Looking at a home in Livingston and wondering what the annual property tax bill might be? Property taxes in Montana are straightforward once you know the moving parts. In a few minutes, you can estimate a Park County bill, learn what changed for 2025, and see where to find the official numbers that matter for your budget. Let’s dive in.
Montana property tax basics
Montana reappraises real property on a two-year cycle. Values used for the 2025–2026 tax years reflect market value as of January 1, 2024, set by the Department of Revenue. You can read how the cycle works on the state’s page about assessments and timelines in Montana’s two-year appraisal cycle.
Montana converts market value to a “taxable value” using statutory rates. For 2025, many residential properties use a tiered structure before local levies are applied. The full 2025 rules are outlined on the DOR’s 2025 Property Tax Information page.
Local jurisdictions then apply “mill levies” to the taxable value. One mill equals 1 dollar of tax for each 1,000 dollars of taxable value. The DOR explains the formula this way: Taxes = Taxable value × (Total mills ÷ 1,000). You can see the state’s overview in the Department of Revenue’s formula explanation.
What changed for 2025
Here are the new tiered rates the state applies to many residential properties in 2025:
- 0.76% on the first $400,000 of market value
- 1.10% on the portion from $400,000 to $1,500,000
- 2.20% on any portion above $1,500,000
Montana also offered a one-time homeowner rebate for property taxes paid for tax year 2024, with an application window in 2025. Final bills still depend on locally set mill levies in Park County, the City of Livingston, and the applicable school and special districts.
Estimate taxes for a Livingston home
Step 1: Pull the parcel record
Start with the parcel’s market value and classification. Use the state’s county index to find Park County’s tools in the DOR county property tax lookup index or go straight to the Park County Treasurer for bill and payment details.
Step 2: Convert market to taxable value
Apply the 2025 residential tiers to the DOR market value:
- First $400,000 × 0.76%
- $400,000 to $1,500,000 portion × 1.10%
- Any amount above $1,500,000 × 2.20%
Add the tier results together. That sum is the property’s taxable value for applying mills.
Step 3: Find the total mills
Get the current mill levies for the parcel’s taxing units. Park County certifies mills each year for the county, City of Livingston, school district, and any special districts. Check the county’s published schedules or contact the Park County Treasurer to confirm the totals for the current tax year.
Step 4: Do the math
Use the DOR’s formula: Taxes = Taxable value × (Total mills ÷ 1,000). The state summarizes this approach in the Department of Revenue’s formula explanation.
Example calculation
- Hypothetical: market value = $400,000; owner-occupied residence using 2025 tiers.
- Taxable value: $400,000 × 0.76% = $3,040.
- If total mills were 700, then Taxes = $3,040 × (700 ÷ 1,000) = $2,128.
Note: Your real bill depends on your parcel’s actual DOR value and the current certified mills for Park County and the City of Livingston.
Payment timelines and methods
Most Montana property tax bills allow two installments, commonly around late November and late May. Park County publishes its exact billing, due, and delinquency dates, plus online payment options. Always verify current dates and any available payment plans with the Park County Treasurer.
If the value looks wrong
If you think the DOR classification or market value is incorrect, act quickly. You have 30 days from the date on the classification and appraisal notice to request an informal review using Form AB‑26. The process and timelines are outlined in the state’s informal review and appeal process, and the AB‑26 form is available here: Request for Informal Classification and Appraisal Review (Form AB‑26). If not resolved, you can appeal to the County Tax Appeal Board and then the Montana Tax Appeal Board. In many cases you must pay taxes under protest to preserve a refund if you later prevail.
Relief programs you may use
- Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP). Income-based relief for qualifying homeowners, applied to a portion of a primary residence’s value. See details and deadlines on the DOR’s PTAP page.
- Montana Disabled Veterans and surviving spouses. Relief programs and other homeowner assistance are listed on the DOR’s Property Tax Help hub.
- Elderly Homeowner/Renter credit. A refundable income tax credit for qualifying residents, also outlined on the DOR help hub above.
- One-time homeowner rebate. Montana administered a rebate for taxes paid for tax year 2024. Check current DOR updates for any future actions.
Quick buyer checklist
- Pull the parcel record: APN or address, DOR market value, and recent tax history.
- Ask the seller or listing agent for the last 2–3 years of tax bills.
- Estimate the bill: apply 2025 tiers to get taxable value, then multiply by the total mills for that parcel.
- Confirm due dates and payment options with Park County; decide if your lender will escrow taxes.
- When your appraisal notice arrives, review it promptly. If it seems off, file AB‑26 within 30 days.
Buying in Livingston should feel exciting, not confusing. If you want help pulling parcel data, reading mill schedules, or planning your ownership costs, reach out to Amanda Shearman for local, step-by-step guidance.
FAQs
How do I estimate property taxes for a Livingston home?
- Find the DOR market value, convert it to taxable value using the 2025 tiers, then apply the parcel’s current total mills using Taxes = Taxable value × (Total mills ÷ 1,000).
Will my taxes rise if the home’s market value increased in Montana?
- Not always; the taxable value depends on state rates and your local mills, and mills are set annually by local jurisdictions.
What are mill levies in Park County and why do they matter?
- Mills translate your taxable value into a final bill; higher total mills mean higher taxes for the same taxable value, and each taxing unit adds mills to your parcel’s total.
How do I appeal my Montana property valuation?
- File Form AB‑26 for an informal review within 30 days of the notice date; if unresolved, you can appeal to the County Tax Appeal Board and then the Montana Tax Appeal Board.
What tax relief programs are available to Park County homeowners?
- Depending on eligibility, you may qualify for PTAP, relief for disabled veterans or surviving spouses, and the elderly homeowner/renter credit; check the DOR’s program pages for details and deadlines.
