taxes

Montana lawmakers have struck a deal to restructure property tax rates. The session-long debate resulted in a final product that combines several concepts from Republicans and Democrats.

Montanans will pay less in income tax in coming years. Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a half a percent tax cut into law Monday.

Competing proposals to mitigate property tax hikes are advancing through the Montana Legislature. Lawmakers must soon pick one winner. It’s likely too late to enact any major rate change for this year’s taxes.

Some Montanans experienced sticker shock when they filed their taxes this year. That’s due to changes to state tax law.

The governor’s top priority tax proposals have stalled out at the Montana Legislature.The so-called homestead exemption would lower levies for primary Montana residences and small businesses while raising taxes for second homes and short-term rentals. Lawmakers are considering other bills to lower income and property taxes.

People on fixed incomes hoping to apply for Montana’s property tax assistance program will need to get their paperwork in by April 15. Qualifying applicants could receive a reduced property tax rate of up to 80 percent on the first $350,000 of their home’s market value.

Strange bedfellows are united behind proposed tax credits for middle to low-income families at the Montana Legislature. There are differing motivations behind the shared goal.

Debate over how to lower property taxes is revealing political divides at the Montana Legislature. GOP lawmakers have been hesitant to move forward Gov. Greg Gianforte’s key policy.

Montana lawmakers advanced a high-profile property tax proposal backed by the governor. It’s now tied to Democrats’ favored proposal to address rising tax bills for lower-income households.

Policymakers are determined to rebalance Montana’s property tax system after bills spiked last year. But who should pick up the slack if some Montanan’s taxes are cut? The governor is narrowly focused on two proposals. But lawmakers aren’t sold on the right approach yet.