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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Missoula County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Missoula 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
1.5% to 2.5% of market value (varies by taxing districts within county)
1st Due
Nov 30
2nd Due
May 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Missoula County, Montana operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, law enforcement, fire protection, roads, and county operations. Property taxes are assessed annually based on market value, with taxes calculated by applying mill levies to the assessed value of your property. The effective tax rate in Missoula County varies significantly by location within the county, ranging from approximately 1.5% to over 2.5% of market value, depending on the specific taxing districts that serve your property.

Your actual property tax rate depends on multiple factors including the base county levy, school district assessments, municipal taxes (if within city limits), and various special districts such as fire districts, library districts, and conservation districts. For the 2025 tax year, multifamily rental properties valued over $2 million face a rate of 1.89%, while other property types follow different rate structures. The city of Missoula implemented a 3.4% increase for 2025, primarily to cover contractual obligations under the lean budget approved by the City Council.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General0.25-0.35%Basic county services, administration
School District0.60-0.85%Local school funding, varies by district
City of Missoula0.20-0.30%Municipal services (if applicable)
Fire District0.10-0.20%Fire protection services
Library District0.05-0.10%Public library services
Special Districts0.15-0.40%Various local improvement districts
Total Range1.35-2.20%Varies by specific location

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025 and represent typical ranges. Actual rates vary significantly based on your property's location within specific taxing districts. Multifamily rental properties over $2 million are assessed at 1.89%. Contact the Missoula County Clerk-Treasurer for your exact mill levy combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Missoula 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 Missoula County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction during the tax year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. Common triggers include property sales that result in reassessment to current market value, completion of new construction or major renovations, and changes in property use classification.

For example, if you purchase a home in March that was previously assessed at $250,000 but sells for $400,000, the county may issue a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessment from April through the end of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be calculated on the $150,000 difference in assessed value, multiplied by your local tax rate, then prorated for the 9 remaining months (75% of the annual increase).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,500
  • Tax Rate: 1.75% (example district combination)
  • Annual Tax: $5,224
  • Monthly Escrow: $435

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $597,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.85% (example district combination)
  • Annual Tax: $11,045
  • Monthly Escrow: $920

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.95% (example district combination)
  • Annual Tax: $19,403
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,617

Tax credits shown require application and approval. Rates vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Missoula County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects a monthly amount equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus a cushion typically not exceeding two months of payments. The escrow account is analyzed annually, and you'll receive a statement showing the projected tax payments for the coming year.

Property taxes in Missoula County are due twice annually - by the last day of November and the last day of May. If these dates fall on weekends or holidays, the due date extends to the next business day. Your lender will typically pay the first half by November 30th and the second half by May 31st directly to the county. You should verify that payments are made on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for the taxes even when using escrow. Contact your lender immediately if you notice any discrepancies in escrow calculations or payment timing.

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 Missoula County? A: Real property taxes are due by the last day in November and May each year. For 2026, the second half payment is due June 1st. If due dates fall on weekends or holidays, they extend to the next business day.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Montana offers homestead tax credits for primary residences, but these require annual application and are not automatic. The homestead credit helps limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Contact the Missoula County Assessor for specific application requirements and deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit caps the annual increase in assessed value for your primary residence, typically limiting growth to a set percentage. This is not an exemption that reduces your home's market value, but rather a credit that controls assessment growth over time. You must apply annually to maintain eligibility.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Montana conducts property reappraisals on a regular cycle. Assessment notices are typically mailed in early summer, with appeal deadlines in late summer. Check with the Missoula County Assessor for the current reappraisal schedule and appeal procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. The first half payment (due November 30) and second half payment (due May 31) each carry specific penalty structures for delinquent payments.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Missoula County offers online payment options through their official portal. Visit https://www.missoulacounty.us/government/financial-services/clerk-treasurer for current payment methods and instructions.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Missoula County? A: Tax rates differ based on the combination of special taxing districts that serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, library districts, and various improvement districts. Two properties of equal value can have different tax bills based on their location.

Q: How are special district taxes determined? A: Special districts levy their own mill rates for specific services like fire protection, library services, or local improvements. These are added to the base county and school district rates to determine your total tax rate. Each district operates independently with separate budgets and mill levy requirements.

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
What changes affected City property taxes in 2025?ci.missoula.mt.us
02
Tax Doc
2025 Tax Information for Montana Property Ownersrevenue.mt.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Taxes | Missoula, MT - Official Websiteci.missoula.mt.us
04
County
Delinquent Taxes | Missoula County, MTmissoulacounty.gov
05
County
Property Taxes - Tax Questions | Missoula County, MTmissoulacounty.gov
06
County
Missoula County to Mail Tax Bills This Weekmissoulacounty.gov
07
Custom Report - Missoula, MTci.missoula.mt.us
08
Revenue and Finance - Missoula cityci.missoula.mt.us
09
5870907itax.missoulacounty.us
10
TB Billstaxes.flathead.mt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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