Budget & Taxes (Property Tax)

died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 906: Provide property tax rebates for principal residences

HB 906 amends existing Montana property tax rebate laws to provide financial relief to homeowners by increasing rebate amounts for principal residences occupied in 2022 and 2023. The bill allows eligible taxpayers who owned and lived in their homes for at least seven months during those years to receive up to $319 for 2022 and $330 for 2023, or the full amount of taxes paid if it is less than those limits. Property owners must submit claims electronically or by mail between August 15 and October 1 each year, and the state will mail notices to potential claimants by June 30 of the following year. The legislation also clarifies definitions for principal residences and outlines procedures for handling claims from deceased taxpayers or those in revocable trusts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides property tax rebates for homeowners, offering financial relief and reducing tax burden on residents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 903: Provide for class of property for manufacturing for property tax purposes

This bill creates a new property tax classification for manufacturing facilities in Montana, affecting land and improvements used to transform materials into new products or assemble components for non-construction purposes. The legislation establishes that manufacturing property will be taxed at 1.47% of its market value, with specific rules for determining classification when a parcel contains mixed uses. The changes apply to property tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, and would impact businesses operating manufacturing operations in the state.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates property tax classification for manufacturing facilities, potentially reducing tax burden on manufacturing sector and promoting economic development through targeted tax policy.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Property Tax

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signed · Montana · House Apr 7, 2025

HB 89: Provide deadline to file for property tax relief from a disaster

HB 89 amends Montana's property tax law to require taxpayers to file claims for disaster-related property tax relief within 2 years of a natural disaster destroying their property. This directly affects Montana homeowners and property owners who suffer damage from events like fires, floods, or earthquakes (including fires regardless of origin, unless arson is convicted). The key provision establishes a clear deadline for filing claims, replacing the previous lack of time limit, and clarifies how tax adjustments are calculated based on the days property existed before and after the disaster. The bill takes immediate effect upon the Governor's signature, which occurred on April 7, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEnables timely access to existing property tax relief for disaster victims, facilitating tax benefits without altering rates or funding.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 25, 2025

LC 4173: Revise taxation of of certain telecommunications property

Montana bill LC 4173 revises property tax rules to exempt certain telecommunications infrastructure from taxation. It directly affects rural telecommunications providers serving rural areas or communities with 1,200 residents or fewer, including those operating in no more than three counties. The bill creates a 5-year tax exemption for newly installed fiber optic or coaxial cable placed in service after July 1, 2021, requiring owners to reinvest tax savings into new Montana infrastructure within two years. After 5 years, the exemption phases out gradually over 10 years, ending at full taxable value.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesExempts telecom infrastructure from property tax, reducing state revenue and weakening tax base for budget purposes.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts rural telecom infrastructure from property tax to incentivize fiber/coaxial network investment, expanding internet access in underserved areas.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Property Tax Tax Incentives Broadband Access Telecommunications

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died · Montana · Legislature May 20, 2025

LC 2366: Increase property tax rates on forest lands

This bill increases property tax rates for forest lands classified as "class ten property" in Montana. It changes the tax rate from 0.27% in 2024 to 0.37% for all tax years after 2024, applying to landowners with forest properties meeting specific size and ownership criteria under Montana law. The rate change takes effect January 1, 2026, applying to property tax years beginning after December 31, 2025. This directly affects owners of qualifying forest lands, increasing their annual property tax burden based on forest productivity value.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases property tax revenue for state budget by raising rates from 0.27% to 0.37% on qualifying forest lands.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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died · Montana · Legislature May 20, 2025

LC 2271: Automatically revise tax rates for agricultural, residential, commercial, and forest property

This bill automatically adjusts tax rates for Montana property owners classified as agricultural (Class 3), residential/commercial (Class 4), and forest (Class 10). It replaces fixed tax percentages (like 2.16% for agricultural land) with rates calculated annually by the Department of Revenue during the second year of each reappraisal cycle. These department-calculated "taxable value neutral tax rates" automatically apply to the next reappraisal cycle, eliminating the need for legislative action each time. The change directly affects property owners paying taxes on eligible agricultural, residential, commercial, or forest land as defined in Montana law. The bill amends Sections 15-6-133, 15-6-134, and 15-6-143 of the Montana Code.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAutomates tax rate adjustments to maintain fiscal neutrality, promoting responsible tax management without legislative intervention.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Property Tax

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died · Montana · Legislature May 24, 2025

LC 1224: Provide for a homestead exemption for dwelling used as a primary residence

Bill LC 1224 proposed a homestead exemption for primary residences, meaning homeowners using their dwelling as a main home would have been protected from certain property tax liabilities or creditor claims against their primary residence. The exemption would have directly affected individual homeowners who live in their property as their primary address, potentially shielding a portion of their home's value from financial pressures. However, the bill was placed on hold in December 2024 and ultimately died in the legislative process on May 24, 2025, without becoming law. As a result, no changes to existing homestead exemption rules were implemented.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides property tax relief for primary residences through homestead exemption, directly aligning with tax relief indicators for middle/lower income homeowners.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingHomestead exemption reduces property tax burden for primary homeowners, supporting housing affordability and property rights as defined in the topic.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

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died · Montana · Legislature May 24, 2025

LC 1171: Optional alternative property tax payment schedule for primary residences

This bill proposed allowing homeowners to pay property taxes on their primary residences in installments rather than as a single annual payment. It would have directly affected residential property owners who currently pay taxes in one lump sum. The key provision would have created an optional payment plan, potentially easing cash flow for some homeowners. However, the bill never advanced beyond the drafting stage and was officially terminated ("Draft Died in Process") on May 24, 2025, meaning it did not become law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProposes property tax installment payments for primary residences, providing tax relief and easing cash flow for homeowners - aligns with middle-income tax relief indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 893: Revise lottery state finance laws related to property tax relief

HB 893 proposes creating a new annual lottery game called "Montana millions" to provide funds for property tax assistance. This game would be held on July 4, offering four $1 million prizes, with 500,000 tickets sold at $20 each. After covering costs and prizes, the net revenue generated would be transferred to a state property tax assistance account. The bill also appropriates $50,000 to the Department of Revenue for implementing related provisions of Senate Bill No. 90, upon which this act is contingent.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill uses lottery revenue to fund property tax assistance, directly providing tax relief through new state revenue allocation for tax support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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signed · Montana · House May 19, 2025

HB 920: Provide property tax exemption for senior care facilities and housing

HB 920 establishes a temporary property tax exemption for new senior care facilities and housing development projects. Tax-exempt non-profit organizations sponsoring these projects must first petition a local government, which determines if there is a "compelling need" for the project through a public hearing. If approved by the local government, the sponsor can then apply to the department of revenue for the exemption. This bill aims to encourage the development of various affordable housing and care options for seniors aged 55 or 62 and older.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax exemption for senior care facilities, reducing tax burden for affordable housing development.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides tax exemption for senior care facilities to encourage development of affordable housing, directly improving access to senior healthcare services.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides tax exemption for senior housing development, explicitly aiming to encourage affordable housing construction through local need assessments.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Property Development Property Taxes