Montana’s New Normal: Taxes Skyrocket Again With Whopping Bills

The frustration with rising property taxes across Montana continues. No shocker there. People are angry, scared, and wondering how to make the skyrocketing bills slow down. What's happening now is not sustainable. 

Montana property owners, responsible for thousands more in property taxes than they used to be just a few years ago, have had it. Some are mad at politicians, while others point out voter-passed issues that simply aren't free.

A recent online discussion was started by a Montana taxpayer who was overwhelmed by the increase. (EXACTLY how accurate their claims are is impossible to verify, but the gist is incredibly common...)

NOTE: The comments below were pulled directly from the conversation and were not edited. There might be typos or spelling errors in the quotes used.

How do we stop the new property tax? Currently I pay 7 times the amount of taxes since I purchased my house in 2001! The new increase will make it over 8 times my original taxes!! It is 1/3 of my income!

• You can’t stop it. You pay it or sell the house and move somewhere you can afford. That sounds harsh but it’s our reality.
• We need a bill that limits how much property tax can increase per year if you are living in the same house and they can only reassess that property once the property sells again.
• My property tax went up 105% in the past cycle. I asked for an explanation from the county but was told to ask the state instead. I’m doing that next. This is crazy.
• You can see the itemized taxes and levies on your bill. If you voted for any of those, you are part of the problem.
• Stop voting for every mill levy that comes along.
• One place to start is to stop voting for mill levies.
• STOP voting yes on every mill levies!! Only allow those who actually own property to vote on them that will raise their property taxes.

Several people responded with the (very valid) point that property values had also risen dramatically, and few people complain about the potential homeowner windfall from that.

• For folks who bought a $480,000 home but suddenly have an assessed value of $1.4M, it’s a big freaking difference.
• So you’re unhappy with a sudden (windfall) $920k of asset appreciation?
• Bozeman’s taxes have always been higher than surrounding areas. 5 years ago and earlier the taxes seemed to make a positive difference. Even with more people, Bozeman still felt safe and comfortable. It’s so opposite of that now...
• Invaders paying more than property is worth to begin with unfortunately drives taxes up.
• And I live in an unincorporated area so we don't have any of the "amenities" other areas have. Still property valued as if we did...

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• Should have voted for the candidate that actually wanted to fix the property tax issue instead of handing out $650 checks as a means to buy the governorship.
• I'll just say this... Tech billionaires don't run for office for the "good of the people".
• We need a sales tax. All of us locals are suffering and paying for all of the out of staters that moved here.
• With a $1 Billion Dollar surplus in the General Fund, The Upcoming Legislature should be able to reduce Property Taxes for all of us who only own one “long term” Primary Residence Property.

GALLATIN COUNTY, MT PROPERTY TAX DUE DATES

• Time for a luxury tax or an impact tax on resort and vacation properties. People that only come here part time and pay no state income tax need a zero added to their property tax.
• I agree with sales tax for out of state residents. If people want to come here and play in our backyard, then they need to Pony up. What’s another 7-9% on top of the money they’re already spending to come and stay in Montana?
• Gallatin is insanely expensive. We are selling and buying a much larger property on 20 acres and will pay less taxes than we do on our 1 acre here in Gallatin County.

LOOK UP YOUR GALLATIN COUNTY, MT TAXES