Thousands Of Montanans Benefit From New Property Tax Rates

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On March 30, 2026, Governor Greg Gianforte and the Montana Department of Revenue (DOR) announced that nearly 260,000 primary homes and nearly 36,000 long-term rentals are enrolled in either the Homestead or Long-Term Rental Reduced Rates. 

“Working with our partners in the legislature, we’ve delivered on our priorities to secure permanent and meaningful property tax relief for hardworking Montanans,” Gianforte said. “Through the Homestead Reduced Rate, nearly 260,000 homeowners have claimed a lower rate for their primary residences, along with nearly 36,000 long-term rental properties. This translates to meaningful relief for Treasure State property owners and renters alike.” 

Last year, Gov. Gianforte signed into law House Bill 231, sponsored by Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, which established the Homestead Rate.  

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“Beginning December 1, 2025, Montana homeowners could apply to claim the reduced rate for long-term rentals and primary residences,” Gianforte said. “The bill indicated a March 1 deadline for applications. Responding to extenuating circumstances created by intermittent technical issues with the department’s online application portal caused by a high volume of last-minute filings, DOR extended the application deadline to March 20.” 

Following the extension, DOR saw a nearly 20 percent increase in applications from long-term rental owners.  

“The reduced property tax rate claimed for nearly 36,000 long-term rental properties covers nearly 70,000 living units across Montana,” Gianforte said. “According to DOR, nearly 80% of homes saw a tax cut from property tax reforms in 2025, with about 10% seeing property taxes remain flat.” 

READ MORE: Montana Governor Seeks Supreme Court Ruling On Tax Reform Lawsuit

According to Gianforte, the average savings for homeowners who saw a tax cut was more than $500, not including the up to $400 property tax rebate available to eligible homeowners.