HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Madison County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Madison County, MT. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
~1.0856 per $1,000 assessed value (varies by taxing district location)
1st Due
Nov 30
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Madison County, Montana operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, fire protection, and various special districts. Property taxes are the primary source of revenue for these critical public services throughout the county.

For the 2025 tax year, Madison County has a property tax rate of approximately 1.0856 per $1,000 of assessed value, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and lighting districts. Property owners should expect their effective tax rate to differ based on their specific location and the combination of taxing districts that serve their property. Montana implemented significant changes to property tax calculations in 2025, affecting how taxes are computed for residential, commercial, and agricultural properties.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
Base County LevyVariesCore county services and administration
School DistrictVariesK-12 education funding
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection and emergency services
Light DistrictVariesStreet lighting and maintenance
Total Combined Rate$1.0856Average rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: Actual tax rates vary by specific location within Madison County depending on which combination of special taxing districts serve your property. The rate shown represents an average across districts. For multifamily rental properties with market values exceeding $2 million, Montana's graduated tax rate caps at 1.89%.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Madison County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Nov 30
Delinquent after Dec 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 Madison County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates the difference between the old and new assessed values and applies the current tax rate to determine the supplemental tax amount.

For example, if you complete a home addition worth $50,000 in assessed value mid-year, you would owe supplemental taxes on that $50,000 at the current rate of $1.0856 per $1,000, resulting in approximately $54 in additional taxes prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular annual tax bills and have their own payment deadlines.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (residential rate)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Annual Tax: $325.69 ($300,000 ÷ $1,000 × $1.0856)
  • Monthly Escrow: $27.14

$600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000 (residential rate)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Annual Tax: $651.39 ($600,000 ÷ $1,000 × $1.0856)
  • Monthly Escrow: $54.28

$1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000 (residential rate)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,085.65 ($1,000,000 ÷ $1,000 × $1.0856)
  • Monthly Escrow: $90.47

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual taxes may vary based on specific taxing districts serving your property.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Madison County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly payments are collected along with your mortgage payment and held until tax bills are due. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month, plus a small cushion to account for potential increases.

Property taxes in Madison County are due June 30th and November 30th each year. Your lender will receive tax bills directly from the county treasurer and make payments on your behalf from your escrow account. It's important to verify that payments are made on time, as delinquent taxes incur significant penalties. After July 30th, unpaid taxes result in a $50 service charge and the filing of a tax lien certificate. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the account activity and any required payment adjustments.

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 Madison County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due June 30, 2025 and November 30, 2025. Payments must be received (not postmarked) by these dates to avoid penalties.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: If taxes are not received by July 30, 2025, a $50 service charge is added and a tax lien certificate is filed. Additional redemption costs apply for payments made after this date.

Q: What is the Homestead Credit and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This tax credit requires a separate application and is not automatically applied. Contact the Madison County Assessor's office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: Are there other tax credits available in Madison County? A: Various tax credits may be available for seniors, veterans, and disabled property owners. All credits require separate applications and have specific eligibility requirements and deadlines. Contact the county assessor for details.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Madison County? A: Montana reassesses all properties periodically. Property owners receive assessment notices and have the right to appeal assessments through the county tax appeal board within specified deadlines.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Madison County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Madison County? A: Tax rates differ based on the combination of special taxing districts (school, fire, lighting) that serve your specific property location within the county.

Q: How do I find out which taxing districts serve my property? A: Your property tax bill will show all applicable districts, or contact the Madison County Assessor's office with your property address or parcel number.

Q: What tax credits are available for agricultural or commercial properties? A: Different property classifications have specific tax credit programs. Agricultural and commercial property owners should contact the county assessor to discuss available credits and application requirements.

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

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
a resolution of the madison county commissionersmadisoncountymt.gov
03
County
Treasurer / Taxes | Madison County, MTmadisoncountymt.gov
04
Property Assessmentrevenue.mt.gov
05
Tax Doc
2026 Tax Information for Montana Property Ownersrevenue.mt.gov
06
AGENDAmadisoncountymt.gov
07
S&P Global Ratingsmadisoncountymt.gov
08
Tax Doc
Tax Relief for Homesteads and Long-term Rentalsrevenue.mt.gov
09
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

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate