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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Wheatland County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Wheatland 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
13.0% to 17.0% of assessed value, varies by taxing districts serving your property
1st Due
Nov 30
2nd Due
May 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Wheatland County, Montana operates under the state's property tax system, which funds essential local services including schools, roads, fire protection, and county government operations. Property taxes in Wheatland County are calculated based on assessed values and mill levies set by various taxing jurisdictions. For the 2025 tax year, property owners can expect tax rates ranging between 13.0% to 17.0% of assessed value, though this range is subject to final legislative decisions and varies significantly based on your specific location within the county.

The actual tax rate you pay depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, such as school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other local improvement districts. Montana assesses residential property at approximately 1% of market value, with no statewide assessment cap. Property tax bills reflect the combined mill levies from all applicable taxing jurisdictions, making rates highly location-specific even within Wheatland County. Understanding these variations is crucial for accurate tax planning and budgeting.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County GeneralVariableBasic county services, roads, administration
School DistrictsVariableK-12 education funding, varies by district
Fire DistrictsVariableFire protection and emergency services
Special DistrictsVariableLibraries, parks, water/sewer, road maintenance
Total Combined Rate13.0% - 17.0%Applied to assessed value (FY 2025)

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and are interim rates subject to potential refunds. Your actual tax rate depends on which specific taxing districts serve your property location. Properties in different areas of Wheatland County may have significantly different total rates based on local district boundaries and mill levy decisions.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Wheatland County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Nov 30
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
May 31
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 assessments that occur when property ownership changes or improvements are made after the annual assessment date. These supplemental bills cover the period from when the change occurred until the end of the current tax year. The most common triggers include property sales, new construction completion, or substantial improvements that increase property value.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by taking the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the current year's tax rate to that difference. For example, if you purchase a home in Wheatland County mid-year that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now appraises at $300,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessed value of approximately $1,000 (using Montana's ~1% assessment rate), multiplied by the applicable tax rate for the remaining months of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (1%): $3,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies by qualification
  • Net Taxable Value: $3,000
  • Annual Tax (at 15% rate): $450
  • Monthly Escrow: $37.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (1%): $6,000
  • Less: Applicable Tax Credits: Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $6,000
  • Annual Tax (at 15% rate): $900
  • Monthly Escrow: $75.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (1%): $10,000
  • Less: Applicable Tax Credits: Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $10,000
  • Annual Tax (at 15% rate): $1,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $125.00

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific location within Wheatland County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Wheatland County require borrowers to establish property tax escrow accounts, where monthly payments include principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI). Your lender collects approximately 1/12 of your annual property tax bill each month and pays the county directly when taxes are due. Lenders typically maintain a cushion of 2-6 months of tax payments in your escrow account to ensure adequate funds are available.

Property taxes in Wheatland County are paid in two installments: the first half is due by July 1st, and the second half is due by November 1st. Your lender will make these payments on your behalf using funds from your escrow account. Beginning January 1, 2026, all property tax payments over $50,000 must be made electronically. Annual escrow analyses reconcile collected amounts with actual tax bills, resulting in either refunds to borrowers or increased monthly payments to cover shortfalls.

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

Q: When are property taxes due in Wheatland County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first half by July 1st and second half by November 1st. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Montana offers various tax credits including homestead credits for qualifying primary residences. Most credits require annual applications and are not automatically applied to your tax bill. Contact the Wheatland County Assessor's office for specific eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: Montana's homestead credit limits assessment increases on your primary residence rather than reducing market value. This credit caps annual assessment growth and requires filing an application. It does not automatically reduce your property's assessed value.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Wheatland County? A: Montana conducts property reassessments on a cyclical basis. Contact the County Assessor for your property's specific reassessment schedule and appeal deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalty fees and interest charges. Contact Wheatland County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Wheatland County Treasurer's office for available online payment options and any associated convenience fees.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total tax rate includes mill levies from all special districts serving your property, such as school, fire, library, and road districts. These vary significantly by location within the county.

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

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
nweg-20241231sec.gov
02
County
Annual Property Tax Changes by Countyrevenuefiles.mt.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Taxesgov.mt.gov
04
Tax Doc
Introduction to Property Taxrevenue.mt.gov
05
State
2016.11.14.RTIC RULE REVIEW.WPD - Montana State Legislaturearchive.legmt.gov
06
Online Servicesrevenue.mt.gov
07
HB 390 Homestead Exemptionarchive.legmt.gov
08
Montanairs.gov
09
Property Assessment Divisionsvc.mt.gov
10
1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 816archive.legmt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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