Bill > SB90

This bill establishes a new state property tax assistance program that will provide financial relief to primary homeowners by redistributing revenue from the lodging facility use tax and lodging sales tax (including rental car taxes). Under the program, the Department of Revenue will certify primary residences, and counties will apply a tax credit to eligible properties. To qualify, homeowners must apply and demonstrate that the property is their primary residence, which means living in the home for at least 7 months of the year and being the sole primary residence. This bill was amended on January 27, 2025, to be solely funded by diverting 75% of lodging sales tax (including rental car tax proceeds) to a new state property tax assistance account. Homeowners will apply for certification annually, and the amount of assistance will be calculated by dividing the total available revenue by the number of certified primary residences. The bill includes provisions for appealing certification denials and penalties for submitting false applications. Importantly, the property tax assistance is designed to be an additional benefit that does not prevent homeowners from receiving other property tax assistance programs. The first distribution to counties is scheduled for August 31, 2026, and the program will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0627