Gianforte says statewide sales tax off the table as his property tax task force gears up

Addressing his property tax task force at the group’s first formal meeting Wednesday, Gov. Greg Gianforte had two big messages: Figure out how to bring some permanent tax relief to Montana homeowners — and don’t do it by recommending a statewide sales tax.

“As we and all Montanans know too well, property taxes are too high. That’s why we’re here — Montana homeowners need relief,” Gianforte said, detailing a list of goals that includes slowing how fast property taxes are growing and making it easier for the public to understand how they’re calculated.

“And we must do all of this without imposing a statewide sales tax. Period,” the governor added.