Property Tax Rebate : Montana homeowners can now access the long-anticipated $675 property tax rebate after state officials finalized program details and launched the official claim portal last week.

This rebate, part of the state’s broader property tax relief initiative, provides direct financial assistance to qualifying residents struggling with rising housing costs.

With the application deadline approaching and specific documentation requirements in place, understanding the claim process has become essential for eligible homeowners seeking this valuable tax relief.

“This program represents a meaningful response to the property tax burden many Montanans currently face,” explains Margaret Wilson, tax policy analyst at the Montana Taxpayers Association.

“However, the specific eligibility requirements and application procedures contain important details homeowners need to understand to successfully claim their rebate.”

Who Qualifies for the $675 Rebate?

Unlike some previous tax relief programs, this rebate targets specific categories of Montana homeowners:

Primary Residence Requirement

The rebate applies only to owner-occupied primary residences, excluding investment properties, vacation homes, and rental units.

Homeowners must have owned and occupied the property as their principal dwelling for at least 7 months during tax year 2024.

“This isn’t for out-of-state property owners or investors,” emphasizes James Thompson, a spokesperson for the Montana Department of Revenue.

“It’s specifically designed to help Montanans who live in the homes they own and bear the direct burden of property tax increases.”

Income Thresholds

Eligibility includes income limitations targeting middle and lower-income homeowners:

• Single filers with adjusted gross incomes below $120,000

• Joint filers with adjusted gross incomes below $160,000

• Head of household filers with adjusted gross incomes below $140,000

These thresholds were designed to direct relief toward households most affected by property tax pressures while maintaining broad eligibility across most of the state’s homeowners.

Property Value Considerations

Properties with assessed values exceeding $1.2 million qualify for only a partial rebate, calculated on a sliding scale that phases out completely at $1.5 million.

This provision focuses relief on primary homes rather than luxury properties.

Sarah Rodriguez, a homeowner from Bozeman who recently completed her application, shared her experience: “The process was straightforward once I gathered my documentation.

As a single homeowner with a modest income, I qualified for the full $675, which will definitely help offset the property tax increase I saw last year.”

Property Tax Payment Verification

Applicants must have paid property taxes on their primary residence for the 2024 tax year, with the rebate capped at the actual tax amount paid if less than $675.

Property Tax Rebate The Claim Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The Montana Department of Revenue has established a specific process for homeowners to claim their rebate:

Online Application Portal

The primary claim method is through the dedicated online portal at MTPropertyTaxRelief.mt.gov, where homeowners can:

• Verify their eligibility through a preliminary screening tool

• Submit their application with required documentation

• Check the status of submitted claims

• Update contact information for payment delivery

“The online system has been designed for simplicity while maintaining necessary security measures,” notes Robert Chen, digital services manager at the Department of Revenue.

“Most applicants complete the process in under 15 minutes if they have all required documentation ready.”

Alternative Application Methods

For homeowners without internet access, alternative claim methods include:

• Paper applications available at county treasurer offices statewide

• Telephone application assistance through the dedicated helpline (406-552-6700)

• In-person assistance at regional Department of Revenue field offices

Thomas Wilson, who utilized the telephone assistance option from his home in rural Montana, described the experience: “I’m not comfortable with computers, so I called the helpline.

The representative walked me through each question and confirmed my documentation was sufficient. It took about 20 minutes total, and they said I should receive my rebate within 4-6 weeks.”

Property Tax Rebate Required Documentation for Successful Claims

The Department of Revenue requires specific documentation to verify eligibility:

Proof of Property Ownership

Acceptable documentation includes:

• Property deed showing ownership during 2024

• Mortgage statements covering the eligibility period

• Property tax bills in the applicant’s name

• Property insurance documentation showing ownership

Income Verification

Applicants must provide:

• 2024 Montana tax return (preferred verification method)

• Alternative income documentation for those not required to file

• Federal tax return if Montana return unavailable

Primary Residence Confirmation

Evidence supporting primary residence status includes:

• Utility bills spanning multiple months of 2024

• Vehicle registration showing the property address

• Voter registration confirmation

• Driver’s license matching the property address

“The documentation requirements might seem extensive, but they’re necessary to prevent fraudulent claims while ensuring legitimate homeowners receive their rebate,” explains Jennifer Davis, tax compliance specialist. “Most homeowners already have these documents readily available.”

Payment Distribution Timeline

The distribution schedule follows a structured timeline based on application submission date:

• Applications submitted by April 15, 2025: Payments processed within a 30-day window

• Applications submitted April 16-May 15, 2025: Payments processed within a 45-day window

• Applications submitted May 16-June 15, 2025 (final deadline): Payments processed within a 60-day window

This staggered approach allows for systematic processing while prioritizing early applicants. All approved rebates will be distributed before the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2025.

Michael Williams, budget director for Montana, notes: “The phased distribution approach allows for thorough verification while ensuring the most efficient use of administrative resources.

We strongly encourage homeowners to apply early to receive their rebate as quickly as possible.”

Property Tax Rebate Payment Delivery Methods

Approved rebates will be distributed through two primary methods:

Direct Deposit

Applicants can provide banking information for electronic transfer, which typically delivers funds 7-10 days faster than paper checks.

The online portal includes enhanced security measures for protecting banking information submitted for direct deposit.

Paper Checks

Traditional paper checks will be mailed to the address provided in the application. Recipients choosing this option should verify their current mailing address, as checks will not be forwarded if returned undeliverable.

Maria Thompson, who received her rebate via direct deposit last week, shared: “The money appeared in my account exactly 28 days after submitting my application.

The notification email arrived the day before the deposit, so I knew exactly when to expect it.”

Property Tax Rebate Common Issues and Solutions

The Department of Revenue has identified several common challenges applicants face:

Documentation Inadequacies

Approximately 12% of initial applications were returned for insufficient documentation, with the most common issues including:

• Incomplete proof of primary residence

• Missing income verification documents

• Property ownership documentation covering insufficient time periods

“If your application is flagged for documentation issues, you’ll receive a specific notification identifying exactly what additional information is needed,” explains Thompson.

“You’ll have 30 days to provide the requested documentation before the application is denied.”

Multiple Property Confusion

Some homeowners with multiple properties have attempted to claim rebates for more than one property or for non-primary residences.

“The system cross-references property records statewide,” notes Davis. “Attempting to claim multiple rebates or submitting claims for ineligible properties can result in claim denial and potential penalties.”

Address Verification Mismatches

Applications showing discrepancies between addresses on different documentation often face processing delays.

William Martinez, a homeowner in Missoula who initially experienced this issue, shares his resolution: “My driver’s license had my old address while my property documents showed my current address.

I had to provide additional documentation showing when I moved. Once I submitted that, my application was approved within a week.”

Property Tax Rebate Special Considerations for Unique Situations

Several provisions address less common homeowner situations:

Recent Home Purchases

Homeowners who purchased their primary residence during 2024 may qualify for a prorated rebate based on the months of ownership, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.

Property Held in Trust

Homes held in family trusts qualify if the trust beneficiary uses the property as their primary residence and meets income requirements. Additional documentation demonstrating the trust relationship is required.

Recently Deceased Homeowners

Estates of homeowners who died during 2024 or early 2025 may still claim the rebate if the deceased would have qualified. These claims require additional documentation including death certificates and executor appointments.

Future of the Program

While currently authorized as a one-time rebate, state officials have indicated the program could return depending on budget conditions and ongoing property tax trends.

“The legislature will evaluate the program’s effectiveness and fiscal implications before determining whether to continue, modify, or expand this relief in future budget cycles,” explains Wilson.

“Homeowner feedback and participation rates will significantly influence those decisions.”

For Montana homeowners, the June 15 application deadline represents a critical opportunity to receive meaningful property tax relief during challenging economic times.

With proper documentation and timely application submission, eligible residents can expect their $675 rebate within the established processing windows.

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