Shocking Property Tax Cuts: Is Your Wallet Next? Governor Gianforte Reveals Startling Stats!

HELENA, Mont. – In a move that promises significant financial relief for homeowners and renters alike, Governor Greg Gianforte and the Montana Department of Revenue (DOR) announced that nearly 260,000 primary homes and 36,000 long-term rentals are now enrolled in the state's Homestead and Long-Term Rental Reduced Rates program.

“Working with our partners in the legislature, we’ve delivered on our priorities to secure permanent and meaningful property tax relief for hardworking Montanans,” Governor Gianforte stated. This announcement reflects the administration's commitment to addressing the economic challenges facing residents in the Treasure State. The Homestead Reduced Rate allows around 260,000 homeowners to benefit from a lower tax rate on their primary residences, while the program for long-term rentals covers almost 70,000 living units across Montana.

This initiative stems from House Bill 231, signed into law by Governor Gianforte last year and sponsored by Representative Llew Jones, R-Conrad. The legislation aims to provide a reduced tax rate for homeowners and long-term rental properties, allowing applications to begin on December 1, 2025. The original deadline for applications was set for March 1, but due to technical issues with the DOR's online application portal, which experienced high volumes of last-minute submissions, the deadline was extended to March 20.

Following the extension, the DOR reported a nearly 20 percent increase in applications from long-term rental owners, indicating a strong uptake of the program. "It’s encouraging to see such a positive response from property owners," Gianforte added. This reflects a broader trend in Montana's housing market, where affordability continues to be a pressing concern for many families and individuals.

According to the DOR, nearly 80 percent of homes in Montana will see a tax cut as a result of these property tax reforms, with about 10 percent maintaining flat property taxes. For homeowners benefiting from the tax cuts, the average savings is reported to be over $500, not accounting for the additional property tax rebate of up to $400 available to eligible homeowners.

These reforms come at a crucial time as many Montanans grapple with rising living costs and housing prices. By reducing the burden of property taxes, the Gianforte administration aims to ease financial pressures on families and enhance housing affordability, particularly for those relying on long-term rentals.

The successful implementation of this program could set a precedent for future legislative efforts aimed at providing tax relief and improving housing stability for residents across the state. As the state continues to evolve economically, initiatives like the Homestead and Long-Term Rental Reduced Rates will be vital in supporting Montanans in their pursuit of homeownership and affordable housing options.