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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Rosebud County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Rosebud 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
Varies by district due to special taxing districts, statewide increases ~19% from 2024-2025
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Rosebud County, Montana operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, including schools, roads, law enforcement, and emergency services. Property owners in Rosebud County pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the local mill levy rate, which is expressed in mills (one mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value).

The effective property tax rate in Rosebud County varies significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts. Montana has experienced notable property tax increases, with statewide rates rising approximately 19% from 2024 to 2025. Residential properties are typically assessed at a percentage of their market value, and various tax credits may be available to qualifying property owners, though these require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County GeneralVariesBasic county operations and services
School DistrictVariesLocal elementary and high school funding
State EducationVariesState-mandated education funding
Fire DistrictVariesLocal fire protection services
Hospital DistrictVariesLocal hospital and healthcare services
Road DistrictVariesRoad maintenance and improvements
Weed DistrictVariesNoxious weed control programs

Note: Specific mill rates for FY 2025-2026 vary by location within Rosebud County based on which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Rosebud County Assessor's Office for exact rates applicable to your property address. Total combined rates typically range from 600-800+ mills depending on district combinations.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Rosebud 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 property taxes in Rosebud County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use that occur after the regular assessment date. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase value, changes in property use classification, or corrections to assessments discovered after the regular tax roll is finalized.

When supplemental taxes are triggered, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in January that increases your assessed value by $50,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on that $50,000 increase for the remaining months of the current tax year. The supplemental bill is separate from your regular property tax bill and typically has its own due date, usually 30 days from the issue date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (assuming residential rate): ~$300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Annual Tax (at 700 mills): $2,100
  • Monthly Escrow: $175

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: ~$600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Annual Tax (at 700 mills): $4,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $350

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (at 700 mills): $7,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $583

Note: These examples use estimated mill rates. Actual rates vary by specific location and special districts. Tax credits shown require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Rosebud County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Rosebud County when they become due, typically in April.

Lenders are required to conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase significantly, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. You'll receive an escrow analysis statement showing any shortages or surpluses. Property owners should verify that their lender pays taxes on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for timely payment even when using escrow. You can monitor payment status through the Rosebud County Treasurer's office or online payment portal.

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

When are property taxes due in Rosebud County? Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are typically due in April. Payments of $50,000 or more must be made electronically starting January 1, 2026, per Montana Law 15-1-802, MCA.

What tax credits are available and how do I apply? Montana offers various tax credits including the homestead credit for qualifying homeowners. These credits require separate applications filed with the county assessor's office and are not automatically applied. Contact the Rosebud County Assessor for available credits and application deadlines.

How does the homestead credit work? The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It must be applied for separately and helps cap the growth in your property's assessed value for tax purposes.

When are properties reassessed? Montana conducts property reappraisals on a regular cycle. Contact the Rosebud County Assessor's Office for the current assessment schedule and appeal deadlines.

What are the penalties for late payment? Late property tax payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Rosebud County Treasurer's Office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Can I pay property taxes online? Many Montana counties offer online payment options. Check with the Rosebud County Treasurer's Office for available electronic payment methods.

Why do tax rates vary within the county? Tax rates differ based on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, hospital districts, and other local service areas.

How do I appeal my property assessment? Property owners can appeal their assessments through the county tax appeal board. Contact the Rosebud County Assessor's Office for appeal procedures and deadlines, which are typically strict and must be met to preserve your appeal rights.

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
County
2025 Median Property Value Changes by Countyrevenue.mt.gov
03
Mill Levy Changes 2025 2026archive.legmt.gov
04
Property Assessmentrevenue.mt.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tax Lien Assignment Informationrosebudcountymt.gov
06
Online Servicesrevenue.mt.gov
07
House Bill 389 2015 Session – Final Reportarchive.legmt.gov
08
Property Assessment Divisionsvc.mt.gov
09
Tax Doc
Property Taxesgov.mt.gov
10
1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816archive.legmt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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