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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Toole County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Toole 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 20% of assessed value (varies by taxing district combination)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Toole County, Montana operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, fire protection, and various special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with tax rates determined annually based on local government budgets and voter-approved levies.

The effective property tax rate in Toole County is approximately 20% of assessed value for the 2025 tax year, though actual rates vary by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and other local service areas. Montana assesses residential property at approximately 1% of market value, with no statewide assessment cap. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate with the Toole County Assessor's office, as rates can differ significantly between rural and municipal areas within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County LevyVariableGeneral county operations, roads, public safety
School District LevyVariableK-12 education funding, varies by district
Municipal LevyVariableCity services (if applicable)
Fire District LevyVariableFire protection and emergency services
Special DistrictsVariableLibrary, cemetery, weed control, other services
Total Effective Rate~20%Applied to assessed value (FY 2025-2026)

Note: The 20% rate applies to assessed value, not market value. Actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Toole County depending on which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Toole County Assessor at (406) 424-8300 for your specific rate calculation.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Toole 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 Montana are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or corrections to assessments during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers that reveal unreported improvements, or assessment appeals that result in higher valuations.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed in July and increases your assessed value by $500 (at 1% assessment ratio), you would owe approximately $100 in supplemental taxes (20% rate × $500) prorated for the remaining 6 months of the tax year, resulting in a supplemental bill of about $50.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (1%): $3,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$2,700
  • Annual Tax (20% rate): $540
  • Monthly Escrow: $45

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (1%): $6,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$5,400
  • Annual Tax (20% rate): $1,080
  • Monthly Escrow: $90

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (1%): $10,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applied): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$9,000
  • Annual Tax (20% rate): $1,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $150

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the Toole County Assessor for current credit amounts and application requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Toole County require property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments along with your mortgage to ensure timely tax payment. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual property tax bill each month, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law. Your lender will pay your property taxes directly to Toole County when they become due.

Property tax bills are mailed in late October 2025, with first-half payments due by 5:00 PM on December 8, 2025. If you have an escrow account, verify that your lender receives and pays your tax bill on time. You can monitor payments through the Toole County Treasurer's office at (406) 424-8310. If your loan is paid off or you don't have escrow, you're responsible for making direct payments to the county by the due dates to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Toole County? A: For 2025, first-half property taxes are due by 5:00 PM on December 8, 2025. Second-half mobile home taxes are also due December 8, 2025. Tax bills are mailed in late October.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available? A: Montana offers various property tax credits that must be applied for separately. These may include disabled veterans credits, elderly/low-income credits, and other qualifying programs. Contact the Toole County Assessor at (406) 424-8300 for current programs and application deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: Homestead credits in Montana typically limit annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. You must file an application to qualify, and benefits vary based on income and other factors. This is not automatic and requires annual verification.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Toole County accepts online payments, though convenience fees may apply. Check the county website or call (406) 424-8310 for online payment options and current fee schedules.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Toole County Treasurer immediately if you cannot meet the deadline to discuss payment arrangements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Montana conducts property revaluations on a regular cycle. Contact the Toole County Assessor for the current revaluation schedule and assessment methodology.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed by specific deadlines with the Toole County Tax Appeal Board. Contact the Assessor's office for appeal forms, deadlines, and procedures.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Toole County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of special districts (school, fire, library, etc.), each with their own tax rates. Rural properties may have different service districts than municipal properties, resulting in rate variations.

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
Property Taxesgov.mt.gov
02
County
Annual Property Tax Changes by Countyrevenuefiles.mt.gov
03
County
2025 Median Property Value Changes by Countyrevenue.mt.gov
04
County
Property Tax | Ravalli County, MT - Official Websiteravallicounty.gov
05
Property Assessmentrevenue.mt.gov
06
Tax Doc
Pay Property Taxestooeleco.gov
07
Montanairs.gov
08
Property Assessment Divisionsvc.mt.gov
09
1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816 HOUSE BILL NO. ...archive.legmt.gov
10
HB0816.4 - 1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816archive.legmt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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