The proposed bill seeks to provide property tax assistance for primary residences in Montana, funded by revenues from lodging and rental car taxes. It establishes a state property tax assistance account, from which counties will distribute funds as credits on property tax bills for certified primary residences. The Department of Revenue will manage the certification process and fund distribution, while also implementing penalties for fraudulent applications and an appeals process for denied applications. The bill outlines the requirements for property owners to apply for certification, including deadlines and necessary documentation, and it defines eligibility criteria for primary residences.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to streamline property tax assessments and appeals, including the procedures for county tax appeal boards. It specifies that the Department of Revenue cannot increase appraised values based on taxpayer objections unless due to physical changes or errors in property descriptions. The bill also modifies tax notification processes, requiring detailed notices to taxpayers about taxes due and property tax assistance received. Furthermore, it reallocates a significant portion of tax proceeds to the state property tax assistance account and repeals previous allocations to the university system, enhancing funding for property tax assistance and tourism promotion. The effective date of the act is July 1, 2025, with specific provisions taking effect for sales occurring on or after this date.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 15-7-102, 15-10-420, 15-16-101, 15-17-125, 15-68-502, 15-68-820, 22-3-1303, 22-3-1307
SB0090_1: 15-7-102, 15-10-420, 15-15-101, 15-15-102, 15-15-103, 15-16-101, 15-17-125, 15-65-121, 15-68-820, 22-3-1303, 22-3-1304, 22-3-1307, 44-4-1506
SB0090_1(1): 15-7-102, 15-10-420, 15-15-101, 15-15-102, 15-15-103, 15-16-101, 15-17-125, 15-65-121, 15-68-820, 22-3-1303, 22-3-1304, 22-3-1307, 44-4-1506