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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lincoln County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Lincoln 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
2.5143% certified gross rate per $100 assessed value (varies by taxing districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lincoln County, Montana operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, roads, fire protection, and county operations. Property taxes in Lincoln County are based on assessed value, which is determined by the county assessor and subject to Montana's classification system that assigns different assessment ratios based on property type and use.

The effective tax rate in Lincoln 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 improvement districts. For residential properties in 2025, the certified gross tax rate is 2.5143% per $100 of assessed value, though your actual rate may be higher or lower depending on which special districts serve your property. Property owners should note that Montana implemented significant changes to property tax calculations beginning in 2025, affecting how taxes are computed across different property classifications.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County GeneralVariableBasic county operations and services
School DistrictsVariableK-12 education funding, varies by district
Fire DistrictsVariableFire protection services where applicable
Other Special DistrictsVariableRural improvement, cemetery, library districts
Total Residential Rate (FY 2025-2026)2.5143%Certified gross rate for residential properties

Note: Actual tax rates vary by location within Lincoln County depending on which special taxing districts serve your property. The rate shown applies to residential properties and may differ for commercial, agricultural, or other property classifications. Multifamily rental properties with market values exceeding $2 million are subject to a maximum graduated rate of 1.89% under Montana's 2025 tax reforms.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value outside the regular assessment cycle. Common triggers include new construction, completion of major improvements, changes in property classification, or corrections to assessment errors discovered after the regular tax roll is completed.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and it increases your assessed value by $50,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on that additional assessed value from the completion date through the end of the current tax year. These supplemental bills are typically issued separately from your regular property tax statements and have their own payment deadlines.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (residential classification)
  • Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP) Credit: $0 (requires application, income limits apply)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 × 0.025143 = $7,543
  • Monthly Escrow: $628

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000 (residential classification)
  • Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP) Credit: $0 (requires application, income limits apply)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 × 0.025143 = $15,086
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,257

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000 (residential classification)
  • Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP) Credit: $0 (requires application, income limits apply)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × 0.025143 = $25,143
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,095

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and have specific eligibility requirements. Homestead declarations provide creditor protection but do not reduce property taxes.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lincoln County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds to pay your property taxes when they become due. The escrow amount is calculated by dividing your annual property tax bill by 12 months, often with a small cushion to account for potential tax increases.

Property taxes in Lincoln County are paid in two installments: the first half is due by November 30th, and the second half is due by May 31st of the following year. Your lender will typically pay these installments directly to the county treasurer on your behalf. It's important to verify that your lender has the correct tax amount, as escrow shortages can occur if your property taxes increase more than anticipated. Starting January 1, 2026, all tax payments of $50,000 or more must be made electronically under Montana law.

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 Lincoln County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first half by November 30, 2025, and second half by May 31, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: The Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP) provides tax credits for qualifying low-income homeowners, reducing taxes on the first $200,000 of appraised value. This credit requires an annual application and has strict income limits ($23,385 for single filers, $31,181 for married/head of household as of 2022). The credit is not automatic and must be applied for each year.

Q: How does the Homestead declaration work? A: Montana's Homestead declaration protects up to $350,000 in home equity from creditors but does not reduce property taxes. This is often confused with tax credits - the Homestead filing provides legal protection for your equity, not tax savings.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Lincoln County? A: Montana conducts property reappraisals on varying cycles. Contact the Lincoln County Assessor's office for the specific reappraisal schedule and to appeal assessments if necessary.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Lincoln County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and payment options.

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

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Lincoln County? A: Tax rates vary based on the combination of special taxing districts serving your property, including school districts, fire districts, and other local improvement districts.

Q: What happens if my property taxes exceed $50,000? A: Starting January 1, 2026, Montana law requires all tax payments of $50,000 or more to be made electronically.

Q: How do I apply for available tax credits? A: Contact the Lincoln County Assessor's office for application forms and deadlines for programs like PTAP. Applications typically have annual deadlines and must be renewed each year.

Q: What should I do if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You have the right to appeal your assessment. Contact the Lincoln County Assessor's office for appeal procedures and deadlines, which are typically limited to specific time periods after assessment notices are mailed.

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
2025 Tax Information for Montana Property Ownersrevenue.mt.gov
02
County
Annual Property Tax Changes by Countyrevenuefiles.mt.gov
03
Mill Levy Changes 2025 2026archive.legmt.gov
04
Property Assessmentrevenue.mt.gov
05
Tax Doc
HJ 36: MONTHLY PROPERTY TAX PAYMENTSarchive.legmt.gov
06
Montana Department of Revenuerevenue.mt.gov
07
County
Clerk and Recorder Home – Lincolncounty Websitelincolncountymt.us
08
Using a Homestead Declaration to Protect Your Home from ...lincolncountymt.us
09
Tax Doc
Tax Freezeleg.mt.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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