax relief programs Montana, including PTAP, may apply to qualifying mobile home owners whose household income falls below the state ceiling.

Mobile home owners in mobile home parks pay lot rent separately to the park owner, in addition to the property tax bill. The lot rent typically covers water, sewer, trash, and park maintenance. Owners should verify the tax status of their unit on https://property.mt.gov or by calling the county assessor.

Montana Property Tax for Retirees

Montana Property Tax for retirees includes several programs that reduce the bill for seniors living on fixed incomes. The Elderly Homeowner Property Tax Credit provides a refundable income tax credit based on a percentage of property taxes paid. The credit phases out at higher income levels, so retirees should review the income limits each year. The Property Tax Assistance Program also serves retired households whose income falls below the ceiling.

Retirees aged 62 and older may apply for the Extended Property Tax Assistance Program, which pays a portion of the property tax directly to the county treasurer on behalf of qualifying applicants. The program requires a recorded deed, proof of age, and proof of Montana residency. Surviving spouses of qualifying retirees may continue to claim the benefit under specific conditions.

Montana Property Tax for retirees does not include a senior homestead exemption separate from the standard homestead program. Retirees who already claim the standard Montana homestead exemption cannot stack additional senior reductions on top, but they can combine the homestead with the Elderly Homeowner Credit for the maximum savings. Veterans retiring in Montana may also qualify for the disabled veteran exemption if they have a service-connected rating.

• File a Montana individual income tax return and complete the Elderly Homeowner Credit schedule.
• Meet the age and residency requirements set by the Department of Revenue.
• Provide documentation of property tax paid for the prior year.
• Track the refund status through the state tax portal or by calling the Department of Revenue.

Property Tax Liens Montana

Property tax liens Montana attach to the parcel automatically when the tax becomes delinquent. The county treasurer records the lien with the county clerk and recorder, and the lien stays on the property until the tax, penalty, and interest are paid in full. Property tax liens Montana have priority over most other liens, including mortgages, which means a tax sale can wipe out a lender’s interest in extreme cases.

The treasurer notifies the owner of the delinquency by mail and publishes a list of delinquent properties in the local newspaper. If the tax remains unpaid, the treasurer may issue a tax deed to the county or sell the parcel at a public auction. The auction process includes a notice period, a minimum bid, and a redemption window during which the original owner may pay the tax plus penalties and interest to reclaim the property.

Property owners facing a tax lien should contact the county treasurer immediately to discuss payment plans, partial payments, or deferral options. The treasurer has discretion to enter into an installment agreement to avoid a tax sale. Owners in financial hardship may apply for the Montana Property Tax deferral program, which delays collection until the property is sold or the owner passes away.

Montana Property Tax Payment Options

Montana Property Tax payment options include paying the full annual amount in one lump sum, splitting the bill into two installments due November 30 and May 31, or enrolling in a monthly installment plan offered by the county treasurer. Most counties accept payments by mail, in person, online, or by phone. Online payments may include a small convenience fee charged by the third-party processor, but the fee is regulated and capped.

Property owners with a mortgage often pay property tax through an escrow account managed by their lender. The lender collects a portion of the estimated tax each month with the mortgage payment, holds the funds in escrow, and pays the treasurer on the owner’s behalf when the bill comes due. Owners without an escrow account should set aside money each month to cover the two installments.

For those who struggle to pay the full amount, the county treasurer may allow partial payments that apply first to the oldest delinquent year. Montana Property Tax deferral provides a formal way to postpone payment for qualifying seniors, disabled individuals, and low-income homeowners. A successful deferral prevents penalties, interest, and property tax liens Montana from accruing during the deferral period.

Montana Property Tax Deferral Program

The Montana Property Tax deferral program allows qualifying homeowners to postpone payment of property tax on their primary residence. The state places a lien on the property to secure the deferred amount, and the lien accrues simple interest at a low rate set by the legislature. The deferred tax becomes payable when the owner sells the property, transfers title, ceases to use the home as a primary residence, or passes away.

Applicants must meet age, income, and residency requirements. Seniors aged 62 and older, disabled individuals, and low-income households may qualify. The property must be the owner’s primary residence, and the owner must have sufficient equity to cover the deferred amount. The county treasurer reviews the application and notifies the applicant of approval, denial, or required documentation.

Deferral differs from a Montana Property Tax refund. Refunds issue cash back to the taxpayer, whereas deferral delays payment without removing the underlying liability. Both programs share an application deadline of March 15 of the year the tax becomes due. Owners who plan to stay in the home long term often favor deferral, since it converts an annual bill into a single payment at the eventual sale.

Montana Property Tax Credit Claims

Montana Property Tax credit claims run through the state income tax return, not the property tax bill itself. The two main credits are the Elderly Homeowner Property Tax Credit and the credit for property taxes paid on a primary residence by low-income households. Each credit has a separate schedule attached to Form 2, the Montana individual income tax return. Refundable credits pay out even if the taxpayer has no other tax liability, making them valuable to retirees on fixed incomes.

To claim a property tax credit Montana, the owner must file a complete state return, including the appropriate schedule, by the April 15 filing deadline. The Department of Revenue verifies ownership, residency, income, and property tax paid using data from the county assessor and treasurer. Approved credits appear as a refund on the taxpayer’s refund selection or as a credit applied to a balance due.

Owners who miss the April 15 deadline may file an extension or submit a late return, but the credit claim may be reduced or denied. Property tax credit Montana claims are not available for rental property, commercial property, vacant land, or second homes. The credit targets owner-occupied primary residences, so the Department of Revenue cross-checks the homestead exemption record before paying the credit.

Missoula Property Tax Assessment

Property tax assessments Missoula follow the same statewide process managed by the Montana Department of Revenue Property Assessment Division. The assessor values residential, commercial, and agricultural parcels in Missoula County based on the sales comparison approach, cost approach, or income approach as appropriate. The 2026 revaluation cycle adjusted many parcels to reflect strong price growth in the Missoula market, leading to higher market values and, in some cases, higher tax bills.

Missoula property owners who disagree with the 2026 assessment may file an appeal with the Missoula County Board of Equalization by the third Monday in June. Common grounds include recent sale prices below the assessed value, comparable sales supporting a lower value, or errors in the property record. Property tax assessments Missoula may be verified on https://property.mt.gov, and the detail page shows the assessor’s valuation, exemptions, and tax district.

Missoula property owners may qualify for the Montana homestead exemption, agricultural classification for qualifying parcels, and PTAP or Elderly Homeowner Credit if income limits are met. Property tax on rental properties Montana in Missoula often carries a higher tax bill than in rural counties because of the city’s school district and municipal levies. Investors should track their bills carefully and appeal when warranted.

Billings Property Tax Assessment

Billings property tax assessment covers Yellowstone County, where the assessor values every parcel each year. The 2026 cycle reflected stable to slightly rising market values in residential neighborhoods, with the strongest growth in new construction subdivisions. Commercial properties in downtown Billings saw mixed results based on occupancy and rental rates. Property tax assessments Billings appear on the parcel detail page at https://property.mt.gov, where owners can review valuation, exemptions, and tax district.

Billings homeowners who see a sharp jump in their assessed value can file an appeal with the Yellowstone County Board of Equalization by the third Monday in June. Common appeal evidence includes recent sale price, comparable sales, or a broker price opinion. A successful appeal reduces the assessed value and lowers the tax bill for the year and for any subsequent year the appeal decision covers.

Property tax on rental properties Montana in Billings tends to be higher than the state average because Yellowstone County carries combined mill levies around 700 to 900. Investors should budget for both installments, file appeals when warranted, and track any Montana Property Tax exemptions that apply. Low-income seniors and disabled residents may qualify for property tax relief programs Montana to offset the higher urban bills.

Montana Tax Collector Contact

Montana tax collector contact information varies by county, since each county treasurer collects property tax within its borders. The state-level Montana Department of Revenue Property Assessment Division handles valuation, exemption processing,

and appeals support, but billing and collection sit with the county treasurer. For statewide questions, owners may call (406) 444-6900 to reach the Department of Revenue’s main line.

County treasurers accept payments, process deferral applications, and issue tax deeds for delinquent properties. Many county treasurer offices also publish their own property tax rates Montana by district and post payment links on their websites. Owners who need to confirm the exact bill, request a receipt, or set up an installment plan should call or visit their county treasurer office directly.

For questions about valuation, exemption status, or the appeal process, owners should contact the Montana Department of Revenue Property Assessment Division. The main line at (406) 444-6900 routes callers to the appropriate unit. Owners may also mail questions to the Department of Revenue at PO Box 7701, Helena, MT 59604-7701.

Contact, Local Details, and Map

Property owners and researchers seeking official Montana Property Tax records, valuation data, and exemption forms should contact the agencies listed below. All contact details come directly from the official source records.

Tax Assessor

• Department Name: Montana Department of Revenue Property Assessment Division
• Main Phone: (406) 444-6900
• Official Email: Not Available
• Physical Address: 301 S. Park Avenue, Helena, MT 59601
• Mailing Address: PO Box 7701, Helena, MT 59604-7701
• Official Website URL: https://mtrevenue.gov
• Direct Public Search Portal Link: https://property.mt.gov

Deed Recorder

• Department Name: Lewis and Clark County Clerk and Recorder
• Main Phone: (406) 447-8337
• Official Email: Not Available
• Physical Address: 316 N. Park Avenue, Room 113, Helena, MT 59623
• Mailing Address: 316 N. Park Avenue, Room 113, Helena, MT 59623
• Official Website URL: https://www.lccountymt.gov
• Direct Public Search Portal Link: https://www.lccountymt.gov/Government/Clerk-and-Recorder

Frequently Asked Questions

Montana Property Tax affects homeowners, investors, and renters across the state. Knowing rates, deadlines, and relief options helps you budget, avoid penalties, and claim exemptions. The Department of Revenue’s public portal offers free access to assessments, payment history, and appeal forms, making tax management clear and affordable.

What are the current Montana property tax rates for residential and commercial land?

Rates vary by county but hover around 0.85 % of assessed value for homes and 1.1 % for commercial parcels. Missoula reported a 0.86 % rate in 2026, while Billings applied 0.88 %. To find the exact rate for your parcel, enter the address into the state portal at https://property.mt.gov. The site shows the millage amount, allowing you to calculate your yearly bill instantly.

How can I use the Montana property tax calculator to estimate my bill?

Visit the online calculator on the Department of Revenue page. Input the parcel’s assessed value, the county millage, and any exemptions you qualify for, such as the homestead credit. The tool returns a dollar estimate within seconds. For example, a $250,000 home in Helena with a 0.87 % rate and a $30,000 homestead exemption yields a payment of roughly $1,880.

What exemptions are available for seniors and veterans in Montana?

Seniors 65 or older may claim a $30,000 homestead exemption, reducing the taxable base. Qualified veterans receive a $10,000 exemption per qualifying disability. Both exemptions appear on the assessment notice and lower the amount due. To apply, complete the exemption form on the portal, attach proof of age or service, and submit before the April 15 deadline.

How do I appeal a property tax assessment in Missoula or Billings?

First, review the assessment notice for errors. Gather recent sales data or a professional appraisal that shows a lower market value. File an appeal online through https://property.mt.gov within 30 days of the notice date. Attach supporting documents, then attend the county hearing. Most successful appeals reduce the assessed value by 5‑15 %.

When must I pay Montana property taxes and what payment options exist?

Payments are due in two installments: the first by March 15 and the second by August 15. You can pay online via the state portal, mail a check to the county tax collector, or set up automatic bank drafts. Late fees start after the due date, so timely payment avoids extra costs. Many counties also accept credit cards for a small processing fee.

Can I defer property taxes if I own a mobile home or farmland?

Yes. The state offers a deferral program for owners 65 or older, disabled, or facing financial hardship. Mobile homes and agricultural land qualify if the owner meets income limits. Apply through the county assessor’s office, providing proof of age, disability, or income. Approved deferrals add interest but postpone the bill until the property is sold or the owner passes away.