Montana Homeowners Face March 1 Deadline for Property Tax Relief

Eligible residents have until next week to apply for reduced rates on primary homes and long-term rentals.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Montana homeowners and landlords have until March 1 to apply for the state's 2026 Homestead Reduced Rate program, which aims to lower property tax bills. The initiative was introduced last year by Republican Governor Greg Gianforte as part of his promise to provide tax relief without sweeping reforms. While the program has faced some legal challenges from fellow GOP lawmakers, state officials say nearly 80% of Montana homes will see a tax cut from the new policies.

Why it matters

Rising property taxes have become a major concern for homeowners across the country, including in Montana where home values have surged in recent years. The Homestead Reduced Rate is Gianforte's attempt to deliver targeted relief, though some experts question the long-term sustainability of the approach.

The details

To qualify, applicants must attest they will own and live in their Montana home as their primary residence for at least 7 months in 2026. For long-term rentals, landlords must rent the property for at least 28 days at a time and 7 months per year. Homeowners who received a $400 property tax rebate last year should be automatically enrolled, while others need to apply by the March 1 deadline.

  • The Homestead Reduced Rate was introduced in 2025 through House Bill 231.
  • The application deadline for the 2026 fiscal year is March 1, 2026.

The players

Greg Gianforte

The Republican governor of Montana who introduced the Homestead Reduced Rate as part of his promise to provide property tax relief without sweeping reforms.

Greg Hertz

A Republican state senator who, along with two other GOP lawmakers, has challenged a separate property tax bill in court, claiming the process that led to it was unconstitutional.

Scott Mendenhall

The deputy director of the Montana Department of Revenue, who stated that around 230,000 primary residences were already enrolled for homestead rates through last year's rebates, with an additional 10,300 registrations since December and 13,500 for long-term rentals.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in the legal challenge to SB 542 is expected to rule on whether to invalidate the bill in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Montana's targeted property tax relief efforts aim to provide homeowners with savings, but some experts warn the approach could shift the burden unfairly and create long-term fiscal challenges for the state and local governments.