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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Musselshell County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Musselshell 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
Varies by district, typically 1.5-2.5% effective rate depending on local taxing districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Musselshell County, Montana operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county government operations, fire protection, and various special districts. Property taxes are based on assessed value, which is determined by the county assessor and calculated as a percentage of market value depending on the property classification. Montana implemented significant changes to property tax calculations in 2025, affecting how tax rates are applied based on property value and use.

The effective tax rate in Musselshell County varies significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, including school districts, fire districts, and other local improvement districts. While Montana's base assessment rate is approximately 1%, the actual tax burden depends on the total mill levy applied by all relevant taxing jurisdictions where your property is located. Property owners should note that most tax credits and exemptions require annual application and are not automatically applied to tax bills.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate/MillsDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county operations and services
School DistrictVariesLocal school funding (varies by district)
State EducationVariesState-mandated school funding
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection services (if applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesWater, sewer, lighting districts (location-dependent)
Total Effective RateContact CountyCombination of all applicable districts

Note: Specific mill rates for levy year 2025-2026 should be confirmed with the Musselshell County Treasurer's office, as rates vary significantly based on your property's location within different special taxing districts. For multifamily rental properties valued over $2 million, the maximum graduated tax rate is 1.89% under the 2025 changes.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Musselshell 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 Montana are triggered by significant changes to property ownership, value, or classification that occur after the annual assessment date. Common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements, ownership transfers that remove existing exemptions, or property classification changes. The supplemental tax represents the difference between what was originally assessed and what should have been assessed based on the change.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in August and your local effective tax rate is 1.5%, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $1,500 prorated from the completion date through the end of the tax year. This supplemental bill would be issued separately from your regular property tax bill and typically has its own payment schedule as determined by the county treasurer.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (residential): ~$300,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.2%): $3,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $300

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (residential): ~$600,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.2%): $7,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $600

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (residential): ~$1,000,000
  • Less: Available Tax Credits (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.2%): $12,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,000

Note: Tax credits require annual application and eligibility verification. Actual rates vary by specific location within Musselshell County based on applicable special districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Musselshell County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to the county treasurer when due. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of your estimated annual tax bill each month, plus a cushion amount to account for potential increases.

Property tax payments are due in two installments: the first half by April 15 and the second half by October 15. Your lender will coordinate these payments with the county treasurer. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing how your monthly payment is calculated and any adjustments needed. If your taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or new special district levies, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. Beginning January 1, 2026, all tax payments of $50,000 or more must be made electronically under Montana law.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Musselshell County for 2025-2026? A: The first installment is due by April 15, and the second installment is due by October 15. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Montana offers various tax credits including the Homestead Tax Credit for qualifying primary residences. Most credits require annual application through the county assessor's office. Applications typically have spring deadlines, so contact the Musselshell County Assessor for specific requirements and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Tax Credit work? A: The Homestead Tax Credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence, not the market value itself. This credit requires annual application and proof of primary residency. It does not automatically reduce your property's assessed value but caps how much the taxable value can increase year-over-year.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Musselshell County? A: Montana law requires property to be assessed annually, but major reappraisals typically occur on a cyclical basis. Contact the county assessor for the specific reassessment schedule for your area.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment to the Musselshell County Tax Appeal Board. Appeals must be filed within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice, typically by late spring.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Montana law imposes penalties and interest on delinquent property taxes. The first installment becomes delinquent after April 15, and the second after October 15, with escalating penalties for continued non-payment.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Musselshell County Treasurer's office to confirm available online payment options and any associated processing fees.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts for services like fire protection, water, or lighting levy additional taxes based on your property's location. These rates vary significantly within the county, so your total tax rate depends on which special districts serve your specific property location.

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
County
2025 Median Property Value Changes by Countyrevenue.mt.gov
04
Property Assessmentrevenue.mt.gov
05
Tax Doc
Introduction to Property Taxrevenue.mt.gov
06
MONTANA - Highway Safety Plannhtsa.gov
07
Montanairs.gov
08
FR-2025-03-03.xmlgovinfo.gov
09
Tax Doc
Property Taxesarchive.legmt.gov
10
1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816archive.legmt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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