Montana Property Tax Relief: Exemptions & How to File
Montana has 5 main property tax relief programs, administered through your County Treasurer / Department of Revenue. Filing is free.
Biggest benefit
Reduces the residential property tax rate by 100%, 80%, 70%, or 50% based on income and filing status. 2026 income ceilings: single up to $62,598; married/head-of-household up to $72,229; unmarried surviving spouse up to $54,573 (inflation-adjusted annually).
Earliest common deadline
March 1
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Never pay to file a property tax exemption
Applying for a homestead, senior, veteran, or disability exemption is always free through your County Treasurer / Department of Revenue. You do not need a middleman, and no one can file it "faster" for a fee.
Be skeptical of official-looking letters offering to file your homestead exemption, "designate" your homestead, or send you a copy of your deed for $50–$200. These are private solicitations, not government notices. When in doubt, contact your County Treasurer / Department of Revenue directly using the phone number on your tax bill.
Montana property tax relief programs
Amounts, eligibility, deadlines, and the official source for each program.
| Program | Benefit | Who qualifies | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP)Tax Credit | Reduces the property tax rate on the first $418,000 of the primary residence's market value by 30%, 50%, or 80% based on income. 2026 single-filer income tiers: $0–$14,286 = 80%; $14,287–$19,532 = 50%; $19,533–$29,037 = 30%. Married/head-of-household tiers: $0–$19,249 = 80%; $19,250–$29,085 = 50%; $29,086–$38,917 = 30%. | Income: 2026: single filer FAGI up to $29,037; married/head-of-household up to $38,917 (inflation-adjusted annually). · Must own (or be under contract to purchase) a home, mobile home, or manufactured home in Montana and live in it as your primary residence for at least 7 months of the year. | April 15 | Official source ↗Mont. Code Ann. § 15-6-302, § 15-6-305, § 15-6-312; ARM 42.19.401, 42.19.402Property Tax Assistance Program Application (Form PTAP) ↗ |
| Montana Disabled Veteran (MDV) Assistance ProgramVeteran | Reduces the residential property tax rate by 100%, 80%, 70%, or 50% based on income and filing status. 2026 income ceilings: single up to $62,598; married/head-of-household up to $72,229; unmarried surviving spouse up to $54,573 (inflation-adjusted annually). | Veteran must be rated 100% disabled, or paid at the 100% disabled rate, by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for a service-connected disability (or have died on active duty or from a service-connected cause). A surviving spouse must remain unmarried and own/occupy the home. · Income: 2026: single up to $62,598; married/head-of-household up to $72,229; unmarried surviving spouse up to $54,573. · Must own and occupy the residence as a primary residence in Montana. | April 15 | Official source ↗Mont. Code Ann. § 15-6-311; § 15-6-302; § 15-6-312; ARM 42.19.401, 42.19.402Montana Disabled Veteran Property Tax Relief Application (Form MDV) ↗ |
| Montana Elderly Homeowner/Renter CreditTax Credit | Refundable income tax credit of up to $1,150, calculated by a formula based on household income and the property tax or rent paid. | Age 62+ · Income: Gross household income less than $45,000. · Must be 62 or older as of December 31, have lived in Montana at least 9 months, and have rented, owned, or leased a home in Montana for at least 6 months during the year. | April 15 | Official source ↗Mont. Code Ann. §§ 15-30-2337 through 15-30-2341; ARM 42.4.3Montana Individual Income Tax Return (Form 2), Schedule 2EC (Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit) ↗ |
| Homestead Reduced Property Tax RateHomestead | Graduated reduced tax rate for principal residences (2026 tax year): 0.76% of market value up to the statewide median residential value; 0.9% above the median up to 2x the median; 1.1% from 2x up to 4x the median; 1.9% at 4x the median or greater. The standard (non-homestead) Class 4 residential rate is 1.9%. | Must own and occupy the property (individual, couple, or grantor revocable trust) as a principal residence for at least 7 months of the year and be current on property taxes. | March 1 | Official source ↗Mont. Code Ann. § 15-6-134(3) (homestead rate schedule); § 15-6-405 (qualification), as enacted/amended by HB 231 (2025)Montana Application for a Reduced Property Tax Rate on a Principal Residence (Homestead) ↗ |
| Land Value Property Tax Assistance Program (LVPTAP)Homestead | When the appraised value of the land is more than 150% of the appraised value of the home and other buildings on it, the land is valued at 150% of the residence/improvements value and the remaining land value is exempt from taxation. | Home must be the primary residence for at least 7 months of the year, on 5 acres or less, with the land owned by the applicant or a family member within the third degree of consanguinity for at least 30 consecutive years. | March 1 | Official source ↗Mont. Code Ann. § 15-6-240; ARM 42.19.407Land Value Property Tax Assistance for Residential Property Application (Form LVPTARP) ↗ |
For veterans
In most states a higher VA disability rating unlocks a larger — often total — property tax exemption.
Trusted Resources
Trusted tools to help you claim what you've earned
VA Claims Academy
A 100% VA disability rating unlocks full property tax exemptions in most states. VA Claims Academy helps veterans pursue the rating increases they may be owed.
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Montana property tax relief FAQ
What property tax exemptions are available in Montana?
Montana offers 5 main property tax relief programs: Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP), Montana Disabled Veteran (MDV) Assistance Program, Montana Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit, Homestead Reduced Property Tax Rate, Land Value Property Tax Assistance Program (LVPTAP). Each is administered through your County Treasurer / Department of Revenue.
How do I apply for a property tax exemption in Montana?
You apply through your County Treasurer / Department of Revenue — for free. Most exemptions require a one-time application by the deadline; check each program for its form and cutoff date. You never need to pay a third party to file.
Is filing for a Montana property tax exemption free?
Yes. Filing is always free through your County Treasurer / Department of Revenue. Letters offering to file your homestead exemption for a fee are private solicitations, not government notices.
Compare Montana to other states by relief type
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