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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Powell County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Powell 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
~5.3% effective rate (varies by taxing district), base rate ~1% plus special districts
1st Due
Nov 30
2nd Due
May 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Powell County, Montana operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, including county operations, schools, fire protection, and various special districts. Property owners in Powell County can expect to pay an effective tax rate of approximately 5.3% for the 2025 tax year, representing an increase from previous years. This rate is significantly higher than Montana's statewide base rate of around 1%, reflecting the county's specific funding needs and local assessments.

The actual tax rate you pay will vary depending on your property's location within Powell County, as different areas are served by various special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and other local improvement districts. These special assessments are added to the base county levy, creating variation in total tax rates across different neighborhoods and communities within the county. Property taxes in Powell County are assessed annually based on market value, with no assessment cap limiting year-over-year increases in assessed value.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General1.8%Basic county operations and services
School Districts2.1%Local school funding (varies by district)
Fire/Emergency0.6%Fire protection and emergency services
Special Districts0.8%Various local improvement districts
Total Base Rate5.3%Combined rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and represent average rates across Powell County. Your actual rate may vary depending on which special taxing districts serve your property location. School district rates can vary significantly between elementary, high school, and community college districts. Contact the Powell County Assessor's office to determine the exact rate for your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Powell 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 Powell County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. Montana law provides for supplemental property tax rebates in certain circumstances, but supplemental assessments are more commonly encountered by property owners.

Supplemental taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, and prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in March and your tax rate is 5.3%, you would owe approximately $4,425 in supplemental taxes ($100,000 × 5.3% × 10 months remaining ÷ 12 months). These supplemental bills are typically issued 30-60 days after the assessor processes the change and are due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Available Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no applications filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 × 5.3% = $15,900
  • Monthly Payment: $1,325

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Caps assessment increases (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 × 5.3% = $31,800
  • Monthly Payment: $2,650

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Available Credits Applied: $0 (most credits have income/value limits)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × 5.3% = $53,000
  • Monthly Payment: $4,417

Note: All available tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the Powell County Assessor for credit eligibility and application procedures.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Powell County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly tax payments as part of your mortgage payment and holds these funds in escrow until tax bills are due. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual tax bill each month, plus an additional 2-month cushion as required by federal law.

Escrow accounts are analyzed annually, and lenders must provide you with an escrow analysis statement showing the account activity. If your property taxes increase due to rate changes or assessment increases, your monthly mortgage payment will be adjusted accordingly. Given Powell County's payment schedule with the first half due November 30th and second half due May 31st, lenders will make payments directly to the county treasurer on these dates. Property owners should verify that payments are made timely and contact their lender immediately if there are any discrepancies or missed payments.

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 Powell County for 2025? A: For 2025, the first half of real estate taxes is due November 30, 2025, and the second half is due May 31, 2026. Mobile home taxes have a different schedule with the first half due June 30, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Most property tax credits in Powell County require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the Powell County Assessor's office to inquire about available credits for seniors, veterans, disabled persons, or low-income homeowners. All credits have specific eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The homestead credit in Montana limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This credit must be applied for and is not automatic. It helps protect long-term homeowners from dramatic tax increases due to rapid property value appreciation.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Powell County conducts property assessments annually, with values typically reflecting market conditions as of January 1st of the assessment year. Property owners receive assessment notices and have the right to appeal if they believe their assessment is incorrect.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Powell County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you cannot pay by the due dates.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Powell County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods. Many Montana counties offer online payment systems for taxpayer convenience.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Powell County? A: Different areas of Powell County are served by various special taxing districts including school districts, fire districts, and local improvement districts. These additional assessments are added to the base county rate, creating variation in total tax rates.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal with the Powell County Tax Appeal Board. Appeals must typically be filed within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the Powell County Assessor's office for specific appeal procedures and deadlines.

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
Property Taxesgov.mt.gov
02
County
Annual Property Tax Changes by Countyrevenuefiles.mt.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property taxes, explained — with picturespowellcountymt.gov
04
DATES TO REMEMBERpowellcountymt.gov
05
Property Assessmentrevenue.mt.gov
06
Tax Doc
“Property Tax Tuesdays” Schedulearchive.legmt.gov
07
Montanairs.gov
08
1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816 HOUSE BILL NO. ...archive.legmt.gov
09
HB0816.4 - 1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816archive.legmt.gov
10
compliance supplementsfsd.mt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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