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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Phillips County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Phillips 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 1.9% effective rate for 2025, varies significantly by special taxing districts within county
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Phillips County, Montana operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county government operations. Property taxes are based on the assessed value of real estate, which is determined by the County Assessor's Office and reassessed periodically according to Montana state law.

The effective property tax rate in Phillips County is approximately 1.9% for the 2025 levy year, representing a 10% increase from the previous year. However, actual tax rates vary significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and other local improvement districts. Property owners should expect their specific rate to differ based on which special districts serve their property location.

Property taxes in Phillips County have shown consistent growth over the past decade, with an average annual increase of approximately 5.2%. This reflects both changes in property values and adjustments to local government funding needs across the various taxing jurisdictions within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General0.45%Basic county operations, roads, administration
School District0.85%Local school funding (varies by district)
State Education0.25%Montana state education levy
Fire District0.15%Fire protection services (where applicable)
Special Districts0.20%Various local improvement districts
Total Base Rate1.90%Average combined rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: These rates are estimates for the 2025-2026 levy year and vary significantly by location within Phillips County. Properties may be subject to additional special assessments for bonds, improvements, or other local district taxes. Contact the Phillips County Assessor's Office for your specific tax rate based on your property's location and applicable taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Phillips 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 Phillips County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to a property's assessed value. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements, ownership transfers that remove exemptions, or corrections to the original assessment.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the old and new assessed values. The tax is then prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year from when the change became effective.

Example: If you complete a $100,000 home addition in July and your tax rate is 1.9%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $950 ($100,000 × 0.019 × 6/12 months remaining) = $475 for the remainder of that tax year. Supplemental tax bills are typically mailed within 30-60 days of the assessment change and become due immediately upon receipt.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$15,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $285,000
  • Annual Tax (1.9%): $5,415
  • Monthly Payment: $451

Property Value: $600,000

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$15,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $585,000
  • Annual Tax (1.9%): $11,115
  • Monthly Payment: $926

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$15,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $985,000
  • Annual Tax (1.9%): $18,715
  • Monthly Payment: $1,559

Note: Homestead credits require annual application and are not automatic. Additional credits may be available for seniors, veterans, or disabled property owners, but all require separate applications with specific deadlines.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Phillips County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in a dedicated escrow account.

Property tax statements are mailed by January 31st each year, with taxes due by April 15th. Lenders typically pay the taxes directly from your escrow account before the due date. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the projected tax payments and any required adjustments to your monthly escrow amount.

If you pay your own property taxes (no escrow), you're responsible for ensuring payment reaches the Phillips County Treasurer's Office by April 15th. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Starting January 1, 2026, all tax payments of $50,000 or greater must be made electronically under Montana Law 15-1-802, MCA.

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 Phillips County for the current fiscal year? A: Tax statements are mailed by January 31st, and taxes are due by April 15th for the 2025-2026 tax year. Late payments incur penalties and interest.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Montana offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit, Elderly Homeowner Credit, and Veterans' Credits. All credits require annual application and are not automatic. Contact the Phillips County Assessor's Office for applications and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases to a maximum percentage (typically around 2-3%) rather than reducing market value. You must apply annually, and it only applies to your primary residence.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Phillips County? A: Montana conducts property reappraisals on a regular cycle. Phillips County typically reassesses properties every 6 years, with annual updates for new construction and improvements.

Q: What happens if I disagree with my assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment to the Phillips County Tax Appeal Board. Appeals must be filed by the third Monday in June following the assessment notice.

Q: Are there penalties for late payment? A: Yes, unpaid taxes after April 15th incur penalties and interest. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually be subject to tax deed proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Phillips County Treasurer's Office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property may be subject to additional taxes from school districts, fire districts, or other special improvement districts. These vary by location within the county and are listed separately on your tax statement.

Q: What if I need a duplicate tax statement? A: Contact the Phillips County Treasurer's Office directly to request a duplicate statement if you haven't received your original or need additional copies.

Q: Do I need to notify anyone when I buy or sell property? A: The county assessor is automatically notified through deed recordings, but you should contact their office to ensure proper homestead credit applications and to remove or transfer any applicable exemptions or credits.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Annual Property Tax Changes by Countyrevenuefiles.mt.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Taxesgov.mt.gov
03
County
2025 Median Property Value Changes by Countyrevenue.mt.gov
04
Property Assessmentrevenue.mt.gov
05
Online Servicesrevenue.mt.gov
06
County
Tax Information - Phillips County - Colorado.govphillipscounty.colorado.gov
07
Montanairs.gov
08
Property Assessment Divisionsvc.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

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