Montana Homestead Property Tax Deadline Nears

Residents must apply by March 1 to receive new lower tax rates on primary homes and long-term rentals

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Montana residents have less than a month to apply for the state's new 'homestead' property tax rate, which will lower taxes on primary homes and long-term rentals. Governor Greg Gianforte has touted the new rates as a tax cut for most homeowners, but property owners must register by the March 1 deadline to qualify. So far, around 230,000 primary residences have been automatically enrolled, with another 10,300 registering since December. However, owners of long-term rentals must also apply, and only 13,500 have done so.

Why it matters

The new homestead property tax rates are part of Gianforte's legislative agenda to provide tax relief for Montana homeowners. However, the program requires residents to actively register, and those who miss the deadline will miss out on the lower rates this year. This raises concerns about equitable access to the tax benefits, especially for less tech-savvy or engaged homeowners.

The details

Under the new system, primary residences and long-term rental properties (rented for at least 28 days at a time for 7 months per year) qualify for lower 'homestead' tax rates. Homeowners must own the property and live there at least 7 months per year to get the primary residence rate. Those who received a $400 property tax rebate last year should be automatically enrolled, but anyone else must apply by March 1. The Montana Department of Revenue says around 230,000 primary homes are already enrolled, with another 10,300 signing up since December. However, only 13,500 long-term rental properties have registered so far.

  • The homestead property tax application period closes at the end of the day on March 1, 2026.
  • The new lower homestead tax rates will take effect starting in 2026.

The players

Greg Gianforte

The Governor of Montana who has touted the new homestead property tax rates as a tax cut for most homeowners.

Scott Mendenhall

The deputy director of the Montana Department of Revenue, who provided updates on homestead tax rate registration numbers.

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What they’re saying

“We just want to encourage folks to sign up at homestead.mt.gov by March 1. Again, if you sign up, you're going to see lower property taxes.”

— Greg Gianforte, Governor (MTN)

“We've exceeded our estimate in terms of people registering for the primary homestead exemption, and we're well along in terms of the long-term rental application, but down compared to the primary homestead.”

— Scott Mendenhall, Deputy Director, Montana Department of Revenue (MTN)

What’s next

The Montana Department of Revenue plans to send another round of postcards to people who haven't registered yet, and will be working with landlords, realtors, title companies and organizations like AARP to get the word out about the homestead tax rate application deadline.

The takeaway

While the new homestead property tax rates are intended to provide relief for most Montana homeowners, the program requires active registration by the March 1 deadline. This raises concerns about equitable access, as less engaged or tech-savvy residents may miss out on the benefits. The state is working to raise awareness, but ultimately it will be up to individual homeowners and rental property owners to ensure they apply in time.