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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Powder River County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Powder River 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
0.24% base county rate + varying district levies (effective rates typically higher due to school and special districts)
1st Due
Nov 30
2nd Due
May 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Powder River County's property tax system operates on Montana's standard assessment and taxation framework, funding essential county services including schools, roads, law enforcement, and fire protection. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable mill levy rate, which varies significantly depending on your property's location within special taxing districts throughout the county.

The 2025 property tax rate for Powder River County is 0.24% of assessed value, though your actual effective rate will likely be higher due to additional levies from school districts, fire departments, and other special districts that serve your specific area. This rate has increased approximately 57% over the past decade, averaging about 5.2% annual growth. Property taxes are assessed on the market value of real estate and improvements, with Montana assessing residential property at its full market value without a statewide assessment cap.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General0.24%Base county operations, services
School DistrictVariesLocal school funding (varies by district)
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection services (if applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesWater, sewer, road maintenance districts
Total Effective Rate0.5-1.2%Combined rate depending on location

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025. Your actual tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. School district levies typically represent the largest component of your total tax bill, with rates varying significantly between districts within Powder River County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Powder River 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 Powder River County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates additional taxes based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that additional assessed value for the remaining 9 months of the fiscal year. The supplemental bill would be approximately: ($100,000 × your local tax rate × 9/12 months). These supplemental taxes are billed separately from your annual property tax statement and typically due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $297,000
  • Annual Tax (0.8% effective rate): $2,376
  • Monthly Payment: $198

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $597,000
  • Annual Tax (0.8% effective rate): $4,776
  • Monthly Payment: $398

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $997,000
  • Annual Tax (0.8% effective rate): $7,976
  • Monthly Payment: $665

Examples use estimated 0.8% effective rate. Actual rates vary by special district. Homestead credit requires annual application and caps assessment increases rather than providing a flat reduction.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Powder River County require property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your annual tax bill. Lenders typically pay your taxes directly to the county treasurer when due in April. Your lender may collect additional months as a cushion, and escrow accounts are analyzed annually to adjust for tax changes.

Property owners should verify that escrow payments are made timely, as you remain ultimately responsible for tax payments even when using escrow. Request copies of payment confirmations from your lender, and monitor your annual escrow analysis statement for accuracy. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, remember that electronic payment is required for amounts of $50,000 or more starting January 1, 2026, under Montana law.

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 Powder River County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are typically due in April. Contact the Powder River County Treasurer for the exact 2025 due date and payment options.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Credit, which requires annual application with the county assessor. This credit caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Contact the assessor's office for application deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence, typically to 2% or market value, whichever is less. You must apply annually, and it does not reduce your property's market value but rather caps taxable assessment growth.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Montana requires annual assessment updates based on market conditions. The county assessor reviews property values yearly, with formal reappraisal cycles conducted periodically.

Q: What are the penalties for late tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties as specified by Montana law. Contact the county treasurer for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Powder River County Treasurer to confirm available online payment options and any associated fees.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the County Tax Appeal Board within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the county assessor for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: Why do special district taxes vary throughout the county? A: Different areas receive services from different combinations of school districts, fire departments, and special service districts, each with their own mill levies that add to your total tax rate.

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
Field Office Locationsrevenue.mt.gov
07
Montanairs.gov
08
Property Assessment Divisionsvc.mt.gov
09
HB0816.4 - 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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