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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Flathead County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Flathead 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
0.6% effective rate baseline, varies significantly by taxing districts and property location
1st Due
Nov 30
2nd Due
May 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Flathead County property taxes fund essential local services including public schools, fire protection, road maintenance, law enforcement, and county operations. The property tax system is administered by the Flathead County Assessor's Office, which determines property values, and the Flathead County Treasurer's Office, which collects payments. Based on 2025 data, the effective property tax rate in Flathead County is approximately 0.6%, though this represents a baseline rate that can vary significantly based on your property's location within the county.

Your actual property tax rate depends on the specific taxing districts where your property is located. These special districts may include school districts, fire districts, cemetery districts, water and sewer districts, and other local improvement districts. Each district adds its own levy to fund specific services, meaning two properties of equal value in different parts of Flathead County can have substantially different tax bills. The county's average home value is $452,900, with property taxes serving as a primary funding mechanism for maintaining the high quality of life that attracts residents to the Flathead Valley region.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General FundVariesBasic county services, administration, law enforcement
School District LevyVariesK-12 education funding, varies by school district
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection and emergency services
Cemetery DistrictVariesMaintenance of public cemeteries
Weed DistrictVariesNoxious weed control programs
University SystemVariesMontana University System support
State General FundVariesState-level services and programs

Note: These rates apply to Levy Year 2025 and are expressed as mills (dollars per $1,000 of assessed value). Your total rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. Contact the Flathead County Assessor at (406) 758-5500 for your specific district combination and current mill levy rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Flathead 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 property taxes in Flathead County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include the sale of property (triggering a change of ownership reassessment), completion of new construction or major improvements, and changes in property use classification such as converting agricultural land to residential use.

When a supplemental tax is triggered, the County Assessor determines the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, then applies the current tax rate to calculate the additional tax owed. This supplemental amount is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a newly constructed home in March that wasn't on the previous year's tax roll, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering April through the end of the fiscal year. Supplemental tax bills are mailed separately from regular tax bills and have their own payment due dates, typically 30 days from the issue date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (100% of market): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption Credit: -$0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax (0.6% rate): $1,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $150

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (100% of market): $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Variable based on assessment cap
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Annual Tax (0.6% rate): $3,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $300

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (100% of market): $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Tax Credits: Variable (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (0.6% rate): $6,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $500

Note: These examples use the base 0.6% rate and may not reflect your actual rate due to special district variations. Most tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Flathead County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender will estimate your annual property tax bill, divide it by 12, and collect that amount with your monthly mortgage payment. The lender typically maintains a cushion of 1-2 months of tax payments in the escrow account to ensure sufficient funds are available when taxes come due.

Property taxes in Flathead County are due September 30th each year, and your lender will make the payment directly to the Flathead County Treasurer's Office on your behalf. After payment, you should receive a copy of the tax receipt for your records. Lenders are required to provide an annual escrow analysis showing the account activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new special district levies, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. You can verify that your taxes have been paid by checking with the Flathead County Treasurer's Office at (406) 758-5525 or through their online payment portal.

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 Flathead County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due September 30th annually. For 2026, electronic payments will be required for tax bills over $50,000 starting January 1st.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The Homestead Exemption (HB 390) provides up to $50,000 in assessed value reduction for qualifying primary residences, but it requires annual application. Most tax credits are NOT automatic and must be applied for through the County Assessor's Office.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It limits how much your assessed value can increase year-over-year, and you must file an application to receive this benefit. Contact the Assessor's Office for current application requirements and deadlines.

Q: Can I apply for an alternative payment schedule? A: Yes, alternative payment schedules are available for primary residences, but applications must be submitted by September 30th of the taxing year. This allows you to split your tax payment into installments.

Q: When are properties reassessed and how can I appeal? A: Montana law requires properties to be appraised at market value annually. You can appeal your assessment through the County Tax Appeal Board if you believe your property is overvalued. Appeal deadlines and procedures are outlined on your assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Properties become delinquent after September 30th, and additional fees apply. Contact the Treasurer's Office for specific penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Flathead County offers online payment options through their website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though convenience fees may apply for credit card transactions.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Flathead County? A: Your total tax rate depends on the special taxing districts serving your property, such as school districts, fire districts, and other local service areas. Two properties of equal value can have different tax bills based on their district combinations.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Flathead County Property Records | Owners, Deeds, Permitsmontana.propertychecker.com
02
County
Property Tax Department | Flathead County, MTflathead.mt.gov
03
County
Property Tax Department | Flathead County, MTflatheadcounty.gov
04
Servicesflatheadcounty.gov
05
County
Property Tax Department | Flathead County, MTflatheadcounty.gov
06
Property Assessmentrevenue.mt.gov
07
Montanairs.gov
08
HB 390 Homestead Exemptionarchive.legmt.gov
09
Tax Doc
Apply for a Property Tax Exemptionrevenue.mt.gov
10
TB Billstaxes.flathead.mt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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