Owning in Montana
Data from January 2026
Property tax in Montana
The typical owner in Montana pays $2,693 a year, about 0.72% of the home’s value (0.94% nationwide). Here are the exemptions and discounts the state publishes, the deadlines to claim them or appeal, and every county’s figure.
Key numbers in Montana
- Typical tax
- $2,693
- per year, typical household
- 14% less than the U.S.
- Effective rate
- 0.72%
- tax ÷ value (estimate)
- 23% less than the U.S.
- United States
- 0.94%
- national effective rate
- Exemptions and relief
- 3
- published by the state, with the source
The state's rules
Montana's rules, in one table
The assessment cap, the homestead exemption, when to protest and when to pay, as Montana's official source states them. Tap "What the source says" to read the exact text.
| Rule | What Montana says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| What triggers a new assessment | Montana reappraises property on two-year cycles. For the 2025–2026 cycle, the value is market value as of Jan. 1, 2024, and every owner received a classification and appraisal notice in 2025. That value is used for the 2025 and 2026 taxes. What the source says“All property owners will receive an appraisal notice in 2025 for the 2025–2026 valuation cycle. … Approved valuation adjustments will apply to tax years 2025 and 2026. … Your own estimate of the subject property's market value as of January 1, 2024. This is the valuation date for the 2025–2026 valuation cycle.” | Montana Department of Revenue Verified November 6, 2026 |
| Homestead exemption | Montana has no homestead exemption that takes money off the value; it has a reduced tax rate for the home you live in (homestead). To qualify, you live in the home at least 7 months a year, are current on the tax, and own it as an individual, couple or grantor revocable trust. In 2026 the rate is tiered on market value — 0.76% on the first $378,000, 0.90% from $378,001 to $756,000, 1.10% from $756,001 to $1,511,999 and 1.90% on any portion over $1,512,000. For tax year 2027, you enroll between May 4, 2026 and March 1, 2027. What the source says· Mont. Code Ann. § 15-6-405“The application period for the Homestead and Long-term rental reduced tax rate for the 2027 tax year is May 4, 2026 - March 1, 2027. … You live in the property for at least 7 months of the year . You are current on payment of the property taxes . The property must be owned by an individual, a couple, or a grantor revocable trust. … 0.76% on the first $378,000 of market value 0.90% on the portion between $378,001 and $756,000 1.10% on the portion between $756,001 and $1,511,999 1.90% on any portion over $1,512,000 or greater” | Montana Department of Revenue Verified November 6, 2026 |
| Protest deadline One for the whole state | If you disagree with your property's value or details, first check your record on Property.MT.gov and talk with an appraiser at the Department's local field office. Then you can request an informal review on Form AB-26 within 30 days of the date on your classification and appraisal notice, or appeal directly to the county tax appeal board (CTAB) by filing with the county clerk and recorder within 30 days. If you disagree with the decision, you go on to the CTAB and then the Montana Tax Appeal Board (MTAB). To get a refund if your value is lowered, you must pay the tax on time with a written protest to the county treasurer. What the source says“If you disagree with your valuation or need corrections to your property’s characteristics, you must submit a Request for Informal Classification and Appraisal Review (Form AB-26) within 30 days of the date on your classification and appraisal notice. … If you choose to appeal directly to the CTAB, you must submit your appeal to your county clerk and recorder within 30 days from the date on your classification and appraisal notice. If you disagree with the department's decision after the informal review process, you may appeal our decision with a county tax appeal board (CTAB) in the county where the property is located. … Property taxes must be paid before they become delinquent and a written protest is required in order for taxpayers to be eligible to receive any refund and accrued interest if a valuation adjustment is made to their property assessment.” | Montana Department of Revenue Verified November 6, 2026 |
| When to pay | Half the tax is payable by 5 p.m. on Nov. 30 (or within 30 days after the tax notice is postmarked, if later) and the other half by 5 p.m. on May 31. For a primary residence, you can enroll to pay in seven monthly installments, from Nov. 30 to May 31. Late payments draw interest and a 2% penalty. What the source says· Mont. Code Ann. § 15-16-102“Except as provided in subsection (2)(b), one-half of the taxes are payable on or before 5 p.m. on November 30 of each year or within 30 days after the tax notice is postmarked, whichever is later, and one-half are payable on or before 5 p.m. on May 31 of each year. … For a taxpayer enrolled in the alternative payment schedule for primary residences provided for in 15-16-122 , one-seventh of the taxes must be paid on or before 5 p.m. on the last day of each month beginning on November 30 and ending on May 31 … the amount payable is delinquent and draws interest at the rate of 5/6 of 1% a month from and after the delinquency until paid and 2% must be added to the delinquent taxes as a penalty.” | Montana Department of Revenue Verified November 6, 2026 |
Not verified yet: Cap on your home, Cap on other property, Owners with a disability.
Did your assessment go up?By place
Every county, with its figure
What the typical owner pays in each county of Montana, with the typical home value and the effective rate. Highest tax first.
| Missoula County | $4,150 | $472,100 | 0.88% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gallatin County | $3,933 | $667,600 | 0.59% |
| Flathead County | $3,120 | $535,500 | 0.58% |
| Lewis and Clark County | $3,113 | $393,500 | 0.79% |
| Yellowstone County | $2,832 | $349,500 | 0.81% |
| Park County | $2,641 | $467,500 | 0.56% |
| Lake County | $2,561 | $421,800 | 0.61% |
| Silver Bow County | $2,500 | $255,200 | 0.98% |
| Jefferson County | $2,446 | $446,900 | 0.55% |
| Broadwater County | $2,384 | $426,600 | 0.56% |
| Ravalli County | $2,380 | $476,600 | 0.50% |
| Valley County | $2,333 | $198,400 | 1.18% |
| Cascade County | $2,320 | $265,300 | 0.87% |
| Stillwater County | $2,319 | $405,800 | 0.57% |
| Carbon County | $2,281 | $420,800 | 0.54% |
| Custer County | $2,264 | $219,100 | 1.03% |
| Granite County | $2,130 | $352,700 | 0.60% |
| Dawson County | $2,110 | $185,300 | 1.14% |
| Powell County | $2,104 | $306,500 | 0.69% |
| Blaine County | $2,080 | $155,500 | 1.34% |
| Beaverhead County | $2,069 | $308,300 | 0.67% |
| Teton County | $1,987 | $264,000 | 0.75% |
| Hill County | $1,980 | $202,600 | 0.98% |
| Madison County | $1,937 | $470,100 | 0.41% |
| Richland County | $1,934 | $263,000 | 0.74% |
| Toole County | $1,908 | $218,400 | 0.87% |
| Sanders County | $1,889 | $359,000 | 0.53% |
| Deer Lodge County | $1,803 | $231,700 | 0.78% |
| Fergus County | $1,769 | $236,100 | 0.75% |
| Mineral County | $1,758 | $364,300 | 0.48% |
| Meagher County | $1,725 | $259,800 | 0.66% |
| Pondera County | $1,651 | $206,100 | 0.80% |
| Lincoln County | $1,615 | $296,500 | 0.54% |
| Sweet Grass County | $1,615 | $330,100 | 0.49% |
| Daniels County | $1,610 | $184,800 | 0.87% |
| Big Horn County | $1,574 | $143,400 | 1.10% |
| Liberty County | $1,570 | $169,100 | 0.93% |
| Chouteau County | $1,566 | $207,800 | 0.75% |
| Phillips County | $1,551 | $197,600 | 0.78% |
| Roosevelt County | $1,522 | $118,800 | 1.28% |
| Sheridan County | $1,521 | $124,000 | 1.23% |
| McCone County | $1,429 | $211,600 | 0.68% |
| Glacier County | $1,391 | $165,100 | 0.84% |
| Prairie County | $1,391 | $165,700 | 0.84% |
| Treasure County | $1,364 | $230,300 | 0.59% |
| Powder River County | $1,304 | $192,100 | 0.68% |
| Musselshell County | $1,287 | $235,000 | 0.55% |
| Rosebud County | $1,285 | $182,400 | 0.70% |
| Fallon County | $1,220 | $244,800 | 0.50% |
| Petroleum County | $1,211 | $201,400 | 0.60% |
| Golden Valley County | $1,132 | $212,200 | 0.53% |
| Judith Basin County | $1,066 | $238,300 | 0.45% |
| Garfield County | $1,052 | $169,900 | 0.62% |
| Wheatland County | $1,013 | $180,800 | 0.56% |
| Carter County | $904 | $199,200 | 0.45% |
| Wibaux County | $598 | $98,600 | 0.61% |
- Missoula $4,1500.88%
- Gallatin $3,9330.59%
- Flathead $3,1200.58%
- Lewis and Clark $3,1130.79%
- Yellowstone $2,8320.81%
- Park $2,6410.56%
- Lake $2,5610.61%
- Silver Bow $2,5000.98%
- Jefferson $2,4460.55%
- Broadwater $2,3840.56%
- Ravalli $2,3800.50%
- Valley $2,3331.18%
- Cascade $2,3200.87%
- Stillwater $2,3190.57%
- Carbon $2,2810.54%
- Custer $2,2641.03%
- Granite $2,1300.60%
- Dawson $2,1101.14%
- Powell $2,1040.69%
- Blaine $2,0801.34%
- Beaverhead $2,0690.67%
- Teton $1,9870.75%
- Hill $1,9800.98%
- Madison $1,9370.41%
- Richland $1,9340.74%
- Toole $1,9080.87%
- Sanders $1,8890.53%
- Deer Lodge $1,8030.78%
- Fergus $1,7690.75%
- Mineral $1,7580.48%
- Meagher $1,7250.66%
- Pondera $1,6510.80%
- Lincoln $1,6150.54%
- Sweet Grass $1,6150.49%
- Daniels $1,6100.87%
- Big Horn $1,5741.10%
- Liberty $1,5700.93%
- Chouteau $1,5660.75%
- Phillips $1,5510.78%
- Roosevelt $1,5221.28%
- Sheridan $1,5211.23%
- McCone $1,4290.68%
- Glacier $1,3910.84%
- Prairie $1,3910.84%
- Treasure $1,3640.59%
- Powder River $1,3040.68%
- Musselshell $1,2870.55%
- Rosebud $1,2850.70%
- Fallon $1,2200.50%
- Petroleum $1,2110.60%
- Golden Valley $1,1320.53%
- Judith Basin $1,0660.45%
- Garfield $1,0520.62%
- Wheatland $1,0130.56%
- Carter $9040.45%
- Wibaux $5980.61%
Effective rate: typical tax ÷ typical value, our estimate from two Census medians. Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)
Exemptions
Which exemption fits you?
What Montana publishes for each case. You have to apply for almost all of them: none is applied on its own.
-
If it is your main home
Montana has no homestead exemption that takes money off the value; it has a reduced tax rate for the home you live in (homestead). To qualify, you live in the home at least 7 months a year, are current on the tax, and own it as an individual, couple or grantor revocable trust. In 2026 the rate is tiered on market value — 0.76% on the first $378,000, 0.90% from $378,001 to $756,000, 1.10% from $756,001 to $1,511,999 and 1.90% on any portion over $1,512,000. For tax year 2027, you enroll between May 4, 2026 and March 1, 2027.
What the source says· Mont. Code Ann. § 15-6-405
“The application period for the Homestead and Long-term rental reduced tax rate for the 2027 tax year is May 4, 2026 - March 1, 2027. … You live in the property for at least 7 months of the year . You are current on payment of the property taxes . The property must be owned by an individual, a couple, or a grantor revocable trust. … 0.76% on the first $378,000 of market value 0.90% on the portion between $378,001 and $756,000 1.10% on the portion between $756,001 and $1,511,999 1.90% on any portion over $1,512,000 or greater”
Montana Department of Revenue · Verified November 6, 2026
-
If you are an older owner
If you are 62 or older and your combined household income is under $45,000, you can claim the Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit, a refundable credit of up to $1,150 that helps with property tax, even if you do not have to file an income tax return. If your income is fixed or limited (at any age), see also the Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP).
What the source says
“Elderly Montana homeowners may qualify for a refundable tax credit up to $1,150 even if they do not have to file an income tax return. The credit provides property tax relief to individuals 62 and older with a combined household income less than $45,000. … Residential homeowners on a fixed or limited income may qualify for this program.”
Montana Department of Revenue · Verified November 6, 2026
-
If you are a veteran
If you are a Montana veteran who is 100% disabled, or the unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who was 100% disabled, you may qualify for the Montana Disabled Veterans (MDV) program, which lowers the tax on your home. Eligibility depends on home ownership and occupancy, the military disability, income and marital status. Ask the Department of Revenue for the amount and the deadline to apply.
What the source says
“Montana veterans who are 100% disabled or the unmarried surviving spouses of deceased veterans who were 100% disabled may qualify for this program. Eligibility for this program is based on home ownership, occupancy requirements, military disability requirements, income levels, and marital status.”
Montana Department of Revenue · Verified November 6, 2026
How it works
Where your bill comes from
The local government puts a value on your home, subtracts the exemptions you apply for and applies the rate of each body that taxes it: the county, the city, the school district and others.
- The value assigned to your home
- The exemptions you apply for
- The rates of each taxing body (county, city, schools)
- Your yearly bill
The effective rate on this page is something else: our estimate (typical tax ÷ typical value, from Census data) for comparing places. It is not the rate your local government sets.
Buying or selling
Taxes on the sale
Some states charge a tax or fee when the deed is recorded. What the official source says:
-
The constitution bars taxes on the sale or transfer of real property
The Montana Constitution says neither the state nor any local government unit may impose any tax, including a sales tax, on the sale or transfer of real property.
Mont. Const. art. VIII, §17 · Montana Constitution (Montana Legislature) · Verified October 24, 2026
Frequently asked questions
How much is property tax in Montana?
The typical owner pays $2,693 a year, about 0.72% of the home’s value, per the Census (Average 2020–2024). Nationwide the effective rate is 0.94%. Your bill depends on your county, city, school district and the exemptions you claim.
What is the deadline to protest the assessment in Montana?
If you disagree with your property's value or details, first check your record on Property.MT.gov and talk with an appraiser at the Department's local field office. Then you can request an informal review on Form AB-26 within 30 days of the date on your classification and appraisal notice, or appeal directly to the county tax appeal board (CTAB) by filing with the county clerk and recorder within 30 days. If you disagree with the decision, you go on to the CTAB and then the Montana Tax Appeal Board (MTAB). To get a refund if your value is lowered, you must pay the tax on time with a written protest to the county treasurer.
How do I apply for the homestead exemption in Montana?
Montana has no homestead exemption that takes money off the value; it has a reduced tax rate for the home you live in (homestead). To qualify, you live in the home at least 7 months a year, are current on the tax, and own it as an individual, couple or grantor revocable trust. In 2026 the rate is tiered on market value — 0.76% on the first $378,000, 0.90% from $378,001 to $756,000, 1.10% from $756,001 to $1,511,999 and 1.90% on any portion over $1,512,000. For tax year 2027, you enroll between May 4, 2026 and March 1, 2027.
When is property tax paid in Montana?
Half the tax is payable by 5 p.m. on Nov. 30 (or within 30 days after the tax notice is postmarked, if later) and the other half by 5 p.m. on May 31. For a primary residence, you can enroll to pay in seven monthly installments, from Nov. 30 to May 31. Late payments draw interest and a 2% penalty.
Which county in Montana pays the most property tax?
By amount, the highest typical tax is in Missoula County ($4,150) and the lowest in Wibaux County ($598). By effective rate, the highest is Blaine County (1.34%) and the lowest Madison County (0.41%).
What is the effective rate?
The typical tax divided by the typical home value in the same place. It is our estimate from two Census medians, not the rate your local government sets; it is for comparing places.