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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Chouteau County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by district, typically 1.2-2.5% effective rate including all levies
1st Due
Nov 30
2nd Due
May 31
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Chouteau County property taxes fund essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property owners in Chouteau County pay taxes based on the assessed value of their property multiplied by the local mill levy rate. The county follows Montana's property tax system where residential properties are assessed at a percentage of market value, with tiered rates of 1.35% for properties valued up to $1.5 million and 1.89% for values exceeding $1.5 million.

Actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Chouteau County due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and other local improvement districts. Property owners should expect effective tax rates that reflect both the county's base levy and any applicable special district assessments. The county reassesses properties periodically to maintain current market valuations, and property owners receive annual tax statements showing their assessed value and applicable tax calculations.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County GeneralVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictsVariesLocal school funding and bonds
Fire DistrictsVariesEmergency fire protection services
Special AssessmentsVariesInfrastructure, irrigation, and improvement districts

Note: Specific mill levy rates for the current tax year are not available in the provided data. Property owners should contact the Chouteau County Assessor's office for current levy year rates. Mill rates vary by location within the county based on which special taxing districts serve each property. One mill equals $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed value.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Chouteau 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 Chouteau County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements made during the tax year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year the change was in effect.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: purchasing a newly constructed home, completing major renovations or additions, or when the county assessor discovers unreported improvements to a property. For example, if a homeowner completes a $50,000 addition to their home in July, they would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessed value for the remaining months of that tax year. The supplemental tax uses the same mill levy rate as the original assessment but applies only to the added value for the applicable time period.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (1.35%): $4,050
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$4,050
  • Annual Tax (estimated 200 mills): ~$810
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$68

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (1.35%): $8,100
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$8,100
  • Annual Tax (estimated 200 mills): ~$1,620
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$135

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (1.35%): $13,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$13,500
  • Annual Tax (estimated 200 mills): ~$2,700
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$225

Note: Tax credits require application and are not automatically applied. Mill rates vary by location within the county. Contact the County Assessor for specific rates and available credits.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Chouteau County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. The lender collects 1/12 of the estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment and pays the taxes directly to the county when due. Lenders typically maintain a cushion in the escrow account to cover potential increases in tax assessments.

Property tax payments in Chouteau County are due in two installments: the first installment is due in April and the second installment is due in October. Lenders will make these payments on behalf of homeowners with escrow accounts. Homeowners should receive an annual escrow analysis from their lender showing the account activity and any adjustments needed. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or changes in mill levies, monthly escrow payments may be adjusted accordingly. Property owners can verify that their lender has made timely payments by checking with the Chouteau County Treasurer's office.

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 Chouteau County? A: Property taxes are due in two installments - the first installment is due in April and the second installment is due in October. Starting January 1, 2026, electronic payment is required for any tax payment of $50,000 or more.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Montana offers various tax credits including homestead credits for eligible homeowners. Most credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Chouteau County Assessor's office for available credits and application requirements.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit caps the annual increase in assessed value rather than reducing the market value. This credit requires filing an application and helps limit dramatic tax increases year-over-year. It does not reduce your home's market value for assessment purposes.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Montana follows a reappraisal cycle set by state law. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have the right to appeal. Contact the County Assessor's office for the current assessment schedule and appeal procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest as established by Montana state law. Contact the Chouteau County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Chouteau County Treasurer's office for available online payment options and any associated fees for electronic payments.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within the county? A: Property tax rates vary based on special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and improvement districts. Your specific location determines which districts serve your property and therefore your total mill levy rate.

Q: What exemptions are available for special circumstances? A: Montana provides various exemptions for religious organizations, charitable organizations, educational institutions, and properties serving developmentally disabled individuals. These exemptions reduce assessed value and require application. Contact the County Assessor for eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Property Taxesgov.mt.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
County
CHOUTEAU COUNTY SUBDIVISION REGULATIONSco.chouteau.mt.us
06
Online Servicesrevenue.mt.gov
07
County
CHOUTEAU COUNTY SUBDIVISION REGULATIONSco.chouteau.mt.us
08
House Bill 389 2015 Session – Final Reportarchive.legmt.gov
09
1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816 HOUSE BILL NO. ...archive.legmt.gov
10
HB0816.4 - 1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816archive.legmt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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