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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Beaverhead County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Beaverhead County, MT. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.35%-1.89% effective rate (varies by special taxing districts and property value)
1st Due
Nov 30
2nd Due
May 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Beaverhead County property taxes fund essential local services including schools, fire protection, roads, and county operations. The property tax system is administered by the County Assessor's Office and collected by the County Treasurer. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which varies significantly depending on location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and other local service areas.

The effective tax rate for residential properties in Beaverhead County ranges from approximately 1.35% to 1.89% depending on property value and location. Properties valued up to $1.5 million are subject to the lower rate of 1.35%, while higher-value properties face the increased rate of 1.89%. These rates can vary considerably based on which special taxing districts serve your specific property location, as each district adds its own levy to fund local services. Property owners should verify their exact tax rate by checking which districts apply to their property address.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
Base County Levy~0.25-0.35%General county operations and services
School District Levy~0.65-0.85%K-12 education funding (varies by district)
Fire District Levy~0.10-0.20%Fire protection services (where applicable)
Road District Levy~0.05-0.15%Road maintenance and improvement
Special Assessments~0.10-0.34%Various local improvement districts
Total Effective Rate1.35-1.89%Combined rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year and represent approximate ranges. Actual rates vary significantly by location within Beaverhead County depending on which combination of special taxing districts serve each property. Properties over $1.5 million in value are subject to higher rates reaching up to 1.89%. Contact the County Assessor's Office to determine the exact districts and rates applicable to your specific property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Beaverhead County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Nov 30
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
May 31
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Beaverhead County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the annual assessment roll is completed, a supplemental assessment is issued to capture the additional tax liability for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the applicable tax rate for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in June that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now has a market value of $350,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering July through June of the following year based on the increased assessed value of approximately $150,000, prorated for the remaining months of the fiscal year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (varies by property type): ~$300,000
  • Available Homestead Credit (requires application): -$675
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,325
  • Annual Tax (at 1.35% rate): $4,041
  • Monthly Payment: $337

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: ~$600,000
  • Available Homestead Credit (requires application): -$675
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,325
  • Annual Tax (at 1.35% rate): $8,091
  • Monthly Payment: $674

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Available Homestead Credit (requires application): -$675
  • Net Taxable Value: $999,325
  • Annual Tax (at 1.35% rate): $13,491
  • Monthly Payment: $1,124

Note: These calculations assume the lower 1.35% tax rate. Properties over $1.5 million are subject to higher rates up to 1.89%. All tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific location within the county based on applicable special districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Beaverhead County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment and holds these funds in an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Beaverhead County on the March 1 and October 1 due dates.

Lenders typically review escrow accounts annually and may adjust your monthly payment if property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes. You should receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing the account activity and any payment adjustments. If your property taxes are escrowed, you'll still receive tax bills from the county, but these are for informational purposes only. It's important to verify that your lender makes payments on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid to avoid penalties and potential liens on your property.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Beaverhead County? A: Property taxes are due in two installments for FY 2025-2026: the first half is due by March 1, 2025, and the second half is due by October 1, 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, payments of $50,000 or more must be made electronically.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit available is the homestead rebate of up to $675 for primary residences, which requires annual application. This is a tax credit that reduces your tax bill, not an exemption. Most tax credits and exemptions require separate application and are not automatically granted.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit provides up to $675 in tax reduction for qualifying primary residences. This credit requires application with the County Assessor's Office and must be renewed periodically. It does not reduce your property's assessed value but rather reduces your final tax bill.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Montana conducts property revaluations on a cyclical basis. Contact the Beaverhead County Assessor's Office for the current assessment schedule and information about appealing your assessed value if you believe it's incorrect.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges. Contact the County Treasurer's Office for current penalty rates and payment options if you're unable to pay by the due dates.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Beaverhead County Treasurer's Office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods. Electronic payment will be mandatory for amounts over $50,000 beginning in 2026.

Q: Why did my tax rate change from last year? A: Tax rates can change due to special district elections, bond measures, budget adjustments by various taxing entities, or changes in the total assessed value within each district. The specific combination of districts serving your property determines your total tax rate.

Q: How do special districts affect my tax bill? A: Your property may be served by multiple special districts (school, fire, road, etc.), each with its own tax levy. The combination of districts serving your specific address determines your total tax rate, which is why rates vary significantly throughout Beaverhead County even for properties of similar value.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Tax Doc
Impact of SB 542/HB 231 on Property Taxesarchive.legmt.gov
02
Tax Doc
Quick Comparison of Property Tax Ratesrevenue.mt.gov
03
County
Annual Property Tax Changes by Countyrevenuefiles.mt.gov
04
Property Assessmentrevenue.mt.gov
05
Online Servicesrevenue.mt.gov
06
Request for Informal Classification and Appraisal Reviewbeaverheadcountymt.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Taxesgov.mt.gov
08
Property Assessment Divisionsvc.mt.gov
09
Tax Doc
Apply for a Property Tax Exemptionrevenue.mt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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