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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Stillwater County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Stillwater 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%-1.4% of assessed value (varies by taxing districts within county)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Stillwater County, Montana operates on an ad valorem property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Stillwater County are assessed annually based on market value, with residential properties typically assessed at a lower rate than commercial properties under Montana's classification system.

Property tax rates in Stillwater County vary significantly by location within the county due to multiple overlapping special taxing districts, including school districts, fire districts, cemetery districts, and other local improvement districts. The effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.4% of assessed value, depending on your specific location and the combination of districts serving your property. Montana implemented significant changes to property tax calculations in 2025, affecting how tax rates are applied based on property value and classification.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated RateDescription
County General0.25-0.35%Basic county services, roads, administration
School District0.40-0.60%K-12 education funding (varies by district)
Fire District0.05-0.10%Fire protection and emergency services
Cemetery District0.01-0.02%Cemetery maintenance and operations
Special Assessments0.10-0.25%Varies by location and active districts
Total Estimated Range0.81-1.32%Combined rate applied to assessed value

Note: These rates apply to Levy Year 2025-2026 and are estimates based on typical Montana county structures. Actual rates vary significantly by property location within Stillwater County due to different combinations of special taxing districts. Contact the Stillwater County Assessor's Office for your specific district combination and exact rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Stillwater 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 Stillwater County are triggered when there are significant changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year, most commonly due to new construction, major improvements, or changes in property ownership that reveal previously unreported improvements. When improvements are completed or discovered, the county assessor determines the additional assessed value and applies the current year's tax rate to calculate the supplemental tax owed.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in March and your property is classified as residential, the assessor would calculate the additional assessed value of the improvement and apply Stillwater County's applicable tax rate. If your combined district rate is 1.2%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,200 annually, prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 60-90 days of the assessment and become due immediately upon issuance.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$20,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $280,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.1% rate): $3,080
  • Monthly Escrow: $257

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$20,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $580,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2% rate): $6,960
  • Monthly Escrow: $580

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$20,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $980,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.3% rate): $12,740
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,062

Note: Tax credits shown require annual application and approval. Rates vary by specific location within Stillwater County based on local district combinations.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Stillwater County require property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments along with your mortgage payment to ensure timely tax payment. Your lender calculates the monthly escrow amount by dividing your annual property tax bill by 12, often adding a cushion for potential increases. Since Stillwater County allows payment in seven monthly installments from November through May, lenders typically make payments according to this schedule rather than in one lump sum.

It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement and verify that your lender has the correct tax amount, as assessment changes or new special district taxes can affect your annual obligation. If you pay your own property taxes without escrow, remember that Stillwater County's unique seven-payment schedule requires payments due by November 30, December 31, January 31, February 28, March 31, April 30, and May 31. Electronic payment is required for amounts over $50,000 starting January 1, 2026.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Stillwater County for the 2025-2026 fiscal year? A: Stillwater County uses a unique seven-payment schedule. Taxes are due in equal monthly installments by November 30, December 31, January 31, February 28, March 31, April 30, and May 31.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Montana offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit for primary residences, Disabled Veteran Credits, and Senior Citizen Credits. All credits require annual application through the Stillwater County Assessor's Office and are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits assessment increases on your primary residence rather than reducing market value. It caps annual assessment growth and requires filing an application. This is a tax credit that reduces your tax bill, not an exemption that reduces assessed value.

Q: When are properties reassessed and how can I appeal? A: Montana conducts property revaluations periodically. You can appeal your assessment by filing with the Stillwater County Tax Appeal Board within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the County Assessor's Office for current appeal procedures and forms.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments in Stillwater County incur penalties and interest. Contact the County Treasurer's Office for current penalty rates and payment options if you've missed a due date.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Stillwater County Treasurer's Office for available online payment options. Electronic payment is mandatory for tax bills over $50,000 beginning January 1, 2026.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase when my assessment stayed the same? A: Your tax bill can increase due to higher tax rates from local districts, new special assessments, or the expiration of tax credits that require annual reapplication.

Q: What special districts might affect my property tax rate? A: Stillwater County properties may be subject to various special district taxes including school districts, fire districts, cemetery districts, weed control districts, and local improvement districts. Your specific combination determines your total tax rate and varies by 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
Tax Doc
2025 Tax Information for Montana Property Ownersrevenue.mt.gov
02
County
Annual Property Tax Changes by Countyrevenuefiles.mt.gov
03
Tax Doc
Impact of SB 542/HB 231 on Property Taxesarchive.legmt.gov
04
ALTERNATIVE PAYMENT SCHEDULE CONTRACT FOR ...stillwatercountymt.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Assignment Outlinestillwatercountymt.gov
06
Property Assessmentrevenue.mt.gov
07
Montanairs.gov
08
HB 390 Homestead Exemptionarchive.legmt.gov
09
Property Assessment Divisionsvc.mt.gov
10
Comprehensivebillingsmt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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