Rob Hartley

Founder, AppealDesk · Published March 3, 2026

Montana Property Tax Relief 2026: What's Actually Available (and Who Qualifies)

Updated May 2026

If you've been searching for a single MT "homestead exemption" form to lower your property tax and can't find one, this is why. Montana's property tax relief is income-tested and targeted at low-income homeowners, the elderly, and disabled veterans.

This guide accurately describes what MT actually offers, who qualifies, and how to apply. If you don't qualify for any of them, your strongest path to a lower bill is to appeal an over-assessed value.

Montana's Property Tax Relief Programs

1. Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP) — MCA §15-6-305

A graduated reduction in the taxable value of your primary residence based on household income. PTAP reduces taxes by 30%, 50%, or 80% depending on income tier. The reduction applies to the first $350,000 of market value of the primary residence (the "exempted portion" cap).

You qualify if ALL apply:

• You own and occupy the property as your primary residence for at least 7 months of the year
• You have lived in Montana for at least 9 consecutive months
• Total household income is below the program tiered limits. Approximate 2024 figures (adjusts annually):
  • 80% reduction tier: income up to ~$11,930 single / ~$15,907 married
  • 50% reduction tier: income up to ~$15,907 single / ~$23,860 married
  • 30% reduction tier: income up to ~$23,860 single / ~$31,813 married

Apply with the Montana Department of Revenue using Form PPB-8 (Property Tax Assistance Application) by April 15 of the tax year. Reapplication is required annually because eligibility depends on prior-year income.

2. Montana Disabled Veteran Assistance Program (MDV) — MCA §15-6-311

A graduated property tax reduction for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating from the V.A. (or who receive 100% compensation due to individual unemployability), based on household income. Like PTAP, the benefit is a 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100% reduction in property taxes on the first $350,000 of market value of the primary residence.

You qualify if ALL apply:

• You are a veteran with a 100% service-connected permanent and total disability rating from the V.A. (OR you are the unremarried surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran or a service member killed in action)
• You own and occupy the property as your primary residence
• Total household income is below the program tier limits (higher than PTAP's limits — approximately up to $61,000 for married couples for the lowest-tier 30% reduction; verify current year limits with MT DOR)

Apply with the Montana Department of Revenue using Form AB-30 (MDV Application) by April 15. Reapplication is required annually.

3. Elderly Homeowner/Renter Tax Credit (MCA §15-30-2337 to §15-30-2341)

A state income tax credit (refundable) for income-eligible elderly homeowners and renters. The credit reimburses a portion of the property tax (or rent) paid. Maximum credit is approximately $1,150 (2024 figure; adjusts annually).

You qualify if ALL apply:

• Age 62 or older as of December 31 of the tax year
• You lived in Montana for at least 9 months of the tax year
• You occupied a Montana residence (owned or rented) for at least 6 months of the tax year
• Total household income below approximately $45,000 (2024 figure; adjusts annually)

Claim on the Montana state income tax return (Form 2 or Form 2EC). The credit is refundable, meaning you can receive it even if you owe no state income tax.

4. Recent Property Tax Rebates (2023 Legislative Session)

The 2023 Montana Legislature enacted a series of one-time and ongoing property tax rebates in response to the significant 2022-2023 property tax reappraisal. Recent rebate programs have included:

• Property tax rebates for Montana homeowners on a per-residence basis, with eligibility limits (varied by enactment)
• Mechanisms requiring an annual application/claim through the Montana Department of Revenue

Check mtrevenue.gov for current rebate programs in effect for the current tax year — these have changed each session.

5. Disabled Veteran/Service Member Exemption Variants

In addition to MDV, Montana offers several narrower exemption variants for disabled service members and surviving spouses. Confirm details with the MT Department of Revenue or your county treasurer.

How to Apply

Most MT property tax relief programs are administered by the Montana Department of Revenue rather than the county. Income tax credits run through the state income tax return.

• Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP): File Form PPB-8 with MT DOR by April 15. Annual reapplication required.
• Montana Disabled Veteran Assistance (MDV): File Form AB-30 with MT DOR by April 15. Annual reapplication required.
• Elderly Homeowner/Renter Tax Credit: Claim on Form 2 or Form 2EC of your Montana state income tax return (by April 15 with your state taxes).
• Property Tax Rebates (legislative session-specific): Check mtrevenue.gov for current claim instructions.
• Required documents: Federal tax return (1040), Social Security statements, V.A. disability rating documentation (if applicable), proof of MT residency, proof of ownership.

If None of These Apply to You

Most working-age, non-disabled Montana homeowners with income above the program tiers will not qualify for the relief programs above. That's the honest answer. Montana's property tax relief is heavily income-tested.

Your strongest path to a lower bill is to appeal an over-assessed value:

1. Montana reappraises residential property on a 2-year cycle (changed from 6-year in recent reforms). When you receive your Assessment Notice, you have a window to challenge the appraised market value.
2. File an Informal Review (Form AB-26) with the Montana Department of Revenue within 30 days of receiving your Assessment Notice. The DOR reviews and can adjust.
3. If unresolved, file with the County Tax Appeal Board within 30 days of the DOR's informal decision. The County Tax Appeal Board hears formal appeals.
4. If the county board denies your appeal, you may appeal to the Montana Tax Appeal Board (state level) within 30 days.

Appeal is available to ALL MT homeowners regardless of age, income, or service status. It's the broadest-access mechanism Montana has for lowering a tax bill that's based on an inflated appraised value.

Common Misconceptions

"Montana has a homestead exemption that saves every homeowner $1,500."

No. Montana has no general property tax homestead exemption. The Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP) is income-tested at very low thresholds (under ~$24,000-$32,000 for the smallest 30% reduction). The MDV program is for 100% disabled veterans. The Elderly Tax Credit is income-tested.

"The MT Homestead Exemption protects me from high property taxes."

No. The Montana Homestead Exemption (MCA §70-32-201) is a creditor/bankruptcy protection for home equity (approximately $378,560 for 2024). It does not reduce your property tax bill.

"PTAP is automatic."

No. You must affirmatively file Form PPB-8 with the Montana Department of Revenue, and you must reapply annually. PTAP is not auto-renewed because eligibility depends on prior-year income.

"The 2023 rebates apply forever."

No. The 2023 Legislature's rebates included one-time and limited-duration provisions. Each subsequent legislative session can change, extend, or end the rebates. Verify the current program at mtrevenue.gov.

Sources and Authoritative References

• MCA §15-6-305 (Property Tax Assistance Program — PTAP)
• MCA §15-6-311 (Montana Disabled Veteran Assistance — MDV)
• MCA §15-30-2337 to §15-30-2341 (Elderly Homeowner/Renter Tax Credit)
• MCA §70-32-201 (Homestead Exemption — bankruptcy/creditor protection, NOT property tax)
• 2023 Montana Legislature property tax rebate enactments
• Form PPB-8 (PTAP), Form AB-30 (MDV), Form AB-26 (Informal Review of Assessment)
• Montana Department of Revenue: mtrevenue.gov
• Your county treasurer and the Montana Tax Appeal Board

This page was rewritten in May 2026 after our prior version inaccurately described MT as having a general homestead exemption available to every homeowner with flat $1,500 savings. Montana's actual property tax relief is income-tested and targeted at low-income homeowners (PTAP), disabled veterans (MDV), the elderly (Elderly Tax Credit), and through periodic legislative rebate programs. We apologize for any confusion the prior version caused. If anything here is unclear or inaccurate, email us at hello@appealdesk.com and we'll fix it.