Understanding Your County Property Taxes

  • MARKET VALUE - Estimated by the Montana Department of Revenue

    The Montana Department of Revenue, in accordance with the Montana State Constitution, Article VIII, Sections 3 and 4, completes a uniform valuation of similar properties throughout the state through an appraisal process.

    Appraisals for 100% of the market value* for all taxable residential, commercial, industrial land and improvements must be performed every two years; 100% of productivity value for all taxable agricultural land every two years; and 100% of productivity value for all taxable forest land every six years.  Once your market value is set, you should receive a mailed appraisal notice of the value.

    *Market value is the value at which property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or sell having reasonable knowledge of relevant facts.12-8-111(2)(a),MCA.  Productivity value is the value of agricultural or forest land based on the productive capacity per acre.

    TAXABLE VALUE - Based on laws passed by the Montana Legislature

    The Montana Department of Revenue calculates each property's taxable value based on the tax rate set by the Montana Legislature.  The taxable value for your property value is also listed on your appraisal notice. 

    MILL RATE - Approved by Missoula County voters from budgets of local schools, cities, county, and special districts.

    Missoula County voters have approved spending measures for local services such as schools, city & county governments, open lands, public safety, and fire.  All these items are reflected in the mill rate.  Each year, after more than 100 hours of presentations and deliberations, including several publicly noticed meetings and opportunity for input from the public, Missoula County Commissioners approve the final budgets and mills.

    CALCULATING YOUR TAXES - Property Tax = (Mill Rate x Taxable Value)/1000

    The mills on your classification and appraisal notice are specific to your property's location.  There may be additional taxes or fees on your bill for approved special districts or improvements (SID, lighting, etc.).  A total tax bill calculation including all taxing jurisdictions, and amounts assessed by each district.

    TAX BILL - Sent by Missoula County on behalf of all taxing jurisdictions

    Missoula County sends property tax bills to taxpayers on a schedule according to property types.

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: