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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Golden Valley County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Golden Valley 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 district: Base county levy plus special district assessments (school, fire, library districts)
1st Due
Nov 30
2nd Due
May 31
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Golden Valley County operates under Montana's property tax system, where property taxes serve as the primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. The county's property tax system is administered through the county assessor's office, which determines property values, and the county treasurer's office, which collects taxes and manages payment processing.

Property owners in Golden Valley County face varying tax rates depending on their specific location within the county, as rates are determined by a combination of the base county levy plus additional assessments from special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other local service areas. For the 2025 tax year, the overall property tax rate for Golden Valley County is 3.75%, though individual property owners may pay more or less depending on which special districts serve their property. Property taxes in Montana are based on assessed value rather than market value, with residential properties typically assessed at a percentage of their market value as determined by the county assessor.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General Fund1.25%Basic county services, administration, roads
School District (varies)1.85% - 2.15%Public education funding (varies by district)
Fire District0.15% - 0.25%Fire protection services (if applicable)
Library District0.05% - 0.10%Public library services (if applicable)
Special Districts0.05% - 0.35%Water, sewer, conservation districts (if applicable)
Total Combined Rate3.75%Average rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year (FY 2025-2026). Actual rates vary significantly by location within Golden Valley County based on which special taxing districts serve each property. Properties in incorporated areas or special service districts may have additional assessments. Contact the Golden Valley County Assessor's office to determine the exact rate for your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Golden Valley 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 taxes in Golden Valley County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers include: ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, completion of new construction or major improvements, and corrections to prior assessments discovered by the assessor's office.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it represents the difference between the original tax assessment and the revised assessment, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred. For example, if a property completes a $100,000 addition in January and the improvement adds $80,000 to the assessed value, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: $80,000 × 3.75% = $3,000 annually, but prorated for 11 months (January through November) = approximately $2,750. Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 60 days of the assessment change and have separate due dates from regular property taxes, usually requiring payment within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (typical residential rate): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,000
  • Annual Tax ($250,000 × 3.75%): $9,375
  • Monthly Escrow: $781

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,000
  • Annual Tax ($550,000 × 3.75%): $20,625
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,719

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,000
  • Annual Tax ($950,000 × 3.75%): $35,625
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,969

Note: The Homestead Credit shown requires annual application and is not automatically applied. Additional tax credits may be available for seniors, veterans, or disabled persons, but all require separate applications with specific deadlines.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Golden Valley County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of the annual property tax bill plus insurance premiums, then pays the county directly when taxes are due on April 15 and October 15.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, and they may adjust monthly payments if property taxes increase due to reassessments or rate changes. Property owners should receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits and payments made on their behalf. If you pay your own property taxes rather than using escrow, you're responsible for ensuring timely payment to avoid penalties and potential tax lien proceedings. The Golden Valley County Treasurer's office provides online payment options and will send tax bills directly to property owners who don't use escrow services.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Golden Valley County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are due in two installments: April 15, 2025, and October 15, 2025. Payments postmarked by these dates are considered timely.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Golden Valley County offers several tax credits that require annual application: Homestead Credit (up to $50,000 reduction in taxable value for primary residences), Senior Citizens Credit, Disabled Veterans Credit, and Disabled Persons Credit. Applications must be filed with the County Assessor by April 15th annually.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits assessment increases on your primary residence and can reduce taxable value by up to $50,000. It does NOT reduce your property's market value but provides tax relief by capping how much your assessment can increase year-over-year. You must file an annual application to maintain this credit.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Golden Valley County? A: Montana law requires property reappraisal every six years, with the most recent countywide reappraisal completed in 2024. However, individual properties may be reassessed annually due to improvements, market changes, or ownership transfers.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Taxes not paid by the due dates incur penalties and interest. First half taxes paid after April 15 incur a 5% penalty plus 1% monthly interest. Second half taxes paid after October 15 face the same penalty structure. Unpaid taxes may result in tax lien sales.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Golden Valley County offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's website. Note that starting January 1, 2026, all payments of $50,000 or more must be made electronically per Montana state law.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property tax rate includes assessments from all applicable special districts serving your location, such as school districts, fire districts, or library districts. These rates vary significantly across the county, which is why the 3.75% average rate may not match your actual rate.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the County Tax Appeal Board by April 15th following the assessment year. You'll need evidence supporting your claim that the assessed value exceeds fair market value, such as recent appraisals or comparable property sales data.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
2025 Median Property Value Changes by Countyrevenue.mt.gov
02
County
Annual Property Tax Changes by Countyrevenuefiles.mt.gov
03
Tax Doc
adopted property tax levies and rates ...mohave.gov
04
Property Assessmentrevenue.mt.gov
05
Tax Doc
government tax lien certificates and tax foreclosure sale ...archive.legmt.gov
06
Online Servicesrevenue.mt.gov
07
Montanairs.gov
08
HB 390 Homestead Exemptionarchive.legmt.gov
09
Property Assessment Divisionsvc.mt.gov
10
1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816archive.legmt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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