Unfinished Business – Legislators Still Need to Pass Lasting Property Tax Relief Before Going Home.

With record housing costs, persistent inflation, and property taxes increasing at an unprecedented rate, Montanans are feeling the financial pinch like never before. With Montana’s current “red-hot” housing market, older homeowners, many of whom may be living on fixed incomes, are finding themselves suddenly “house rich but cash poor” becoming increasingly unable to pay their escalating property taxes. Legislators have yet to agree on effective property tax relief that is both meaningful and lasting. They have debated at least a dozen different bills that attempted to provide varying degrees of relief on primary residences but to no avail. As the property tax relief debate continues into the waning days of the legislative session, lawmakers must avoid unintended consequences, such as shifting the tax burden to utility companies, which could lead to higher residential utility rates or from simply passing short term property tax rebates. We believe that of all the various proposals, the Governor's Property Tax Relief Proposal stands out for its comprehensive and effective approach to alleviating taxpayer burdens across the different property tax classifications. The proposal was informed by the Montana Property Tax Task Force's recommendations. Established by Executive Order last year, this bipartisan task force studied and recommended lasting reforms. AARP Montana supports the Governor's proposal because it: Reduces property tax rates for owner-occupied primary residences, helping older Montanans stay in their own homes where they want to be as they age. Supports renters by offering reduced tax rates for long-term rental properties, promoting stable housing options. Provides immediate short-term relief until lower tax rates can be fully implemented. The financial pressure on older Montanans and working families is immense. Let’s make meaningful and lasting property tax relief a reality this session! Contact your lawmakers at 406-444-4800 and urge them to pass the Governor's Property Tax Relief Proposal before they adjourn in less than two weeks! Montana’s homeowners cannot afford to wait. By Tim Summers, State Director, AARP Montana