There is an easy fix to Montana’s residential property taxes

The median property tax increase for Montana homeowners went up 21% this year.

According a recent study by the Montana Free Press, that means 50% of all Montana had between $98 and $660 increase on the property taxes for their home.   For 25% of homeowners it will be more than $660. In Bozeman’s Gallatin County, most residential owners will pay between $579 and $1,266 per year more.  In Missoula, one half of the homeowners will pay $532 or more.

Much of the increase will go to decrease the property tax of Montana’s largest corporations. According to MTFP, North Western Energy’s taxes will be $36 million less, Rail Link $2.5 million less, Charter Communications $1.8 million less.

Gov. Greg Gianforte’s first solution was to claim the $675 rebate the last legislature authorized should cover it.  That, of course, was to reimburse taxpayers for previous years, not future taxes. Furthermore, that is for only two years. The increase they stuck us all with is every year into the future unless and until the Legislature acts.

Tom Towe