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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Liberty County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Liberty 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
0.8% to 1.4% (varies by taxing district combination within county)
1st Due
Nov 30
2nd Due
May 31
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Liberty County, Montana operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government, fire protection, and various special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with tax rates determined by combining the base county levy with additional assessments from school districts, municipalities, and special service districts within your specific area.

The effective tax rate in Liberty County varies significantly based on your property's location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts. While Montana's statewide average property tax rate is approximately 1%, actual rates in Liberty County can range from 0.8% to 1.4% depending on which school district, fire district, and other special districts serve your property. Property assessments are conducted regularly, and all tax credits and exemptions require formal application - none are applied automatically to your tax bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General0.25% - 0.35%Basic county services, roads, administration
School District0.40% - 0.65%Local school operations and facilities
State Education0.10% - 0.15%Montana state education funding
Fire District0.05% - 0.12%Fire protection and emergency services
Special Districts0.02% - 0.20%Water, sewer, lighting, conservation districts
Total Effective Rate0.82% - 1.47%Combined rate varies by location

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2024-2025. Your actual tax rate depends on which specific taxing districts serve your property address. Contact the Liberty County Assessor's Office at (406) 759-5365 for your exact district combination and current rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Liberty 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 Liberty County are triggered when property undergoes significant changes that weren't captured in the regular assessment cycle. The most common triggers include change of ownership (sale), completion of new construction, additions or major improvements, and changes in property classification or exemption status.

When supplemental taxes are assessed, they're calculated as the difference between your old taxable value and new taxable value, multiplied by the current tax rate, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in January and your combined tax rate is 1.2%, you would owe approximately $1,200 in supplemental taxes for that tax year. Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 2-3 months of the triggering event and have separate due dates from regular property tax bills.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $300,000
  • Less Homestead Tax Credit: -$3,600 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $296,400
  • Annual Tax (1.15% rate): $3,409
  • Monthly Escrow: $284

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $600,000
  • Less Homestead Tax Credit: -$3,600 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $596,400
  • Annual Tax (1.25% rate): $7,455
  • Monthly Escrow: $621

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $1,000,000
  • Less Homestead Tax Credit: -$3,600 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $996,400
  • Annual Tax (1.35% rate): $13,451
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,121

Tax credits shown require annual application. Rates vary by specific taxing districts within Liberty County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Liberty 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 escrow account must maintain a minimum balance, typically 2-4 months of tax payments, to ensure funds are available when taxes become due.

Property taxes in Liberty County are typically due in two installments, and your lender will pay these directly from your escrow account. After each payment, your lender will provide an escrow analysis statement showing the account balance and any adjustments needed. If property values increase significantly or tax rates change, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted. You can verify your tax payments and balances by contacting your lender or checking with the Liberty County Treasurer's Office at (406) 759-5321.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Liberty County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes for FY 2024-2025 are typically due in two installments: first half due November 30, 2024, and second half due May 31, 2025. Contact the County Treasurer at (406) 759-5321 for exact dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Tax Credit provides up to $3,600 in tax reduction for primary residences and must be applied for annually by April 15. Disabled Veterans may qualify for additional credits. Contact the County Assessor at (406) 759-5365 for applications.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps your property's taxable value increases to a maximum percentage each year (typically 3-5%) rather than reducing market value. You must file an application with the County Assessor by April 15 each year to maintain this benefit.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Liberty County? A: Montana conducts property reappraisals every 6 years, with the most recent cycle completed in 2021. The next full reappraisal is scheduled for 2027, though market adjustments may occur annually.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Liberty County Tax Appeal Board within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the County Assessor's Office at (406) 759-5365 for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur a penalty of 5/6 of 1% per month (10% annually) plus interest. After June 1, delinquent properties may be subject to tax lien proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Liberty County offers online payment through their website. Contact the County Treasurer at (406) 759-5321 for payment portal access and accepted methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Liberty County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, water/sewer districts, and other special districts. Each district sets its own levy rate, creating varying total tax rates across the county.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Mill Levy Changes 2025 2026archive.legmt.gov
02
County
Annual Property Tax Changes by Countyrevenuefiles.mt.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Taxesgov.mt.gov
04
County
Liberty County FSA Office 18 Main St. PO Box 669 Chester, Mt ...fsa.usda.gov
05
Online Servicesrevenue.mt.gov
06
Tax Doc
government tax lien certificates and tax foreclosure sale ...archive.legmt.gov
07
Property Assessment Divisionsvc.mt.gov
08
State
Untitled - Montana State Legislaturearchive.legmt.gov
09
1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816archive.legmt.gov
10
Tax Doc
Town of Putnam - Tax Bills Search & Payputnamct.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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