Governor Gianforte Secures Property Tax Relief for Montanans with Low or Fixed Incomes

• August 16 2023

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – As Montana homeowners begin to claim their $675 property tax rebate, Governor Greg Gianforte today promoted additional property tax relief he secured for Montana homeowners with low or fixed incomes.

A key component of his Budget for Montana Families, Gov. Gianforte proposed and secured reforms to the state’s Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP), providing greater relief to Montanans with low or fixed incomes, as well as disabled veterans or their unmarried surviving spouses. Rep. George Nikolakakos, R-Great Falls, sponsored the bill and joined the governor at the event.

“Property taxes are too high, and additional reforms are needed to reduce the burden of property taxes over the long term,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Working with Rep. Nikolakakos this spring, we proudly secured immediate relief for Montana homeowners who are especially impacted by property tax increases, like our seniors on fixed incomes and disabled veterans.”

Gov. Gianforte greeting a Montanan after highlighting recent reforms to reduce the burden of property taxes for Montana seniors and disabled veterans

House Bill 189, carried by Rep. Nikolakakos, strengthened PTAP by increasing the home market value limit.

Before the governor’s reforms, only the first $200,000 of a home’s market value qualified for relief through the program. Now, Montana homeowners are eligible for PTAP relief for the first $350,000 of their home’s market value.

The bill also reformed the program to automatically adjust income requirements for inflation after each reappraisal cycle.

Rep. Nikolakakos added, “The number one issue I hear from Montanans is property taxes, especially from fixed income folks who are looking to retire in place. By strengthening our Property Tax Assistance Program, we’re providing targeted tax relief to the people who need it most.”

Gov. Gianforte visiting with bill sponsor Rep. George Nikolakakos

The governor also promoted a new law championed by Rep. Nikolakakos allowing homeowners to pay their property taxes in seven equal payments throughout the year, rather than in November and May.

“As we work with local partners to reform the property tax system over the long term, we’re committed to commonsense fixes that reduce the burden of property taxes on Montanans. Providing folks the option of making smaller, more regular property tax payments – rather than two large payments – is a no-brainer,” Gov. Gianforte said, praising House Bill 830.

This spring, the governor also delivered Montanans $120 million in permanent, long-term property tax relief and secured up to $1,350 in property tax rebates for Montana homeowners over the next two years.

Eligible Montana homeowners may now claim their first rebate up to $675 at getmyrebate.mt.gov. The deadline for claims is October 1, 2023.

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