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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Dawson County
Property Tax Guide

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

6 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.4% of market value (varies by special taxing districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Dawson County, Montana operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, county government operations, fire protection, and various special districts. Property taxes in Montana are calculated based on assessed values, which are determined by the county assessor and represent a percentage of market value for different property types.

Property tax rates in Dawson County vary significantly by location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and other local improvement districts. The effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.4% of market value, depending on your specific location and the combination of taxing jurisdictions that serve your property. Montana's base assessment rate is around 1% of market value for residential properties, but the actual tax burden depends on the total mill levies applied by all relevant taxing entities.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate Rate (Mills)Description
County General45-65 millsCounty operations, roads, law enforcement
School District150-250 millsK-12 education funding (varies by district)
State Education95 millsStatewide education equalization
Fire District15-35 millsFire protection services (if applicable)
Airport District5-15 millsAirport operations (if applicable)
Weed District2-5 millsNoxious weed control
Total Combined312-465 millsVaries by location within county

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2024-2025 levy year and are expressed in mills (1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of taxable value). Actual rates vary by specific location due to different combinations of special taxing districts. Contact the Dawson County Treasurer for your exact mill levy based on your property's legal description.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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 property taxes in Dawson County are typically triggered by specific events that change a property's assessed value during the tax year, most commonly new construction, significant improvements, or changes in property classification. When these events occur, the county assessor determines the additional assessed value and applies the current year's mill levy to calculate the supplemental tax amount.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and it's discovered during the assessment cycle, the assessor would determine the additional assessed value (roughly $50,000 based on Montana's assessment methodology) and multiply it by your area's total mill levy. If your combined mill levy is 400 mills (40%), the supplemental tax would be approximately $2,000 annually, prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. Supplemental taxes are billed separately from regular property taxes and have their own payment deadlines.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (base rate): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Annual Tax (at 380 mills): $7,600
  • Monthly Payment: $633

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Annual Tax (at 380 mills): $19,000
  • Monthly Payment: $1,583

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $900,000
  • Annual Tax (at 380 mills): $34,200
  • Monthly Payment: $2,850

Note: Homestead and other tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Credits reduce taxable value, not market value. Actual mill levies vary by location within Dawson County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Dawson County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly tax payments are collected along with your mortgage payment and held until tax bills are due. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual tax bill each month, plus an additional 2-month cushion as required by federal law. Your lender will pay your property taxes directly to the Dawson County Treasurer when they become due.

Property tax bills in Montana are typically issued in late spring for the following fiscal year, with payment due dates usually in November. If you have an escrow account, verify that your lender receives and pays your tax bills on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for payment even when using escrow. You can check payment status through the Dawson County Treasurer's office. When your loan is paid off or you refinance, ensure that any escrow funds are properly transferred or refunded, and remember to set up direct tax payments with the county.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Dawson County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes for FY 2024-2025 are typically due in two installments: the first half by November 30, 2024, and the second half by May 31, 2025. Contact the Dawson County Treasurer for exact dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Montana offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit (for primary residences), Disabled Veteran Credit, and Senior Citizen Credit. All credits require annual application and are not automatic. Application deadlines are typically in early summer.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit can reduce your taxable value by up to $100,000 for your primary residence and caps annual assessment increases. You must file an application with the county assessor each year to qualify.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Dawson County? A: Montana requires property reappraisals every six years, with annual updates for market changes. The last county-wide reappraisal cycle varies by area within the county.

Q: What are the penalties for late tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalty and interest charges. First-half payments made after November 30 and second-half payments after May 31 are subject to penalties that compound monthly.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Dawson County Treasurer's office to inquire about online payment options, as availability varies by county in Montana.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Dawson County Tax Appeal Board by a specific deadline, typically in late summer. Contact the county assessor's office for forms and deadlines.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Dawson County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, and other special taxing districts, each with their own mill levies that combine to create your total tax rate.

Verified Sources

Backed by 6 Official Government Sources

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

01
Montanairs.gov
02
Property Assessment Divisionsvc.mt.gov
03
Property Assessmentrevenue.mt.gov
04
1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816archive.legmt.gov
05
1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816 HOUSE BILL NO. ...archive.legmt.gov
06
HB0816.4 - 1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816archive.legmt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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