Montana Property Tax Calculator

Montana Property Tax Calculator

Montana Property Tax Calculator

Estimate your property taxes based on Montana's class rates and mill levies

1
Property Details
2
Location
3
Owner Info
4
Exemptions
5
Results
Montana Property Tax System
Montana assesses properties at 100% of market value with different class rates:
• Residential/Agricultural: 1.35% of market value
• Commercial/Industrial: 1.89% of market value
The average effective property tax rate is ~0.60%.
Tax is calculated as: Assessed Value × (mill rate per $1,000)

Property Details

Enter the market value of your property in USD

Please enter a valid market value

Different property classes have different tax rates in Montana

Please select a property class

Specify the type of property you own

Please select a property type

Enter the total square footage of the property

Please enter valid square footage

Enter the total acreage of the property

Please enter valid acreage

Enter the year the property was constructed

Please enter a valid year

The year for which you want to calculate property taxes

Please select an assessment year

Primary residences may qualify for certain exemptions

Location Information

Your county determines your mill levies

Please select a county

Your city/municipality may have additional mill levies

School districts have their own mill levies

Special assessment districts may have additional mill levies

Owner Information

Your ownership status may affect exemption eligibility

Please select an ownership status

Enter how many years you've owned the property

Please enter a valid duration

Enter owner's age (required for certain exemptions)

Please enter a valid age

Required for certain income-based exemptions

Disabled veterans may qualify for property tax exemptions

Seniors may qualify for the Property Tax Assistance Program

Exemption Eligibility

Check all exemptions that apply to your property

For qualifying low-income homeowners

For qualifying disabled veterans or their surviving spouses

For homeowners/renters age 62 or older

For qualifying residential properties in high-value areas

First $100,000 of market value for business equipment

For qualifying energy conservation installations

For qualifying agricultural land

For qualifying historic properties

Property Tax Assessment Results

Assessment Summary

Market Value: $0
Property Class: -
Taxable Percentage: 0.00%
Taxable Value: $0
Exemption Value: $0
Net Taxable Value: $0

Mill Levy Information

State Mill Levy: 0.00
County Mill Levy: 0.00
City/Municipality Mill Levy: 0.00
School District Mill Levy: 0.00
Special District Mill Levy: 0.00
Total Mill Levy: 0.00

Tax Calculation

State Tax: $0
County Tax: $0
City/Municipality Tax: $0
School District Tax: $0
Special District Tax: $0
Total Annual Tax Amount: $0
Effective Tax Rate: 0.00%

Payment Information

First Half Due: November 30
First Half Amount: $0
Second Half Due: May 31
Second Half Amount: $0

Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate of property taxes based on the information provided. Actual tax amounts may vary. Please consult with your local tax assessor's office for official tax information.

1
Property Details
2
Location
3
Owner Info
4
Exemptions
5
Results
Montana Property Tax System
Montana assesses properties at 100% of market value with different class rates:
• Residential/Agricultural: 1.35% of market value
• Commercial/Industrial: 1.89% of market value
The average effective property tax rate is ~0.60%.
Tax is calculated as: Assessed Value × (mill rate per $1,000)

Property Details

Enter the market value of your property in USD

Please enter a valid market value

Different property classes have different tax rates in Montana

Please select a property class

Specify the type of property you own

Please select a property type

Enter the total square footage of the property

Please enter valid square footage

Enter the total acreage of the property

Please enter valid acreage

Enter the year the property was constructed

Please enter a valid year

The year for which you want to calculate property taxes

Please select an assessment year

Primary residences may qualify for certain exemptions

Location Information

Your county determines your mill levies

Please select a county

Your city/municipality may have additional mill levies

School districts have their own mill levies

Special assessment districts may have additional mill levies

Owner Information

Your ownership status may affect exemption eligibility

Please select an ownership status

Enter how many years you've owned the property

Please enter a valid duration

Enter owner's age (required for certain exemptions)

Please enter a valid age

Required for certain income-based exemptions

Disabled veterans may qualify for property tax exemptions

Seniors may qualify for the Property Tax Assistance Program

Exemption Eligibility

Check all exemptions that apply to your property

For qualifying low-income homeowners

For qualifying disabled veterans or their surviving spouses

For homeowners/renters age 62 or older

For qualifying residential properties in high-value areas

First $100,000 of market value for business equipment

For qualifying energy conservation installations

For qualifying agricultural land

For qualifying historic properties

Property Tax Assessment Results

Assessment Summary

Market Value: $0
Property Class: -
Taxable Percentage: 0.00%
Taxable Value: $0
Exemption Value: $0
Net Taxable Value: $0

Mill Levy Information

State Mill Levy: 0.00
County Mill Levy: 0.00
City/Municipality Mill Levy: 0.00
School District Mill Levy: 0.00
Special District Mill Levy: 0.00
Total Mill Levy: 0.00

Tax Calculation

State Tax: $0
County Tax: $0
City/Municipality Tax: $0
School District Tax: $0
Special District Tax: $0
Total Annual Tax Amount: $0
Effective Tax Rate: 0.00%

Payment Information

First Half Due: November 30
First Half Amount: $0
Second Half Due: May 31
Second Half Amount: $0

Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate of property taxes based on the information provided. Actual tax amounts may vary. Please consult with your local tax assessor's office for official tax information.

Montana Property Tax Calculator – Property taxes in Montana are levied annually to support local services such as schools, roads, public safety, and community infrastructure. Montana is recognized for its relatively low property tax rates compared to many other states. According to the Tax Foundation, the state’s effective property tax rate on owner-occupied housing is approximately 0.69%, ranking 33rd nationally and below the U.S. average of 0.90%.

Other sources, such as SmartAsset, report rates around 0.79%, and PayRent notes 0.84% as of 2021. The median annual property tax payment in Montana is about $1,400, significantly lower than the national median of $3,057, making it an attractive state for homeowners seeking to minimize tax burdens.

These taxes are based on the market value of your property, which is appraised every two years by the Montana Department of Revenue. The market value is adjusted to a taxable value, which is then multiplied by local millage rates set by counties, cities, school districts, and other jurisdictions to determine the total tax owed.

How Property Taxes Are Calculated in Montana

Property taxes in Montana are calculated through a structured process:

  1. Determine the Market Value: The Montana Department of Revenue appraises properties biennially to establish their market value—the price a property would fetch in an open market transaction between a willing buyer and seller (Montana Department of Revenue). For instance, the 2019-2020 cycle used January 1, 2018, as the valuation date, while the 2023-2024 cycle in Missoula County used January 1, 2023.

  2. Calculate the Taxable Value: The taxable value is derived by multiplying the market value by a property class rate set by the Montana Legislature. Residential properties have a class rate of 1.35%, while commercial properties are at 1.89% (Gallatin County). This taxable value appears on the appraisal notice sent to property owners.

  3. Determine the Mill Rate: Local taxing jurisdictions, including school districts, counties, and cities, establish their budgets and calculate mill rates. A mill represents $1 of tax per $1,000 of taxable value. The mill rate is computed by dividing the jurisdiction’s budget by the total certified taxable valuation of all properties in the area, then multiplying by 1,000 (Gallatin County).

  4. Compute the Total Tax: The total property tax is calculated using the formula:

[ \text{Property Tax} = \left( \text{Mill Rate} \times \text{Taxable Value} \right) \div 1000 ]

For example, a property with a taxable value of $200,000 and a total mill rate of 100 mills would owe:

[ \text{Property Tax} = \left( 200,000 \times 100 \right) \div 1000 = 20,000 ]

However, actual calculations sum mill rates from all applicable jurisdictions, and additional fees may apply for special districts (e.g., rural improvement, lighting, water, or sewer).

  1. Receive the Tax Bill: Counties like Gallatin send tax bills on behalf of most taxing jurisdictions, except for specific assessments, such as those by the City of Bozeman. Bills are mailed in October, with payments due by the end of November and May (Missoula County).

Property Tax Distribution in Missoula County:
In Missoula County, property tax dollars are allocated as follows:

Jurisdiction

Percentage

City of Missoula

 32%

Special Districts

 6%

County

 22%

Local Schools

 29%

State School

 10%

This distribution illustrates how taxes support local and state services (Missoula County).

Note on Appraisal Process: The Montana Department of Revenue appraises properties at 100% of market value on a biennial schedule. For example, the 2019-2020 cycle used January 1, 2018, as the valuation date. Appraisal notices, mailed in late spring (e.g., June 2023 for the 2023-2024 cycle), detail the market value, classification, and taxable value. The mills listed reflect the prior year’s rates, not the upcoming tax bill (Gallatin County).

What is a Montana Property Tax Calculator?

A Montana property tax calculator is an online tool designed to estimate your annual property tax liability. By entering details like your property’s market value and location, the calculator applies local assessment ratios and millage rates to provide an estimate. These tools are invaluable for budgeting and understanding how changes in property value or tax rates might impact your bill. Popular options include:

  • SmartAsset’s Montana Property Tax Calculator: Uses median county tax rates for estimates based on home value and location.

  • County-specific calculators, such as those from Gallatin County or Missoula County, offering localized estimates.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Montana Property Tax Calculator

Using a Montana property tax calculator is simple. Here’s how to use SmartAsset’s calculator:

  1. Visit the Calculator: Go to SmartAsset’s Montana Property Tax Calculator.

  2. Enter Your Location: Input your county or city to identify the applicable tax rate.

  3. Input Your Home’s Value: Enter the market value of your property, found on your tax bill or through your county assessor.

  4. View Your Estimate: The calculator multiplies your home’s value by the county’s effective tax rate to estimate your annual tax.

For more precise estimates, county-specific calculators may require details like taxing districts or property classifications (Missoula County).

Factors Affecting Montana Property Tax

Several factors influence your Montana property tax bill:

  • Market Value: Set biennially by the Montana Department of Revenue based on market conditions (Montana Department of Revenue).

  • Taxable Value: A percentage of market value, varying by property class (e.g., 1.35% for residential, 1.89% for commercial) (Gallatin County).

  • Mill Rate: Varies by jurisdiction and property type, reflecting local budgets (Missoula County).

  • Exemptions and Deductions: Available for disabled veterans, senior citizens, and nonprofits, reducing taxable value (PayRent).

  • Location: Urban areas with more services may have higher taxes than rural areas.

Tips to Lower Your Montana Property Tax

While Montana’s property taxes are relatively low, you can potentially reduce your bill:

  • Apply for Exemptions and Deductions: Explore eligibility for exemptions like those for disabled veterans, seniors, or nonprofits, which can lower taxable value. Apply through your county assessor’s office (Montana Department of Revenue).

  • Appeal Your Assessment: If your property’s market value seems too high, appeal to your county assessor with evidence like recent sales of comparable properties. Appeals have a 30-day window after appraisal notices are mailed (Missoula County).

  • Stay Informed About Reappraisals: Monitor biennial reappraisals to anticipate tax changes. Notices are mailed in June, as seen in the 2023-2024 cycle (Montana Free Press).

  • Consult Professionals: A tax advisor or real estate expert can help navigate exemptions and appeals (PayRent).

Resources for Montana Homeowners

Explore these resources for more information on Montana property taxes:

  • Montana Department of Revenue: Official source for appraisal notices, tax forms, and appeal processes (Montana Department of Revenue).

  • SmartAsset Property Tax Calculator: User-friendly tool for estimating taxes (Montana Property Tax Calculator).

  • County Assessor Websites: Provide local tax rates and calculators:

    • Gallatin County

    • Missoula County

  • Tax-Rates.org: Lists property tax rates by county (Montana Property Taxes By County).

  • Montana Free Press: Explains property tax calculations and reappraisals (How Montana property taxes are calculated).

By leveraging these resources and understanding the tax calculation process, Montana homeowners can effectively manage their property tax obligations and explore opportunities to reduce their bills.