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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Pondera County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Pondera 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
1.9% effective rate for 2025 (varies by special taxing districts within county)
1st Due
Nov 30
2nd Due
May 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Pondera County, Montana operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, county operations, fire protection, and various special districts. Property owners in Pondera County face an effective tax rate of approximately 1.9% for the 2025 levy year, representing a significant 19% increase from the previous year. This rate reflects a decade-long trend of steady increases, with an average annual growth of about 5.2% over the past 10 years.

It's important to understand that actual tax rates vary considerably by location within Pondera County due to the presence of different special taxing districts. Your specific tax burden depends on which school district, fire district, and other special service areas serve your property. The county assessor determines property values, while local taxing entities set mill levies that are applied to those assessed values to calculate your annual property tax bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County GeneralVariableBasic county services and operations
School DistrictsVariableK-12 education funding, varies by district
Fire DistrictsVariableFire protection services
Special DistrictsVariableLibraries, conservation, rural improvements
Total Effective Rate~19.0 mills (1.9%)FY 2025-2026 Levy Year

Note: The combined mill levy varies significantly across Pondera County based on your property's location within specific taxing districts. School district boundaries and special district coverage create different total rates for different areas of the county. Contact the Pondera County Assessor's office for your specific property's exact mill levy breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Pondera 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 property taxes in Pondera County are triggered by specific events that change a property's ownership or physical characteristics during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction, major improvements, or changes in property ownership that affect the assessed value. When these events occur, the county assessor recalculates the property's taxable value and applies the current mill levy to determine additional taxes owed.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July, the assessor will determine the increased assessed value attributable to that improvement and calculate supplemental taxes for the remaining months of the tax year. These supplemental taxes are typically due within 30 days of the supplemental tax bill being issued, separate from your regular annual property tax payment due March 31st.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (typically 100% in MT): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Annual Tax (1.9%): $5,700
  • Monthly Escrow: $475

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applied): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Annual Tax (1.9%): $11,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $950

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applied): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (1.9%): $19,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,583

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

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Pondera County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically calculating 1/12th of your annual property tax bill plus a small cushion. Since Pondera County property taxes are due March 31st annually, lenders usually make the payment on your behalf in March.

It's crucial to verify that your lender has the correct tax amount, particularly after assessment changes or mill levy adjustments. The 19% increase in Pondera County's tax rate for 2025 may require escrow account adjustments, and you should receive an escrow analysis from your lender explaining any payment changes. For payments of $50,000 or more (typically large commercial properties), electronic payment is required starting in 2026.

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 Pondera County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due by March 31, 2026. Payments of $50,000 or more must be made electronically.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Various tax credits may be available including homestead credits, disability credits, and veteran credits. All credits require separate applications filed with the county assessor and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit typically caps the annual increase in your property's assessed value rather than reducing the market value. You must file an application with the county assessor to qualify, and the credit must be renewed periodically.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Montana conducts property reappraisals on a regular cycle. Contact the Pondera County Assessor for the current assessment schedule and appeal deadlines if you disagree with your property's valuation.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments typically incur interest and penalties. Contact the county treasurer for specific penalty rates and payment options if you cannot meet the March 31st deadline.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Pondera County Treasurer's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my taxes increase 19% this year? A: The 2025 levy year saw a significant mill levy increase across Pondera County. This reflects increased funding needs for schools, county services, and special districts.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total tax rate includes levies from all taxing districts serving your property, including school districts, fire districts, and other special service areas. The specific combination depends on your property's location within the county.

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
RECEIVEDdownloads.regulations.gov
05
County
Pondera County FSA Office 406 N Main Street Conrad, MT ...fsa.usda.gov
06
Property Assessmentrevenue.mt.gov
07
Montanairs.gov
08
1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816archive.legmt.gov
09
1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816 HOUSE BILL NO. ...archive.legmt.gov
10
HB0816.4 - 1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816archive.legmt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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