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Updated 2025 Tax Year

McCone County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in McCone 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
Approximately 2.1% effective rate for 2024-2025, varies significantly by special taxing districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

McCone County, Montana operates a property tax system that funds essential local services including public education, county government operations, road maintenance, and various special district services. The county assesses property at market value and applies mill levies to generate revenue for these vital community services.

The effective property tax rate in McCone County for levy year 2024-2025 is approximately 2.1%, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and other local service areas. Property owners should note that their specific tax rate depends on which combination of taxing jurisdictions their property falls within. The county uses a two-payment system with due dates of November 30th for the first half and May 31st of the following year for the second half.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General45.2Basic county operations and services
School Districts85.6-120.3K-12 education funding (varies by district)
State General17.0State-mandated levy
Fire Districts8.5-15.2Fire protection services (where applicable)
Special Districts5.0-25.0Various local improvement districts
Total Range161.3-223.3Varies by location within county

Rates shown are for levy year 2024-2025 and are expressed in mills (dollars per $1,000 of assessed value). Your actual rate depends on the specific taxing districts where your property is located. Contact the McCone County Assessor's Office at (406) 485-3505 for your specific district combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in McCone 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 McCone County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the annual assessment roll is completed, a supplemental assessment is issued to capture the additional tax liability.

The supplemental tax is calculated on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred. For example, if a $100,000 home improvement is completed in January and increases assessed value by $100,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $100,000 increase for the remaining 11 months of the tax year. At a 2.1% effective rate, this would result in approximately $1,925 in supplemental taxes ($100,000 × 0.021 × 11/12 months).

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $297,000
  • Annual Tax (at 2.1%): $6,237
  • Monthly Escrow: $520

Property Value: $600,000

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $597,000
  • Annual Tax (at 2.1%): $12,537
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,045

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $997,000
  • Annual Tax (at 2.1%): $20,937
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,745

Examples assume average county rate and Homestead Credit application. Credits require annual application and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in McCone County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. The lender collects 1/12 of the estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment and pays the county directly when taxes are due. Lenders typically maintain a cushion of 2-3 months of tax payments in the escrow account to ensure adequate funds are available.

Property tax payments are due November 30th (first half) and May 31st of the following year (second half). Your lender will receive tax bills directly from the McCone County Treasurer's Office and should make payments on time to avoid penalties. You can verify that your taxes have been paid by checking the county's online payment system or contacting the Treasurer's Office at (406) 485-3590. If you pay taxes yourself, remember that payments over $50,000 will require electronic payment starting January 1, 2026.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in McCone County for tax year 2024? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: November 30, 2024 (first half) and May 31, 2025 (second half). Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Credit for primary residences, which provides up to $3,000 in tax reduction. This credit requires annual application by April 15th and is not automatic. Senior citizen and disabled veteran credits may also be available with application.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps assessment increases on your primary residence and provides a tax credit. You must apply annually by April 15th through the McCone County Assessor's Office. The credit is not automatic and failure to reapply results in loss of benefits.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: McCone County conducts annual assessments with market value updates. Property owners receive assessment notices by May 1st and can appeal through the County Tax Appeal Board by May 31st if they disagree with the assessed value.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur a penalty of 5/6 of 1% per month plus interest. If taxes remain unpaid, the property may eventually be subject to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, McCone County offers online payment options through the Treasurer's Office website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though processing fees may apply for credit card payments.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within McCone County? A: Different areas of the county are served by different combinations of special taxing districts (school districts, fire districts, etc.). Your specific tax rate depends on which services your property location receives.

Q: How do I request a duplicate tax statement? A: Contact the McCone County Treasurer's Office at (406) 485-3590 to request a duplicate statement or report an address change. If you haven't received your statement by November 1st, contact them immediately.

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 Taxesgov.mt.gov
02
County
Annual Property Tax Changes by Countyrevenuefiles.mt.gov
03
County
2025 Median Property Value Changes by Countyrevenue.mt.gov
04
County
McCone County - Treasurermcconecountymt.gov
05
Property Assessmentrevenue.mt.gov
06
Online Servicesrevenue.mt.gov
07
1977 Legislative Council Final Reportndlegis.gov
08
Montanairs.gov
09
Impact of Canadian Power Plant Development and Flow ...nepis.epa.gov
10
1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816archive.legmt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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