This story is excerpted from the MT Lowdown, a weekly newsletter digest containing original reporting and analysis published every Friday.
Montana homeowners have until Oct. 1 to apply for the second of two rounds of property tax rebates authorized by last year’s Montana Legislature, potentially getting as much as $675 back on their 2023 tax bill.
The rebates have been touted by Gov. Greg Gianforte as a short-term effort to offset last year’s dramatic upswing in property taxes, which saw residential taxes increase by 21% on median statewide, according to an MTFP analysis. Democrats and Republicans have both said they want to adopt some form of longer-term tax relief when the Legislature meets again next year.
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Republicans, Democrats float ideas to lower home property taxes
Candidates across Montana’s political spectrum expect the state’s 2023 spike in residential property tax bills to be top of mind for many voters as they head to the polls this November. As such, Republican and Democratic factions are floating a variety of strategies for providing property tax relief to homeowners as candidates compete for support from frustrated voters this year.
According to the state Department of Revenue, the rebates are available for houses, condos and mobile homes that were owner-occupied for at least seven months last year. Only a single rebate per household is allowed, and homes held through a corporation or some type of trust are ineligible. Additionally, the Legislature didn’t authorize rebates for renters, even though a landlord’s tax bill is typically factored into rent payments.
More information about the rebates and how to apply for them is available on the state revenue department website.
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