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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Gallatin County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Gallatin 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 taxing district, up to 1.89% for multifamily rentals over $2M
1st Due
May 31
2nd Due
Nov 30
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Gallatin County, Montana operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated by applying various tax rates to the assessed value of real property, with the total rate varying significantly by location within the county due to multiple special taxing districts.

The effective property tax rates in Gallatin County vary considerably based on property type, value, and location within specific taxing districts. For 2025, multifamily rental dwellings valued over $2 million face a maximum graduated tax rate of 1.89%. Residential properties are subject to Montana's new tiered rate structure implemented in 2025, which changed how property taxes are calculated for homes, farms, businesses, and forest land. Actual tax bills depend on your property's location within various special districts including school districts, fire districts, water districts, and other municipal service areas, each with their own additional levies.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county operations and services
School DistrictVariesElementary and high school districts (varies by location)
Fire DistrictVariesLocal fire protection services
Water/Sewer DistrictsVariesMunicipal utility services where applicable
Special AssessmentsVariesRoad districts, weed control, cemetery districts
Multifamily Rental (>$2M)Up to 1.89%Maximum graduated rate for large rental properties (FY 2025)

Note: These rates apply to FY 2025 and vary significantly by location within Gallatin County due to overlapping special taxing districts. Contact the Gallatin County Treasurer at 406-582-3033 or visit itax.gallatin.mt.gov for your specific district rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
May 31
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Nov 30
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 Gallatin County are additional assessments that may be levied when property changes hands, new construction is completed, or property improvements are made during the tax year. These supplemental taxes are calculated on a pro-rated basis for the remaining portion of the tax year after the triggering event occurs.

For example, if you purchase a newly constructed home in Gallatin County in March and the property was not previously on the tax rolls, you may receive a supplemental tax bill covering the period from March through the end of the fiscal year. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the newly assessed value, then prorating it for the months you owned the property. You can check for supplemental tax billing information and make payments online at itax.gallatin.mt.gov or contact the Treasurer's office at 406-582-3033.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (after state assessment ratio): ~$300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Varies (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$290,000 (assuming modest credit)
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.5% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: ~$7,250
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$604

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: ~$600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Varies (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$580,000 (assuming credit)
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.5% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: ~$14,500
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,208

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Limited benefit at this value
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$990,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.5% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: ~$24,750
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$2,063

Note: Tax credits require application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary significantly by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Gallatin County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to your annual property tax bill divided by 12, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law. The lender holds these funds in an escrow account and pays your property taxes directly to Gallatin County when due.

Property tax payments in Gallatin County are typically due in two installments during the fiscal year. Your lender will receive tax bills directly and make payments from your escrow account. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the account activity and any adjustments to your monthly payment. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new special district levies, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. You can verify tax payments and view current bill information at itax.gallatin.mt.gov using your property's geocode or address.

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 Gallatin County for 2025? A: Property tax due dates include June 2 for the second half of 2024 real property taxes and June 30 for the first half of 2025 mobile home taxes. Always check itax.gallatin.mt.gov or call 406-582-3033 for current deadlines as they may vary.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Montana offers various tax credits including those for low-income residents, 100% disabled veterans and surviving spouses, and properties with large reappraisal increases. These credits require application and are NOT automatic - you must file with the county assessor by specified deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: Montana's homestead exemption can exempt up to $100,000 in value from taxation for qualifying primary residences. This exemption reduces your taxable assessed value, not your market value, and requires filing a homestead declaration with the county assessor.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Montana reassesses properties periodically, with the schedule varying by property type and market conditions. Assessment appeals must be filed within specific timeframes after receiving your assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late property tax payments in Gallatin County incur penalties and interest. Contact the Treasurer's office at 406-582-3033 for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Gallatin County offers online property tax payments through itax.gallatin.mt.gov. You can also pay by phone or in person at the Treasurer's office.

Q: Why did my tax rate change from last year? A: Tax rates can change due to new special district levies, bond measures, changes in property values throughout the county, or Montana's new 2025 tiered rate structure for different property types.

Q: What if I received a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental taxes occur when property changes ownership, new construction is completed, or improvements are made. These are prorated for the portion of the tax year you owned the property and are in addition to regular property taxes.

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
Tax Doc
Quick Comparison of Property Tax Ratesrevenue.mt.gov
03
County
Annual Property Tax Changes by Countyrevenuefiles.mt.gov
04
The Bulletin - May 27-30gallatinmt.gov
05
County
Gallatin County Tax Payment Deadlines Set For June 1gallatinmt.gov
06
County
Property Tax Deadlines Approaching in Gallatin Countygallatinmt.gov
07
County
Property Tax Relief | Gallatin County, MTgallatinmt.gov
08
State
Untitled - Montana State Legislature - Montana Legislaturearchive.legmt.gov
09
Using a Homestead Declaration to Protect Your Home from ...co.sanders.mt.us
10
Tax Doc
Treasurer - Property Tax Divisiongallatinmt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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