Montanans who missed the original April 15 deadline for applying to property tax relief programs have been given additional time. The deadline for two key property tax relief programs, the Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP) and the Montana Disabled Veteran Assistance Program (MDV), has been extended to June 1.
On Monday, the governor announced the extension, emphasizing that the extra time is intended to help homeowners who are experiencing significant tax hardship. The governor stated, “Property taxes are too high, and homeowners deserve relief. We’re pleased to extend the deadline to June 1 for eligible Montanans to apply for relief programs.”
This extension is available specifically for those who encountered substantial difficulty meeting the original deadline. Applicants must now submit their forms by June 1. Although the forms are available online, they need to be printed and either mailed or delivered to a local Department of Revenue (DOR) field office.
Details of the PTAP and MDV Programs
The extension applies to both the PTAP and MDV programs. To qualify for PTAP, applicants must own a home in Montana, live in it for at least seven months each year, and meet specific income requirements. Depending on their income, qualifying homeowners may see their property taxes reduced by 30%, 50%, or 80%.
For the 2024 tax year, single filers with an income up to $27,621 (or $37,019 for joint filers) are eligible for the relief. The Department of Revenue updates these income thresholds annually to reflect inflation. During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers expanded the program to cover the first $350,000 of a property’s value, up from $200,000 previously. This value will also be adjusted annually for inflation.
The MDV program provides tax relief specifically for veterans who are 100% disabled and their surviving spouses. Single filers with income up to $59,554 ($68,705 for married couples and heads of household, and $51,911 for surviving spouses) qualify for this relief.
According to Montana’s Department of Revenue, approximately 21,500 taxpayers benefited from the low-income property tax assistance program in 2022, with an average saving of $843. Additionally, around 3,000 homeowners benefited from the disabled veterans’ program, saving an average of $1,963.
For more information on these programs and to download application forms, visit the Montana Department of Revenue website.