Helena, Montana – Montana officials are highlighting the widespread impact of new property tax relief measures, with hundreds of thousands of residents already benefiting from reduced rates tied to recent reforms. Governor Greg Gianforte, alongside the Montana Department of Revenue, announced that nearly 260,000 primary homes and close to 36,000 long-term rental properties have enrolled in programs designed to lower property tax burdens.
The initiative stems from legislative action taken last year, when House Bill 231 was signed into law. The measure created the Homestead Reduced Rate and extended similar relief to long-term rental properties, offering what state leaders describe as meaningful financial support for both homeowners and renters across Montana.
Strong response to property tax relief programs
Officials say participation numbers show strong interest and widespread need. According to the announcement, the Homestead Reduced Rate has been claimed by nearly 260,000 homeowners for their primary residences. In addition, nearly 36,000 long-term rental properties have also enrolled, covering approximately 70,000 rental units throughout the state.
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“Working with our partners in the legislature, we’ve delivered on our priorities to secure permanent and meaningful property tax relief for hardworking Montanans,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Through the Homestead Reduced Rate, nearly 260,000 homeowners have claimed a lower rate for their primary residences, along with nearly 36,000 long-term rental properties. This translates to meaningful relief for Treasure State property owners and renters alike.”
The application process for these reduced rates officially opened on December 1, 2025, giving property owners the ability to claim benefits for both primary homes and qualifying long-term rentals. Initially, the deadline to apply was set for March 1. However, a surge in last-minute applications created technical issues with the online portal, prompting the Department of Revenue to extend the deadline to March 20.
That extension proved significant. Following the additional time, officials reported nearly a 20 percent increase in applications from long-term rental property owners. The added participation helped expand the reach of the program, ensuring more renters could indirectly benefit from lower property tax costs tied to those properties.
Savings felt across the state
The broader impact of the reforms is already being seen across Montana. According to data from the Department of Revenue, nearly 80 percent of homes experienced a reduction in property taxes as a result of the 2025 reforms. Another 10 percent saw their tax levels remain unchanged, meaning very few households experienced increases.
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For those receiving reductions, the savings are notable. Officials estimate that the average homeowner who benefited saw more than $500 in savings. This amount does not include an additional property tax rebate of up to $400 that is available to eligible homeowners, further increasing the financial relief.
The combination of reduced rates and rebates reflects a coordinated effort by state leaders to ease financial pressure on residents while maintaining long-term stability in the tax system. With participation numbers already high and benefits reaching a large portion of the population, Montana’s property tax changes are shaping up to be one of the most far-reaching efforts in recent years to provide relief to both homeowners and renters.
