HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Garfield County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.9% for 2025 (varies by special taxing districts including school and fire districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Garfield County, Montana operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county government operations. Property taxes in Garfield County are based on the assessed value of real property, with the current tax rate at 1.9% for 2025, representing a significant 19% increase from the previous year. This rate has shown considerable volatility, with a total change of 57% over the past decade, averaging approximately 5.2% annual growth.

It's important to understand that actual tax rates vary by location within Garfield County due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and other local improvement districts. Property owners may see different effective rates depending on which special districts serve their specific area. The county uses these property tax revenues to maintain critical infrastructure and services in this rural Montana county, where property taxes represent a primary funding mechanism for local government operations.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Levy1.9%FY 2025-2026 base property tax rate
School DistrictVariesAdditional levy for local school funding
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, road districts, other special assessments
State EducationIncludedState-mandated education funding component

Note: The 1.9% rate shown applies to the base county assessment for levy year 2025-2026. Your actual tax rate will vary depending on the specific special taxing districts that serve your property location. School district levies and special district assessments can add significantly to the base rate. Contact the Garfield County Assessor's Office to determine the exact rate applicable to your specific property location and the special districts that may apply additional assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Garfield 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 Garfield County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates the difference between the old and new assessed values and applies the current tax rate to determine the supplemental tax amount.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and the assessor determines this increases your assessed value by $40,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on that $40,000 increase. At the current 1.9% rate, this would result in approximately $760 in supplemental taxes ($40,000 × 0.019), prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days after the assessor processes the change, and payment is usually due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$1,200 (if applied for and approved)
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,800
  • Annual Tax: $298,800 × 0.019 = $5,677
  • Monthly Escrow: $473

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$1,200 (if applied for and approved)
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,800
  • Annual Tax: $598,800 × 0.019 = $11,377
  • Monthly Escrow: $948

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$1,200 (if applied for and approved)
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,800
  • Annual Tax: $998,800 × 0.019 = $18,977
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,581

Important: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. These examples use base county rates only - actual taxes will be higher due to school district and special district assessments.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Garfield County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment and holds these funds in escrow. The lender pays your property tax bill directly to Garfield County when taxes become due, typically in April.

Lenders analyze your escrow account annually and may adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and account balance. If property taxes increase significantly (as occurred with the recent 19% rate increase), expect escrow payment adjustments at your next analysis. You can verify escrow payments by checking that your lender pays the correct amount by the April due date. Contact your lender immediately if you receive a delinquency notice, as this may indicate an escrow payment error.

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 Garfield County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are typically due in April. Check the Garfield County Treasurer's website for the exact due date, as specific dates may vary.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Montana offers a Homestead Credit that requires annual application through the county assessor's office. This credit reduces your tax bill (not your assessed value) and must be applied for each year. Contact the Garfield County Assessor for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. You must file annually with the assessor's office before the deadline. This credit requires application - it is not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Montana conducts property reappraisals on a cyclical basis. Contact the Garfield County Assessor's office for the current assessment schedule and your property's next reappraisal year.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File an appeal with the Garfield County Tax Appeal Board within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Appeal forms are available through the county assessor's office.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Garfield County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you cannot pay by the due date.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check the Garfield County Treasurer's website for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase so much this year? A: Garfield County experienced a 19% tax rate increase in 2025. Additionally, special district assessments and property value increases may contribute to higher tax bills.

Q: How do special districts affect my tax bill? A: Special districts (fire, school, road districts) add their own assessments to your base county tax. Your total rate depends on which special districts serve your property location.

Q: What happens if I don't pay my property taxes? A: Unpaid property taxes result in penalties, interest, and eventually tax lien procedures. The county can ultimately foreclose on properties with severely delinquent taxes.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Annual Property Tax Changes by Countyrevenuefiles.mt.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Taxesgov.mt.gov
03
County
2025 Median Property Value Changes by Countyrevenue.mt.gov
04
County
County Treasurergarfieldcountymt.gov
05
County
Clerk & Recorder - Garfield County, Montanagarfieldcountymt.gov
06
Field Office Locationsrevenue.mt.gov
07
Chapter 9: Methodology and Detailed Conclusionsdor.wa.gov
08
Tax Doc
Colorado Tax Deferral Programtreasury.colorado.gov
09
1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816archive.legmt.gov
10
1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816 HOUSE BILL NO. ...archive.legmt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate