Applications for property tax assistance program due March 1

Property owners have until March 1 to apply for the state’s Land Value Property Tax Assistance Program for Residential Property. Created last year by the Montana legislature, this program aims to provide tax relief for residents whose land value has grown disproportionately higher than their home’s value.

Under the program, property owners may qualify for tax assistance if their land value, as assessed by the Montana Department of Revenue, is more than 150 percent of their home’s and other buildings’ value. In addition, the home must be a primary residence, owned by the individual or close family member for at least 30 consecutive years, and the land must be five acres or less.

To check if a property qualifies, visit property.mt.gov, select “Property Report Card,” and run a search. A highlighted note will appear in the card’s value history section if the property meets the criteria.

For more information and application forms, visit mtrevenue.gov, select “Property,” then “Tax Relief Programs,” and “Land Value Property Tax Assistance Program.” Applicants can also contact the Department of Revenue’s Kalispell office at 758-5700; the Libby office at 293-6898; and the Polson office at 883-7227.