Montana Property Tax Exemptions 2026: Homestead, Senior, Veteran & Disability
Montana (MT) homeowners have several ways to legally reduce their property tax bill — homestead reductions, senior credits, veteran exemptions, and disability programs. This page lists every Montana property tax exemption available in 2026, who qualifies, dollar amounts, and how to apply.
Quick answer: The most common Montana property tax exemption is the general homestead reduction for owner-occupied primary residences. Additional savings stack on top for residents who are age 65+, disabled, a disabled veteran, or a surviving spouse. Most Montana exemptions require a one-time application with the local county assessor; some need annual income recertification.
How much can a Montana homeowner save with the homestead exemption?
For a median Montana home valued at $338,100 (current annual tax $2,535), the general homestead reduction alone is worth roughly:
All Montana property tax exemptions at a glance
| Exemption | Who qualifies | Benefit | Typical savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead (general) | Owner-occupied primary residence | ~$200,000 value reduction | $1,500/yr est. |
| Senior / Age 65+ | Owner-occupied; age 65+; often income-capped | Additional reduction or freeze | $200 – $2,000/yr |
| Disabled veteran | Service-connected disability rating | Up to 100% exemption in many states | $1,000 – full bill |
| Disability (non-veteran) | Permanent total disability | Reduction + sometimes freeze | $200 – $1,500/yr |
| Surviving spouse | Of veteran, first responder, or senior | Continuation of decedent's exemption | Same as deceased's benefit |
| Agricultural / farm | Active agricultural use | Use-value assessment instead of market | 30% – 80% lower bill |
Estimated savings use Montana's effective property tax rate of 0.75% on the median home value of $338,100. Your actual savings depend on your county assessor's millage and how exemptions are applied to assessed (vs. market) value.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Now check your county's actual rate
Exemptions reduce the taxable amount — but the millage your county charges is what determines the bill. See the 2026 effective rate for every Montana county.
Browse Montana Counties → Read the full Montana guideMontana Department of Revenue — Property Tax Help · Montana DOR — Montana Disabled Veteran (MDV) Assistance Program · Gallatin County — Property Tax Relief · Montana Property Tax Help — Programs · Montana Code Annotated Title 15 (Taxation). Exemption amounts and filing deadlines verified against the 2025-2026 legislative sessions and official state publications. Always verify with your local assessor before filing — programs change annually. This page is informational and is not tax or legal advice.