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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Prairie County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Prairie 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% base rate plus varying district rates depending on location within county
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Prairie County, Montana operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding source for local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. Property taxes in Prairie County are calculated based on assessed values determined by the county assessor, with tax rates varying significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts.

The effective tax rate in Prairie County typically ranges around Montana's base rate of approximately 1% of assessed value, though your actual rate may be higher or lower depending on which school districts, fire districts, and other special assessment areas serve your property. Property values in the county have shown an average annual increase of about 5.2% over recent years, reflecting broader market trends across Montana. All property owners should verify their specific tax rate and applicable districts with the Prairie County Assessor's office, as rates can vary considerably even between neighboring properties.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated RateDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county operations and services
School DistrictVaries by DistrictLocal school funding (varies significantly by district)
State EducationStatewide RateState-mandated education funding
Fire DistrictVaries by DistrictFire protection services (if applicable)
Road DistrictVaries by DistrictLocal road maintenance and construction
Other Special DistrictsVariesMay include weed control, conservation, etc.

Note: Specific rates for the current levy year are not yet available for 2025. The total mill levy and corresponding tax rates vary significantly based on your property's location within Prairie County and which combination of special taxing districts serve your area. Contact the Prairie County Assessor's office or visit the Montana Department of Revenue website for current rates applicable to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Prairie 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 Prairie County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction, completion of additions or major improvements, changes in property use, or corrections to assessment errors discovered after the main tax roll is completed.

When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if you complete a home addition worth $50,000 in assessed value in January, you would owe supplemental taxes on that $50,000 for the remaining 11 months of the tax year. These supplemental bills are typically issued separately from your regular property tax bill and have their own due dates, usually 30 days from the date of issuance.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (varies by property type): ~$300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied for): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$280,000 (assuming credits applied)
  • Annual Tax (est. 1% effective rate): ~$2,800
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$233

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: ~$600,000
  • Less: Applicable Credits (if applied for): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$570,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1% effective rate): ~$5,700
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$475

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Less: Applicable Credits (if applied for): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$950,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1% effective rate): ~$9,500
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$792

Important: These are estimates only. Actual rates vary by location within Prairie County. Most tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Prairie County Assessor for specific rates and available credits for your property.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Prairie County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay monthly installments toward your annual property tax bill along with your mortgage payment. Your lender collects these funds throughout the year and pays your property taxes directly to Prairie County when they become due. The lender typically conducts an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are being collected, which may result in changes to your monthly payment.

Property tax payments are generally due in two installments in Montana, though specific due dates vary by county. Your lender will receive tax bills directly and handle payment timing. If you pay taxes independently without escrow, you're responsible for ensuring timely payment to avoid penalties and interest charges. You can verify your tax payments and balances through the Prairie County Treasurer's office or their online payment system, if available.

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 Prairie County? A: Property tax due dates vary by county in Montana. Contact the Prairie County Treasurer's office for specific due dates for the current fiscal year.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Montana offers various tax credits including homestead credits for qualifying primary residences. Most credits require annual application with specific deadlines. Contact the Prairie County Assessor's office for available programs and application requirements.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: Montana's homestead credit typically caps the annual increase in assessed value for qualifying primary residences, rather than reducing the total assessed value. This requires annual application and has specific eligibility requirements. It does not automatically reduce your property's market value assessment.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Montana conducts property reappraisals on a regular cycle. Contact the Prairie County Assessor for the current assessment schedule and your property's next reappraisal date.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Prairie County Tax Appeal Board within specific deadlines after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the County Assessor for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late property tax payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Prairie County Treasurer for specific penalty rates and payment options if you're unable to pay on time.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Beginning January 1, 2026, Montana law requires electronic payment for all tax bills of $50,000 or more. Check with the Prairie County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and requirements.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Prairie County? A: Tax rates vary based on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, and other local service areas. Properties in different areas may have significantly different total tax rates even within the same 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
Property Assessmentrevenue.mt.gov
05
Online Servicesrevenue.mt.gov
06
Tax Doc
government tax lien certificates and tax foreclosure sale ...archive.legmt.gov
07
Montanairs.gov
08
HB 390 Homestead Exemptionarchive.legmt.gov
09
Property Assessment Divisionsvc.mt.gov
10
1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816archive.legmt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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