Deadline nears for property tax exemptions

March 1 is the deadline for agricultural landowners and nonprofit, religious or charitable organizations to be considered for property tax exemption for 2013.

Those who have received an exemption since 1981 only need to reapply if the use or ownership has changed.

 State law entitles landowners of agriculture land to receive tax exemption for property within 660 feet of either side of a major transmission line.

To apply for the exemption, complete the form titled “Real Property Tax Exemption Application” online at http://revenue.mt.gov/formsandresources/downloadable-forms/property-tax.mcpx.

Copies of a property owner’s deed and easement also must be included, the state Department of Revenue said.

Other deadlines are Friday, Feb. 15.

Montana taxpayers with a statewide aggregate market value of personal property less than $20,000 are exempt from paying property tax on their business equipment, but are still required to complete a personal property reporting form every other year. In early January 2013, the department sent out personal property and/or livestock reporting forms to all personal property owners on record.

Feb. 15 is the deadline for submitting a completed personal property reporting form to your local Department of Revenue office.

For livestock owners, Feb. 15 is the deadline for completing and returning a livestock reporting form to the department. All livestock owners are required by law to report their livestock numbers to the county where the livestock are located each year.

For more information call toll-free (866) 859-2254 or go to www.revenue.mt.gov.