Tax relief and valuation review
A homestead exemption, senior-relief program, or valuation protest can change the amount a homeowner owes—but only if the filing reaches the right local office in the correct window. Use the verified county guidance below as your working checklist, then confirm the current form and deadline with Gallatin County Treasurer, Property Tax Division / Montana Department of Revenue Bozeman Office.
Relief programs
The filing guidance for this county is: For tax year 2026, Montana homestead and long-term-rental reduced-rate applications were due March 20, 2026. The 2027 enrollment period opened May 4, 2026 and closes March 1, 2027. Use the official form or application channel, provide the residence and ownership documentation requested, and keep a copy of the submission.
Open homestead applicationMontana Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit: age 62 or older by December 31, Montana resident at least nine months, owned/rented/leased a Montana home at least six months, and total household income under $45,000; refundable credit up to $1,150 claimed with Form 2 and Schedule 2EC. Montana also offers the income-based 2026 Property Tax Assistance Program and Disabled Veteran Assistance. See https://revenue.mt.gov/property/property-tax-help/montana-elderly-homeowner-renter-credit.
No county-specific annual valuation cap was verified. Montana DOR administers the 2025–2026 reappraisal cycle and local treasurers apply locally adopted mill levies and special assessments. Eligible principal residences may receive the Montana homestead reduced tax rate, which is a rate reduction rather than a county assessed-value cap.
Appealing an assessment
Use the valuation notice and the county’s published protest guidance to determine the last day to file. Do not assume the payment deadline controls the appeal.
Gather comparable sales, photographs, repair records, appraisal evidence, property characteristics, and any documentation that explains why the assessed value is incorrect.
Submit through the official channel, save the confirmation, and attend the board or review hearing if one is scheduled. An appraiser or attorney can help evaluate evidence when the value or stakes are substantial.
The verified protest guidance for this county is: For the 2025–2026 valuation cycle, submit Montana DOR Form AB-26 within 30 days of the classification and appraisal notice, or file directly with the county Tax Appeal Board within 30 days. The 2026 fallback informal-review deadline was June 1, 2026. A written protest must also be filed with the county treasurer and disputed taxes paid under protest by the tax-payment due date. If the language is not a specific calendar date, contact the office promptly for the current notice and board-review schedule.