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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Silver Bow County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Silver Bow 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 overlapping special taxing districts, up to 1.89% for multifamily rentals over $2M
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Silver Bow County, Montana operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government, emergency services, and various special districts. The county encompasses Butte-Silver Bow (a consolidated city-county government) and surrounding areas, with property taxes serving as a primary revenue source for municipal operations, education funding, and infrastructure maintenance.

Property tax rates in Silver Bow County vary significantly by location within the county due to multiple overlapping special taxing districts, including school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other local improvement districts. For the 2025 tax year, multifamily rental properties valued over $2 million face a maximum graduated tax rate of 1.89%, while other property classifications follow different rate structures. Agricultural land carries a specific rate of 2.05%. The effective tax rate for most residential properties typically ranges from 1.2% to 1.8% of market value, depending on the specific combination of taxing districts where the property is located.

Montana implemented significant property tax calculation changes in 2025, affecting how taxes are computed across different property types including residential homes, commercial properties, agricultural land, and forest land. These changes created a graduated rate structure that varies based on property value and classification, making it essential for property owners to understand their specific tax situation based on both property type and location within Silver Bow County.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

FY 2025-2026 Property Tax Components

ComponentRate/MillsDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county operations and services
School DistrictVariesK-12 education funding (varies by district)
State Equalization17.30 millsState-mandated education funding
City of ButteVariesMunicipal services (where applicable)
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection and emergency services
Library DistrictVariesPublic library system funding
Special AssessmentsVariesInfrastructure improvements, bonds

Property Classification Rates:

  • Multifamily rental dwellings (>$2M): Maximum 1.89% graduated rate
  • Qualified agricultural land: 2.05%
  • Non-residential properties: Graduated rate structure based on value
  • Residential properties: Varies by district combination

Note: Actual tax rates vary significantly by specific location within Silver Bow County due to different combinations of special taxing districts. Property owners should verify their specific district assignments with the County Assessor's office for precise rate calculations.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Silver Bow 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 Silver Bow County are triggered when significant changes occur to a property during the tax year, primarily including ownership transfers, new construction completion, or substantial improvements that increase assessed value. These supplemental assessments ensure that property tax obligations are properly allocated between previous and new owners, or account for increased property values mid-tax year.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it covers the period from the triggering event (such as a sale closing date or construction completion) through the end of the current tax year. The calculation uses the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate for that property's location and classification. Beginning with 2024 supplemental tax bills, Silver Bow County implemented new processing procedures to handle the 17.30 mill State Equalization component.

Example: If a property sells in January 2025 with an assessed value increase from $200,000 to $300,000, and the combined tax rate is 1.5%, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($300,000 - $200,000) × 1.5% × (11 months remaining/12 months) = $1,375 supplemental tax due from the new owner.

Example Calculation

Property Tax Examples for FY 2025-2026 (Assuming combined district rate of 1.45%)

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit: -$300 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,700
  • Annual Tax: $299,700 × 1.45% = $4,346
  • Monthly Escrow: $362

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit: -$400 (requires application)
  • Disabled Veteran Credit: -$200 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,400
  • Annual Tax: $599,400 × 1.45% = $8,691
  • Monthly Escrow: $724

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit: -$400 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $999,600
  • Annual Tax: $999,600 × 1.45% = $14,494
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,208

Note: Tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific taxing district combinations within Silver Bow County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Silver Bow County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, then remits property tax payments directly to the county treasurer on behalf of the homeowner.

Escrow accounts are typically reviewed annually by lenders to ensure adequate funding based on current tax assessments. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or new district levies, monthly escrow payments may be adjusted upward. Conversely, if taxes decrease or if the account becomes over-funded, homeowners may receive escrow refunds or reduced monthly payments.

Property owners with escrowed accounts should verify that their lender makes timely payments, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for tax obligations. Silver Bow County mails tax bills in October each year to the property address of record, regardless of escrow arrangements. Homeowners should review these bills for accuracy and confirm their lender receives payment notifications to ensure proper escrow account management.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Silver Bow County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: The first half of 2026 property taxes is due by November 30, 2026. The second half is due by May 31, 2027. Tax bills are mailed in October each year.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Common tax credits include the Homestead Tax Credit (reducing tax bill by $300-400, requires annual application), Disabled Veteran Credit (varies by disability rating, requires application with military documentation), and Senior Citizen/Low Income Credits (income-based, requires application). Applications must be filed with the County Assessor by specific deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit is a tax credit (not exemption) that reduces your actual tax bill and requires annual application. It also provides assessment growth limitations, capping increases in assessed value to help manage tax burden growth. This is not automatic and must be applied for each year.

Q: When does the county reassess properties? A: Montana conducts property reappraisals on varying cycles. Property owners receive assessment notices with appeal rights and deadlines. Appeals must be filed within 30 days of notice for administrative review or by specific dates for assessment board hearings.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Properties become delinquent if taxes remain unpaid past due dates, potentially leading to tax lien sales. Contact the County Treasurer for specific penalty rates and payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Silver Bow County offers online payment options through their official website. Electronic payments, credit cards, and traditional mail payments are typically accepted. Check the county treasurer's website for current payment portal access and accepted methods.

Q: Why did my taxes increase when my neighbor's stayed the same? A: Tax amounts depend on both assessed value changes and the specific combination of taxing districts where your property is located. Different areas within Silver Bow County have different special district assignments (fire, school, library districts, etc.), resulting in varying tax rates even for similar properties.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts provide specific services (fire protection, libraries, schools) and levy taxes only within their boundaries. Your property may be in multiple overlapping districts, each adding to your total tax rate. District boundaries don't always follow city limits, so neighboring properties may have different district combinations and tax rates.

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
2025 Tax Information for Montana Property Ownersrevenue.mt.gov
02
Tax Doc
2024 Real Property Taxes Due - Butte-Silver Bowco.silverbow.mt.us
03
County
Annual Property Tax Changes by Countyrevenuefiles.mt.gov
04
State
Real Estate Property Tax Information - Butte-Silver Bowco.silverbow.mt.us
05
County
Running a Business in Butte | City and County of Butte-Silver ...co.silverbow.mt.us
06
Subdivision Regulations 2009 - Butte-Silver Bowco.silverbow.mt.us
07
Montanairs.gov
08
HB 390 Homestead Exemptionarchive.legmt.gov
09
2024-97 - Butte-Silver Bowco.silverbow.mt.us
10
HB0816.4 - 1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816archive.legmt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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