MT · No general homestead exemption
Montana homestead exemption
Montana has no flat-dollar homestead exemption, but starting in 2026 a primary residence is taxed at a lower tiered rate: 0.76% on the first $378,000 of market value instead of the 1.90% rate for second homes.
- Main exemption
- No general exemption
- Filing deadline
- March 1
- Own and live there by
- Not in our data
- Renewal
- Renews automatically
- Where to file
- Montana Department of Revenue (Homestead.mt.gov)
Montana has no flat-dollar homestead exemption, but starting in 2026 a primary residence is taxed at a lower tiered rate: 0.76% on the first $378,000 of market value instead of the 1.90% rate for second homes. To get it you must live in the home at least 7 months a year and enroll with the Department of Revenue by March 1. Low-income owners and 100% disabled veterans can cut their rate further.
Last verified · Sources
How much the Montana exemption is worth
Montana has no general homestead exemption for all homeowners. The relief that does exist is described below.
Who qualifies
- The home is your principal residence for at least seven months each year.
- It is owned by you, a couple or a grantor revocable trust; homes owned by an LLC, corporation, partnership or irrevocable trust do not qualify.
- You are current on all property tax payments.
- You claim the reduced rate on only one residence.
Deadline and renewal
Enroll online at Homestead.mt.gov during the enrollment period, which closes March 1 for the next tax year. If you buy a home that was not enrolled before March 20, you can enroll it for the current year by March 20.
You do not need to re-enroll while you own and live in the same home. A new owner must enroll during the enrollment period to keep the rate the following year.
Extra breaks for seniors, veterans and disabled owners
| Who | Program | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seniors | Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit | $1,150 tax credit | A refundable income tax credit of up to $1,150 for residents 62+ with household income under $45,000 who owned or rented a Montana home for at least six months. Claim it on Form 2 with Schedule 2EC. Source |
| Veterans | Montana Disabled Veteran Assistance Program (MDV) | 100% of value | Veterans rated 100% disabled from a service-connected injury get a 100%, 80%, 70% or 50% reduction of the normal tax rate, based on income. For tax year 2027 the income limit is $64,551 single or $74,482 married or head of household. Source |
| Surviving spouses | MDV for unmarried surviving spouses | Not in our data | An unmarried surviving spouse with 2025 federal AGI of $56,276 or less qualifies if the veteran died on active duty, died from a service-connected disability, or was rated 100% disabled at death. Source |
| Other | Homestead reduced tax rate (2026 tiers) | 0.76% of value | For 2026, homesteads pay 0.76% on the first $378,000 of market value, 0.90% from $378,001 to $756,000, 1.10% from $756,001 to $1,511,999 and 1.90% above $1,512,000. Second homes and short-term rentals pay a flat 1.90%. Source |
| Other | Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP) | Not in our data | Owners with 2025 federal AGI of $29,943 or less (single) or $40,131 or less (married or head of household) get their tax rate cut by 80%, 50% or 30% for tax year 2027. Apply by April 15; the application stays active while you own and live in the home. Source |
Montana county guides
County guides for Montana are not published yet. File with: Montana Department of Revenue (Homestead.mt.gov).
Frequently asked questions
Does Montana have a homestead exemption?
Not a dollar exemption. Since 2026, a primary residence gets a lower tiered tax rate, starting at 0.76% on the first $378,000 of market value.
Do I have to re-enroll every year?
No. Once enrolled you stay enrolled while you own and live in the home; a new owner must enroll by March 1.
Is there extra help for low-income owners?
Yes. PTAP cuts the tax rate by up to 80% based on income, and owners 62+ can claim the Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit of up to $1,150.
When is the homestead exemption deadline in Montana?
Enroll online at Homestead.mt.gov during the enrollment period, which closes March 1 for the next tax year. If you buy a home that was not enrolled before March 20, you can enroll it for the current year by March 20.
Sources
- Info for Homesteads and Long-term Rentals · Montana Department of Revenue
- 2026 Property Tax Information · Montana Department of Revenue
- Homestead FAQs · Montana Department of Revenue
- Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP) · Montana Department of Revenue
- Montana Disabled Veteran Assistance Program · Montana Department of Revenue
- Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit · Montana Department of Revenue
Last verified
See something wrong or out of date? Report an error.