HELENA, MT - Governor Greg Gianforte is reminding eligible Montanans of an upcoming April 15 deadline to apply for two property tax relief programs.

“Property taxes are too high, and they need to be reined in,” Gov. Gianforte said. “While we await the report of the Property Tax Task Force, I’m proud to have worked with the legislature to deliver relief for Montanans through property tax rebates and assistance programs. I encourage those eligible to apply for these programs before the April 15 deadline.”

The deadline to apply for the Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP) and the Montana Disabled Veterans (MDV) Property Tax Assistance Program is on April 15.

PTAP is open to individuals who meet certain criteria based on home ownership, occupancy requirements, and income qualifications. Gov. Gianforte worked with the legislature in 2023 to expand the program’s eligibility to more Montanans, increasing the eligibility for properties with a market value from $200,000 to $350,000.

MDV reduces the property tax burden for Montana veterans who are 100% disabled or the surviving unmarried spouse of a deceased veteran who was 100% disabled. Eligibility for reduced property taxes is based on home ownership, occupancy, military disability requirements, and income qualifications. Similar to PTAP for Tax Year 2024, the MDV program will have higher qualifying income levels.

Addressing rising property taxes is one of Gov. Gianforte’s top priorities.

According to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Division, between 2001 and 2022, inflation grew at an average annual rate of 2.42%, while between tax years 2001 and 2022, the annual average property tax growth rate for counties was 6.19%, cities 6.13%, local schools 4.40%, and countywide schools 3.60%.

To reduce the burden of property taxes for Montanans, the governor in June 2023 delivered Montanans $120 million in permanent, long-term property tax relief through House Bill 587. Further, the governor secured up to $1,350 in property tax rebates for Montana homeowners for their primary residence over 2023 and 2024. Taken together, the measures provide the average Montana homeowner with relief that more than offsets his or her property tax increase.

To further reduce the burden of property taxes, the governor reformed the property tax system to allow homeowners to pay their property taxes in seven equal installments throughout the year, rather than only in the months of November and May.

In addition to providing short-term relief for increased property taxes, the governor also launched the Property Tax Task Force to address rising rates and to restrain their future growth. To learn more about the Property Tax Task Force and to watch its recent meetings, visit propertytaxreform.mt.gov. 

To learn more about the Department of Revenue and its property tax relief programs, visit mtrevenue.gov/property.