Montana Property Tax 2026: PTAP, Disabled Veteran Exemption and Homestead

Montana has no state property tax — all property tax revenue goes to local governments. The Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP) reduces taxable value for lower-income homeowners, and the Montana Disabled Veteran Program (MDV) provides 50 to 100 percent tax reductions for qualifying veterans. This 2026 guide covers both plus the appeal process.

How Montana Property Tax Works

Montana property tax is administered by the Department of Revenue at the state level, with county treasurers collecting. There is no state property tax — all revenue supports county, city, school, and special district budgets.

Property classifications

Montana classifies property into types with different taxable value calculations. Class 4 (residential/commercial real property) uses a statutory taxable value rate that has been reduced over time.

The Homestead Reduced Rate

Homes occupied as primary residence for at least 7 months per year qualify for a reduced tax rate compared to other Class 4 property.

Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP)

PTAP reduces the taxable value of your home based on household income. Funded by the state; available to all qualifying homeowners, not just seniors.

Eligibility for 2026

• Montana resident who owns and occupies the property as primary residence
• Household income $47,476 or less

Benefit

Reduction in taxable value — the lower the income, the larger the reduction.

Application

File Form PTAP with the Montana Department of Revenue by April 15.

Montana Disabled Veteran Program (MDV)

The MDV program reduces property tax rate based on VA service-connected disability rating.

Benefits by disability percentage

• 100% SC disabled: full property tax exemption on primary residence (up to $200,000 market value)
• Partial disabilities: 50%, 70%, or 80% reductions at specific rating tiers

Also qualifies

• Unmarried surviving spouses of 100% disabled veterans
• Unmarried surviving spouses of veterans killed in the line of duty

Application

File with Montana Department of Revenue with VA disability documentation.

Other Programs

Intangible Land Value Assessment

Agricultural and forest land may be assessed at use value rather than market value for qualifying operations.

Elderly Homeowner Credit (MT Income Tax Credit)

A state income tax credit for Montana residents age 62+ with low income. Not a property tax reduction directly, but similar circuit-breaker effect via income tax.

Appealing Your Assessment

Montana appeals flow through informal review, County Tax Appeal Board, and State Tax Appeal Board.

Step 1: Informal review with DOR

Within 30 days of receiving the reappraisal notice.

Step 2: County Tax Appeal Board

If dissatisfied, appeal to the county board. Decisions typically issued within 60 days.

Step 3: State Tax Appeal Board

Appeal county decisions to the state-level Board within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for Montana's PTAP?

Montana residents who own and occupy their home as primary residence with household income $47,476 or less (2026 threshold). Reduces taxable value based on income tier — lower income means larger reduction. File Form PTAP with the Montana Department of Revenue by April 15.

How does Montana's Disabled Veteran Program work?

Veterans with 100% service-connected disability are exempt from property tax on primary residence up to $200,000 market value (2026). Partial disabilities receive 50%, 70%, or 80% proportional exemptions. Also available to unmarried surviving spouses of 100% SC disabled veterans or KIA veterans. File with the Montana Department of Revenue.

When is the Montana property tax appeal deadline?

Informal review with the Department of Revenue within 30 days of the reappraisal notice. If dissatisfied, appeal to the County Tax Appeal Board, then to the State Tax Appeal Board within 30 days of county decision.