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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Judith Basin County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Judith Basin 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
1.40% on first $1M assessed value, 2.45% above $1M (commercial), varies significantly by district location
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Judith Basin County, Montana operates on an annual property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and county government operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with tax bills calculated based on the assessed value of your property multiplied by the applicable tax rate for your specific location.

The effective tax rate in Judith Basin County varies significantly depending on your property's location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and other local service areas. For the 2025 tax year, the base commercial tax rate is 1.40% on the first $1,000,000 of assessed value and 2.45% on amounts above $1,000,000. Residential properties typically have different rates and may qualify for various tax credits that can reduce the final tax bill, though these credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County LevyVariesGeneral county operations and services
School District LevyVaries by districtLocal school funding and operations
Fire District LevyVaries by districtFire protection and emergency services
Road District LevyVaries by districtLocal road maintenance and improvements
Commercial Rate (2025)1.40%First $1,000,000 of assessed value
Commercial Rate (2025)2.45%Amount above $1,000,000

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025 levy year. Your actual tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your specific property location. Contact the Judith Basin County Assessor's Office for your exact rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Judith Basin 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 Judith Basin County are additional tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction during the tax year. These taxes are triggered by events such as the completion of new buildings, major renovations that increase property value, or corrections to previous assessments.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in March that increases your assessed value by $80,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on that $80,000 increase for the remaining 9 months of the tax year. These supplemental bills are issued separately from your regular annual tax bill and have their own payment due dates.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$15,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $285,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.35% example rate): $3,848
  • Monthly Escrow: $321

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$15,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $585,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.35% example rate): $7,898
  • Monthly Escrow: $658

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$15,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $985,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.40% rate): $13,790
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,149

Note: Credit amounts are examples and require separate applications. Actual rates vary by location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Judith Basin County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds to pay your property taxes when they become due on April 1st and September 1st each year.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, and may adjust your monthly payment if tax amounts change significantly. You'll receive an escrow statement showing the previous year's tax payments and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If you pay your own taxes directly, you're responsible for ensuring timely payment to avoid penalties and potential tax lien issues. Contact your lender if you have questions about escrow shortages or surpluses, as Montana law provides specific guidelines for how these situations must be handled.

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 Judith Basin County? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: April 1st and September 1st for the current tax year. Payments postmarked by the due date are considered on time.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Montana offers homestead credits that limit assessment increases on primary residences, elderly/disabled person credits, and veteran exemptions. All credits require separate applications filed with the County Assessor's office. Applications typically have annual deadlines, so contact the assessor for current forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits how much your primary residence assessment can increase each year (typically capped at a percentage), rather than reducing the market value. You must apply annually and the property must be your primary residence as of January 1st.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Montana conducts property reappraisals on a regular cycle. You'll receive notice of any assessment changes and have the right to appeal if you believe the assessment is incorrect.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. After a certain period, unpaid taxes can result in tax liens and potential tax deed proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my taxes online? A: Yes, the County Treasurer's office typically offers online payment options. Note that starting January 1, 2026, electronic payments are required for all tax bills of $50,000 or more.

Q: Why did my tax bill change if I didn't make improvements? A: Tax bills can change due to assessment updates, changes in tax rates by various districts, or the addition/removal of tax credits. Different special districts serving your area may also adjust their rates annually.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the County Tax Appeal Board within specific deadlines after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal procedures and forms.

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
Property Tax Task Force Homestead Comstead Model ...gov.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
Treasurer's Officejbcountymt.gov
06
THIS FORTY-FIFTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated ...sec.gov
07
Montanairs.gov
08
State
Untitled - Montana State Legislaturearchive.legmt.gov
09
Property Assessment Divisionsvc.mt.gov
10
Exhibit 4.1 31st Supplemental Indenturesec.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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