Residential Property

Overview

  • Residential property consists of single-family residences, including trailers, manufactured homes or mobile homes, and multifamily rental property.
  • Residential property is valued every two years at 100% of its market value.

Market value, as defined in 15-8-111, MCA, is the most probable sale price in a competitive and open market:

  • Assuming both buyer and seller are acting prudently and knowledgeable,
  • Allowing sufficient time for the sale, and
  • Assuming the transaction is not affected by undue pressures.

For more information on the department's residential property valuation process, refer to the Montana Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Property Classification and Valuation Manual.

Residential Property Tax Bills

  • Real property tax bills are mailed by county treasurers, usually in late October. 
  • Special fees are added to the general property tax to show your total real property tax.
  • County treasurers calculate current year real property taxes using the mill levies as determined by the local governments annually. (15-10-305, MCA)

The tax bills contain:

  • The property owner's name
  • A legal description of the property
  • Total taxable values
  • Your general property tax
  • Special fees including:
    • Street maintenance
    • Irrigation
    • Police or fire services
    • Other special assessments for your tax jurisdiction

Residential Property Tax Payment Due Dates

Real property taxes are due by 5:00 PM on:

  • First Payment: November 30 or within 30 days of the postmark on your tax notice, whichever is later
  • Second Payment: May 31

If a due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date is the next business day. (1-1-307, MCA).

County Treasurers collect residential property tax.

Contact your county treasurer to learn more about the special assessments and fees in your area.