Gov. Gianforte: 10 Days Remain to Claim Lower Property Tax Rates

Deadline to claim the rates is March 20

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte and the Montana Department of Revenue (DOR) today reminded eligible Montana homeowners and property owners of the deadline to claim reduced property tax rates. 10 days remain before the March 20, 2026, deadline.

"Our reforms are delivering permanent and meaningful property tax relief for hardworking Montanans in the place they call home," Gov. Gianforte said. "With just 10 days remaining before the portal closes, I encourage eligible Montanans to take a few minutes to verify your status or apply online in order to benefit from the lower property tax rates."

To claim the reduced rates for the 2026 tax year, property owners must apply by March 20. Electronic applications must be submitted at homestead.mt.gov by midnight, and paper applications must be postmarked on or before that same day.

Beginning December 1, 2025, Montana homeowners became eligible to apply for the Homestead Reduced Rate for the 2026 tax year. To qualify, applicants must attest that they will own and live in their Montana home as their principal residence for at least seven months during 2026. When applying, homeowners will need to provide the property's physical address, geocode, and the names and Social Security numbers of the property owners.

Applications are also being accepted for properties that qualify for the Long-Term Rental Reduced Rate. To qualify, properties must be rented to tenants as their residence for periods of 28 days or longer for at least seven months of the year. Applicants will need to provide the property's physical address, geocode, owner information, and details on rental income and expenses.

The easiest and quickest way to claim the lower rates is online at homestead.mt.gov .

Last year, more than 235,000 Montana homeowners claimed and received a property tax rebate. Montana homeowners who claimed and received a property tax rebate in 2025 may be automatically enrolled in the Homestead Rate for 2026, provided the homeowner did not move or change ownership in 2025.

In November, Gov. Gianforte announced that nearly 80% of homeowners saw a tax cut from the reforms last year, with about 10% seeing property taxes remain flat. 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.

Montanans who need assistance with their application can contact the Montana Department of Revenue at (406) 444-6900 or visit their local county property assessment office.

A video of the governor encouraging eligible Montanans to claim the lower rates from last week may be viewed here.

###