Bill > HB89

This bill modifies Montana's property tax relief law for properties damaged by natural disasters by establishing a two-year deadline for taxpayers to file claims for tax value adjustments after property destruction. Currently, property owners can request a tax adjustment when their property (such as improvements, trailers, mobile homes, or personal property) is substantially damaged by a natural disaster like fire, flood, earthquake, or wind. The bill adds a new provision requiring taxpayers to file their claim for tax value reduction within two years of the date of property destruction. The bill maintains existing provisions that allow for prorated tax calculations based on the number of days the property existed before and after destruction. The legislation clarifies that the tax adjustment does not apply to pre-existing delinquent taxes and that if a taxpayer replaces destroyed personal property in the same tax year, they must notify the department and have their taxes prorated accordingly. The bill also preserves existing language that excludes property tax adjustments if the owner is convicted of arson. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Budget and Finance

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0095