Montana's $675 Property Tax Rebate: What Homeowners Need to Know

A One-Time Rebate from the State Surplus

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 222 into law in 2023, creating a property tax rebate of up to $675 per year for homeowners on taxes paid for their principal residence. The rebate was funded by the state's budget surplus and was offered for property taxes paid in tax years 2022 and 2023.

If a homeowner paid $675 or less in property taxes on their principal residence during the qualifying year, the rebate could refund the entire amount. Homeowners who paid more than $675 received the maximum $675 rebate.

Who Was Eligible

To qualify, a Montana homeowner had to have:

• Owned a Montana residence for at least seven months of the qualifying year.
• Lived in that residence as their principal home for at least seven months.
• Been billed for, and actually paid, the property taxes on that residence (including any special assessments).
• A valid Social Security number or taxpayer identification number.

Eligible property types included single-family homes, apartments, condominiums, trailers, manufactured homes, and mobile homes, along with up to one acre of surrounding land. Properties owned by entities such as LLCs or irrevocable trusts were not eligible. Renters did not qualify — the rebate was designed specifically for homeowners who paid property taxes directly.

How to Apply

The Montana Department of Revenue administered the rebate through an online portal at getmyrebate.mt.gov, with a paper option also available. Both tax-year applications had strict filing windows:

• The tax year 2022 rebate window ran in 2023.
• The tax year 2023 rebate window opened August 15, 2024 and closed October 1, 2024.

The Department of Revenue reported that online claims were typically processed within 30 days, while paper claims could take up to 90 days.

Documents Homeowners Needed

Applicants needed the following information to file:

• The property's geocode (a 17-digit identifier available on the property tax bill or through the Montana Department of Revenue's property lookup tool).
• The amount of property taxes paid on the principal residence during the qualifying year.
• Names and Social Security numbers for each owner listed on the deed.
• A mailing address for the rebate check.

The rebate was paid by paper check only — direct deposit was not an option — and was mailed to the address provided on the claim.

Governor Gianforte's Message to Homeowners

Governor Gianforte publicly urged homeowners to apply before the deadlines, framing the rebate as part of a broader property tax relief effort to return surplus revenue to Montana families. State officials emphasized that the rebates were not automatic — homeowners had to file a claim within the window to receive the money.

Missed the Deadline?

Because the rebate was established by specific legislation with a defined claim period, homeowners who missed the October 1, 2024 deadline for the tax year 2023 rebate cannot file late claims. Homeowners who believe they qualified but never applied should contact the Montana Department of Revenue to confirm their status.

For future property tax relief, Montana homeowners can consult the Department of Revenue's website and watch for any additional legislation the state legislature may enact in coming sessions.