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Bill

LC 850

Provide exemption for certain owner-occupied residential property owned by persons 65 or older

2025 Regular Session

Montana bill exempts owner-occupied homes of residents 65+ from property taxes, reducing county/city revenues unless offset by other funding sources.

(LC) Draft Delivered to Requester
#localfinance(seealso:cityfinance;countyfinance) #revenue #state #schoolfinance #seniorcitizens(seealso:retirement) #taxation(generally) #taxation--property
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Bill Summary · LC 850

Legislative bill overview

Bill LC 850 would create a property tax exemption for owner-occupied residential properties belonging to Montana residents aged 65 or older. The bill is currently in the drafting stage and has not yet been introduced for formal legislative consideration. The specific scope of the exemption—such as percentage of assessed value, income limitations, or other conditions—cannot be determined from the available information, as the bill text has not been finalized.

Why is this important

Property tax exemptions for seniors directly affect municipal and county tax bases, which fund schools, emergency services, and infrastructure. Such exemptions shift the tax burden to other property owners and may require offsetting revenue sources or service reductions. Montana has an aging population, making senior property tax relief a recurring policy issue with significant fiscal implications.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Cities and counties would experience reduced property tax revenue; lawmakers must decide whether to raise taxes on other properties, reduce services, or reallocate budgets
  • Equity concerns: Exemptions benefit homeowners but not renters, and may disproportionately favor higher-value properties depending on design (full vs. partial exemption)
  • Eligibility questions: Unclear whether exemptions apply regardless of income, potentially benefiting wealthy seniors while excluding lower-income seniors who rent

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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