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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ravalli County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Ravalli 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
0.8% to 1.2% of market value (varies by taxing districts including school, fire, and special districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ravalli County property taxes fund essential local services including schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and county government operations. Property owners in Ravalli County pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which varies significantly depending on the specific taxing districts where the property is located within the county.

Montana uses a mill levy system where property taxes are calculated using mills (one mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value). The effective tax rate in Ravalli County typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of market value, though this varies considerably based on your property's location and the combination of school districts, fire districts, and other special taxing districts that serve your area. Residential properties are assessed at a percentage of their market value as determined by the Montana Department of Revenue's assessment guidelines.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated Rate RangeDescription
County General15-25 millsBasic county services, roads, administration
School District40-80 millsK-12 education, varies by district
Fire District5-15 millsFire protection and emergency services
Rural Fire3-8 millsRural fire protection (where applicable)
Cemetery District1-3 millsCemetery maintenance (where applicable)
University System2-4 millsMontana University System levy
Total Estimated Range66-135 millsActual rates vary by location

Note: These rates apply to Levy Year 2025 and vary significantly by specific taxing districts. Properties in Hamilton will have different rates than properties in rural areas or other municipalities. Contact the Ravalli County Treasurer at 215 S 4th St Suite A, Hamilton, MT 59840 for your specific district combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ravalli 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 Ravalli County are typically triggered by new construction, significant property improvements, or changes in property ownership that result in a reassessment during the tax year. When improvements are completed or new construction is finished, the county assessor determines the additional assessed value, and supplemental taxes are calculated on this incremental value.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in March, the assessor will determine the additional assessed value from that improvement. If your total mill rate is 100 mills, you would owe supplemental taxes on the additional assessed value for the remaining months of the tax year. The supplemental tax bill would be prorated based on when the improvement was completed and would be due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (residential rate): ~$180,000
  • Applicable Mill Rate: 90 mills (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $1,620
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$135

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: ~$360,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption Credit (if applied): Variable reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$340,000 (example after credits)
  • Mill Rate: 100 mills
  • Annual Tax: $3,400
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$283

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: ~$600,000
  • Less: Available Tax Credits (if applied): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$570,000 (example after credits)
  • Mill Rate: 110 mills
  • Annual Tax: $6,270
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$523

Note: All tax credits require application and approval. Actual rates depend on your specific taxing district combination.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ravalli County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill along with your mortgage payment. The lender holds these funds in an escrow account and pays your property taxes directly to Ravalli County when they become due.

Property taxes in Ravalli County are paid in two installments. The first half of 2025 real property taxes are due no later than 5:00 PM on December 8, 2025, with the second half typically due the following spring. Your lender will receive tax bills directly and make payments from your escrow account. It's important to verify that your lender has the correct mailing address with the County Treasurer to ensure bills are received promptly. You can monitor your tax payments and verify they've been made through the county's online property tax system.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are my 2025 property taxes due? A: The first half of 2025 real property taxes are due by 5:00 PM on December 8, 2025. Mobile home taxes (second half) are also due by 5:00 PM on December 8, 2025. Second half real property tax due dates will be announced by the County Treasurer.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Montana offers several tax credits including the Homestead Exemption and Extended Property Tax Assistance Program for qualifying elderly homeowners. All tax credits require application and are NOT automatic. Contact the Ravalli County Assessor at 215 S 4th St Suite A, Hamilton, MT 59840 for applications and eligibility requirements.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The Homestead Exemption is a tax credit that limits assessment increases on your primary residence, not a reduction of market value. Under HB 390, qualifying homeowners may receive up to a $50,000 homestead exemption credit. You must apply for this credit - it is not automatic. Contact the county assessor for application deadlines and requirements.

Q: How often is my property reassessed? A: Montana conducts property reappraisals on a regular cycle. The county assessor determines market values based on sales data, construction costs, and other factors. You'll receive an assessment notice if your property value changes significantly.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You have the right to appeal your assessment. Contact the Ravalli County Assessor's office for appeal procedures and deadlines. Appeals typically must be filed within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the County Treasurer at (406) 375-6550 for current penalty rates and payment options if your taxes are overdue.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Ravalli County Treasurer's office at 215 S 4th St Suite A, Hamilton, MT 59840, or call (406) 375-6550 to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do properties in different areas of the county have different tax rates? A: Tax rates vary based on the combination of special taxing districts that serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, and other local service districts. Rural properties may have different district combinations than properties within city limits.

Q: How are special district taxes determined? A: Special districts (fire, school, cemetery, etc.) set their own mill levies based on their budget needs. The total tax rate for your property is the sum of all applicable district mill levies. Your 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
Property Tax | Ravalli County, MT - Official Websiteravallicounty.gov
02
Tax Doc
2025 Tax Information for Montana Property Ownersrevenue.mt.gov
03
County
Annual Property Tax Changes by Countyrevenuefiles.mt.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Departmentravallicounty.gov
05
County
Ravalli County FSA Office 1709 North 1st Street Hamilton, MT ...fsa.usda.gov
06
U Since hooUi&-ravallicounty.gov
07
HB 390 Homestead Exemptionarchive.legmt.gov
08
Montanairs.gov
09
Federal Register, Volume 69 Issue 116 (Thursday, June 17, 2004)govinfo.gov
10
HB0816.4 - 1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816archive.legmt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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