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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Wibaux County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Wibaux County, MT. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1%-1.5% of assessed value (varies by taxing districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Wibaux County, Montana operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county government operations, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. Located in eastern Montana with a population of approximately 1,150 residents, the county assesses property taxes based on market value with various local taxing districts that can affect your total tax burden.

Property tax rates in Wibaux County vary significantly depending on your location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and other local service areas. The effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 1% to 1.5% of assessed value, though this can vary based on the specific taxing districts that serve your property. All property owners should verify their specific tax obligations with the Wibaux County Assessor's Office, as rates and available tax credits can change annually based on local budget needs and state legislation.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General0.40%Basic county operations, roads, and services
School District0.60-0.80%K-12 education funding (varies by district)
State General0.02%State-mandated assessment
Fire District0.05-0.15%Fire protection services (if applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesWater, sewer, or other local improvements
Total Estimated1.07-1.42%Combined rate depends on location

Note: These rates are estimates for FY 2024-2025 levy year and actual rates vary significantly based on your property's location within specific taxing districts in Wibaux County. Contact the County Assessor for precise rates applicable to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Wibaux 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 Wibaux County are triggered when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. Unlike the regular annual assessment cycle, supplemental taxes are calculated on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March that increases your assessed value, you would owe supplemental taxes on that additional assessed value from March through the end of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be calculated by applying the applicable tax rate (approximately 1.2% in most areas) to the increased assessed value, then prorating for the 10 remaining months of the tax year. This supplemental bill would be sent separately from your regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $297,000
  • Annual Tax (@ 1.20%): $3,564
  • Monthly Escrow: $297

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$6,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $594,000
  • Annual Tax (@ 1.25%): $7,425
  • Monthly Escrow: $619

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $990,000
  • Annual Tax (@ 1.30%): $12,870
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,073

Note: All tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Rates vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Wibaux County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to the county when due. The first installment is typically due September 1st, and the second installment December 1st for the current tax year.

Lenders conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, which may result in payment adjustments if property taxes increase or decrease. Property owners should verify that their lender has current contact information with the Wibaux County Treasurer's office and review their escrow statements annually. If you pay property taxes directly without escrow, remember that payments over $50,000 must be made electronically starting January 1, 2026, and you're responsible for meeting all payment deadlines to avoid penalties.

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 Wibaux County? For tax year 2025-2026, the first installment is due September 1, 2026, and the second installment is due December 1, 2026. Payments over $50,000 must be made electronically starting January 1, 2026.

What tax credits are available and do they require application? The Homestead Credit is available to qualifying homeowners but requires annual application with the County Assessor. This credit limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Additional credits may be available for seniors, veterans, or disabled persons - all require separate applications and documentation.

How does the Homestead Credit work? The Homestead Credit caps the annual increase in your home's taxable value, typically limiting growth to around 2-3% per year regardless of market value increases. This is not an exemption that reduces your home's value, but a credit that requires filing an application with supporting documentation by the specified deadline.

When are properties reassessed? Montana conducts property revaluations on a periodic cycle. Contact the Wibaux County Assessor's office for the current assessment schedule and your property's next scheduled revaluation date.

What happens if I pay my property taxes late? Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Wibaux County Treasurer for current penalty rates and payment options if you cannot meet the standard due dates.

Can I pay property taxes online? Check with the Wibaux County Treasurer's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods. Electronic payments are mandatory for amounts over $50,000 starting in 2026.

How do I appeal my property assessment? Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Wibaux County Tax Appeal Board within the specified timeframe after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the County Assessor for appeal forms and deadlines.

Why do my neighbors pay different tax rates? Tax rates vary based on the specific combination of taxing districts (school, fire, special districts) that serve each property location within Wibaux County. Properties in different areas may be served by different districts with varying tax rates.

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