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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Fergus County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Fergus 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
Approximately 1% of market value base rate, varies significantly by taxing districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Fergus County, Montana operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, roads, law enforcement, fire protection, and county operations. Property taxes are based on assessed values determined by the Fergus County Assessor's Office, with Montana implementing significant changes to property tax calculations beginning in 2025. The effective tax rate typically ranges around 1% of market value, though this varies significantly based on your property's location within the county.

Your actual tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other local improvement districts. Each district levies its own portion of taxes, meaning properties in different areas of Fergus County may have substantially different total tax rates even with similar assessed values. The county reassesses properties periodically, and all property owners receive annual tax statements showing their specific district breakdown.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county operations, roads, administration
School DistrictsVariesLocal elementary and high school funding
Fire DistrictsVariesFire protection and emergency services
Library DistrictsVariesPublic library system funding
Special AssessmentsVariesInfrastructure improvements, bonds

Note: Specific rates for FY 2025-2026 vary by location within Fergus County. The 2025 property tax rate information was not available in current data - contact the Fergus County Assessor's Office at (406) 566-2277 for current levy rates applicable to your property's taxing districts. For multifamily rental properties over $2 million market value, Montana's maximum graduated tax rate is 1.89% under the new 2025 regulations.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Fergus 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 taxes in Fergus County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that occur after the annual assessment date. When these events happen, the county assessor calculates the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessment, then applies the current tax rate to determine additional taxes owed.

For example, if you complete a home addition worth $50,000 in March and the annual assessment was completed in January, you'll receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased value. The supplemental tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year when the improvement was completed. These supplemental bills are separate from your regular property tax payments and have their own due dates.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home (with typical homestead credit application):

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: (Assessment growth cap benefit)
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.0%
  • Annual Tax: ~$3,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$250

$600,000 Home (with homestead credit application):

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: (Assessment growth cap benefit)
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.0%
  • Annual Tax: ~$6,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$500

$1,000,000 Home (with applicable credits):

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Available Credits Applied: (Requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.0%
  • Annual Tax: ~$10,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$833

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Fergus County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12 of your estimated annual property taxes with each monthly mortgage payment. Lenders typically collect 2-3 months of additional taxes upfront to ensure adequate funds when tax payments are due. Your lender pays the county directly on the November 30th and May 31st due dates for real estate taxes.

Lenders must provide annual escrow statements showing tax payments made on your behalf and any account adjustments needed. Since property taxes can change annually based on new assessments or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may increase or decrease during the annual analysis. If you pay off your mortgage or choose a loan without escrow, you become responsible for making tax payments directly to Fergus County by the established due dates.

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 Fergus County for the current fiscal year? A: Real estate taxes are due November 30th (first half) and May 31st (second half). Mobile home taxes have reversed due dates: May 31st (first half) and November 30th (second half).

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Montana offers homestead credits that cap assessment increases on primary residences. These credits require application and are not automatic - contact the Fergus County Assessor's Office to apply. The credit limits how much your assessment can increase annually, not your total market value.

Q: How do I apply for property tax credits in Fergus County? A: All tax credits require separate applications filed with the Fergus County Assessor's Office. Contact them at (406) 566-2277 for application forms and deadlines. Missing application deadlines typically means waiting until the following tax year.

Q: When does the county reassess properties and how can I appeal? A: Montana follows a periodic reassessment schedule. If you disagree with your assessment, you can appeal to the County Tax Appeal Board. Appeal deadlines and procedures are listed on your assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Fergus County Treasurer's Office for specific penalty rates and payment options if you've missed due dates.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Fergus County Treasurer's Office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods. Many Montana counties offer online payment systems for taxpayer convenience.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if I didn't make improvements? A: Tax increases can result from higher assessed values, new or increased special district levies, voter-approved bonds, or changes in tax rates. Your annual tax statement shows the breakdown of all applicable levies.

Q: What special districts might affect my property taxes? A: Common special districts in Fergus County include school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and various improvement districts. Your specific location determines which districts apply to your property, and each adds its own levy to your total tax bill.

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
2025 Tax Information for Montana Property Ownersrevenue.mt.gov
02
County
Annual Property Tax Changes by Countyrevenuefiles.mt.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Taxesgov.mt.gov
04
Treasure's Officefergusmt.gov
05
State
Blue and White Wavy Real Estate Newsletterfergusmt.gov
06
Property Assessmentrevenue.mt.gov
07
Montanairs.gov
08
HB 390 Homestead Exemptionarchive.legmt.gov
09
Tax Doc
Tax Relief for Homesteads and Long-term Rentalsrevenue.mt.gov
10
1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816 HOUSE BILL NO. ...archive.legmt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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