Montana Homesteaders: Don’t Miss This Crucial December Deadline

With so much happening around us, it could be easy to overlook important dates to remember - especially during the holiday season.

For new Montana homesteaders, December 1st is a crucial date to get the most out of your property.

Tax Relief For Homesteads and Long-Term Rentals

One of the most intriguing things for people thinking about moving to Montana is the freedom. The freedom to "spread out" and live a dream life on the Montana frontier, living off the land and away from the chaos of the rest of the world.

One of the perks of having a homestead in Montana is the tax relief you can apply for beginning December 1st.

"The application period for the homestead and long-term rental reduced tax rate opens December 1, 2025," the site says for the Montana Department of Revenue.

"New applicants must submit an enrollment starting on that date."

What Qualifies As A Homestead or Long-Term Rental?

In order to qualify as a homestead, you must have lived on the property for at least 7 months of the year and be current on your property tax payments according to the Montana Department of Revenue. The Montana Department of Revenue also says in order to be considered an eligible owner, "the property must be owned by an individual, a couple, or a grantor revocable trust."

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For long-term properties to qualify, the property must be rented to tenants for 28+ days a a time, rented for 7 months or more a year, the property rented is a residence, and you must be current on your property tax payments.

What If You Claimed A Property Tax Rebate In 2025?

According to the Montana Department of Revenue, if you already claimed your property tax rebate in 2025, "you will be automatically enrolled to receive the homestead reduced tax rate for 2026."

If you've never received your reduced tax rate, you'll be able to enroll online HERE beginning December 1, 2025.