HELENA — Monday is the first day that Montana property owners can formally apply for a tax exemption that could significantly affect their property tax bills starting next year. However, many eligible homeowners have been automatically enrolled.

The Montana Department of Revenue opened applications Dec. 1 for the new homestead tax exemption. It’s available for Montanans’ primary residences and for long-term rentals.

In general, starting in 2026, property tax rates will go down on properties that receive the homestead exemption but go up on those that don’t.

If you applied for and received the state tax rebate on your primary residence earlier this year, you should be automatically registered for the exemption. DOR sent out letters informing those who received rebates that they won’t n

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