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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hill County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Hill 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
0.75% effective rate for 2025 (19% increase from 2024), varies by special district location
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hill County, Montana operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, road maintenance, and various special districts. Property taxes in Hill County are based on the assessed value of real property, which is determined by the County Assessor's Office and reassessed periodically to reflect current market conditions.

For the 2025 tax year, Hill County has an effective property tax rate of 0.75%, representing a 19% increase from 2024 rates. This rate reflects the base county levy combined with various special district assessments that vary by location within the county. Actual tax rates can differ significantly depending on your property's location within Hill County, as different areas are served by different school districts, fire districts, and other special taxing entities. The median residential home value in Hill County increased by 10% from 2024 to 2025, contributing to overall tax bill changes for property owners.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Levy~0.35%General county operations, courts, sheriff
School Districts~0.25%K-12 education funding (varies by district)
Fire Districts~0.05%Fire protection and emergency services
Special Districts~0.10%Water, sewer, library, other local services
Total Effective Rate0.75%FY 2025-2026 composite rate

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Actual rates vary significantly by location within Hill County depending on which special taxing districts serve your property. Rural properties may have different fire district rates, while properties within municipal boundaries may have additional city taxes not reflected in this county-wide average.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hill 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 Hill County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or major improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the County Assessor determines the new assessed value and calculates the additional tax owed for the remainder of the current tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the old and new assessed values, applying the current tax rate, and prorating it based on the number of months remaining in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in January that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now has a market value of $300,000, you would owe supplemental tax on the $100,000 difference for the full tax year. If major improvements are completed mid-year, the supplemental tax would only apply to the remaining months of that tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$0 (caps future increases only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax (0.75%): $2,250
  • Monthly Escrow: $187.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$0 (caps future increases only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax (0.75%): $4,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $375.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$0 (caps future increases only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (0.75%): $7,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $625.00

Note: Montana's homestead credit does not reduce current assessed value but limits future assessment increases. All tax credits require application and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hill County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment. The lender maintains these funds in an escrow account and pays your property taxes directly to Hill County when they become due on November 30 and May 31.

Lenders typically analyze your escrow account annually and may adjust your monthly payment if property taxes increase or decrease significantly. You'll receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits and payments made on your behalf. It's important to review these statements for accuracy, as property tax increases can result in escrow shortages that require additional payments or higher monthly contributions. If you pay off your mortgage or refinance, ensure the escrow account is properly transferred or closed, and verify that all tax obligations are current.

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 Hill County property taxes due? A: Property taxes are due November 30 and May 31 each year. Starting January 1, 2026, payments of $50,000 or more must be made electronically.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Montana offers various tax credits including homestead, veteran, and disability credits. These require annual application through the County Assessor's office and are not automatically applied. Contact Hill County Assessor for specific eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: Montana's homestead credit caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing your current assessed value. Eligible homeowners must file an application, and the credit limits how much your assessment can increase each year, providing long-term tax stability.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Hill County? A: Montana law requires properties to be reassessed periodically to reflect current market values. The County Assessor's office conducts these reassessments on a rotating basis throughout the county.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Hill County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and payment options if you miss the due dates.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Hill County offers online payment options through their official website. Electronic payments are mandatory for amounts of $50,000 or greater starting January 1, 2026.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your location within Hill County determines which special districts serve your property (fire, school, library, etc.). Each district adds its own levy to your total tax rate, which is why rates vary significantly by location.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal their assessed value through the Hill County Tax Appeal Board. Appeals must be filed within specific timeframes following assessment notices. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Airlinesrevenuefiles.mt.gov
02
County
Annual Property Tax Changes by Countyrevenuefiles.mt.gov
03
County
2025 Median Property Value Changes by Countyrevenue.mt.gov
04
Property Assessmentrevenue.mt.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Departmenttetoncountymt.gov
06
The Bulletin - May 27-30gallatinmt.gov
07
Property Assessment Divisionsvc.mt.gov
08
Homestead Exemptionsassessor.douglascounty-ne.gov
09
HB0816.4 - 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

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