Helena, Montana – Montana property owners now have more time to apply for reduced property tax rates after state officials announced an extension aimed at ensuring residents are not penalized due to technical problems. Governor Greg Gianforte and Montana Department of Revenue Director Brendan Beatty confirmed that the deadline to apply for the Homestead and Long-Term Rental Reduced Property Tax Rates has been extended to March 20, 2026.
The extension comes after intermittent technical issues affected the department’s online application portal during a surge of last-minute filings. Heavy traffic slowed the system and created obstacles for homeowners attempting to complete their submissions before the original deadline.
“Our top priority is delivering permanent and meaningful property tax relief to the hardworking Montanans who call this state home,” Gov. Gianforte said. “State government should be customer-friendly and responsive. Because of the overwhelming number of Montanans utilizing the portal to claim the lower tax rates, we are extending the deadline to ensure that no one is penalized by a technical glitch. I appreciate the work of Montana Department of Revenue staff in assisting Montanans who are claiming the lower rates.”
Extension aims to ensure fair access to tax relief
Under the updated timeline, electronic applications must be submitted through homestead.mt.gov by midnight on March 20, 2026. Paper applications mailed to the department must be postmarked on or before the same date.
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Director Beatty emphasized the importance of fairness and accessibility in the decision to extend the deadline. “Our priority is to ensure that no Montanan is penalized due to technical difficulties with our filing systems given the magnitude of last-minute applications,” he said. “We believe this has created extenuating circumstances that allow us to waive the application deadline until March 20. This extension provides homeowners and property managers an additional three weeks to ensure their information is submitted accurately.”
The extension applies to both the Homestead Reduced Rate and the Long-Term Rental Reduced Rate. To qualify for the rental rate, properties must be leased as residences for periods of at least 28 days and occupied for seven months or more each year. Applicants will need to submit property location details, ownership information, and records related to rental income and expenses.
Relief expected to benefit thousands of homeowners
State leaders previously estimated that nearly 80 percent of Montana homes will see a tax cut as a result of the reforms, while about 10 percent will see no increase. The average savings for homeowners receiving a tax reduction exceeds $500, in addition to a property tax rebate of up to $400 available to eligible residents.
Last year alone, more than 235,000 Montana homeowners claimed and received a property tax rebate. Homeowners who received the rebate in 2025 may be automatically enrolled in the Homestead Rate for 2026 if there was no change in ownership or residency during the year.
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Officials encourage residents to verify their enrollment status or submit applications online for faster processing. Those experiencing continued technical difficulties can contact the Department of Revenue help line at (406) 444-6900 or visit a local county property assessment office for assistance.
State leaders say the extension ensures that technical issues do not prevent eligible residents from receiving relief, while reaffirming the state’s commitment to responsive service and meaningful tax savings for Montana homeowners.
