Missoula County staff have received many questions from residents about the second-half tax bills, which were mailed on March 27. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions. If you have further questions, visit itax.missoulacounty.us, search your property and click “Pay Taxes” to see the breakdown of what you owe. You can also contact the Missoula County Clerk and Treasurer’s Office at missoulatax@missoulacounty.us or 406-258-4847.
Do I owe the amount on the second-half bill, as well as the amount billed in November?
If you have paid both halves of your November bill, the amount reflected on the March bill is due in addition to what was paid in November/December. You owe the amount reflected on the March bill’s second-half coupon due either Friday, May 31 or, if you qualify for the
Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP), Thursday, June 20.
If you have only paid the first half of the November bill, you owe only the amount reflected on the March bill’s second-half coupon due either Friday, May 31, or, if you qualify for PTAP, Thursday, June 20.
If you have a mortgage, the amended bill may be paid from your escrow account and will be factored into future monthly payments to your escrow company. Contact your lender if you have additional questions.
I paid all of my taxes for the year. Why am I having to pay more?
Missoula County joined with 48 other counties in reducing the State’s portion of your total property tax bill. This reduction was reflected on your November bill. The Montana Supreme Court ruled that counties must now collect the amount of State taxes not collected on the November bill, which is why an amended bill was mailed to you.
I sold this property but still received a tax bill. Why?
Missoula County is required to send property tax bills to the owner on record with the Department of Revenue as of the date initial tax bills are created, which is generally the end of September. If you no longer own the property, please forward the revised tax bill to the buyer.
The letter says my tax bill is due on May 31, but I thought my tax bill was due on June 20?
If you qualify for the property tax assistance program(s) with the Department of Revenue, your tax bill is due on Thursday, June 20, not Friday, May 31.
Is my mortgage/escrow company aware of the new bill?
It is very likely your mortgage/escrow company knows about this new bill. The following mortgage/escrow companies received the revised bill on March 22:
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- CoreLogic*
- LERETA*
- Wells Fargo
- Clearwater Credit Union
*Many local banks (First Interstate, etc.) work with companies such as CoreLogic and LERETA to pay taxes for customers with a mortgage and escrow account.
What is the average dollar difference residential taxpayers will see between the 77 and 95 mills?
The average dollar difference residential taxpayers will see between the 77 and 95 mills is $25 per $100,000 in total market value of your property.
Why does my tax bill have an amount going towards an Urban Renewal District (or other TIF district), but the letter with my tax bill said all of this money is going to the state to support school equalization?
Tax increment financing (TIF) districts do receive the increment for school equalization mills in the same manner as other milled taxes. This only affects properties that are located within a TIF district. Most of the revenue from this supplemental tax bill is sent to the state for school equalization, but the letter should have been clearer regarding that point. If you have more questions about URDs, click here for more information and contact the Missoula Redevelopment Agency.
I sent in a payment after March 10. Is it reflected on this tax bill?
Payments received after March 10 may not be reflected on the March bill.
What if I subdivided my property in 2023 and have more questions?
The Missoula County Clerk and Treasurer’s Office is reaching out to those who subdivided in 2023 to answer any of their questions.
If I live in a mobile home, will I receive a March rebill?
No, mobile homes and personal property will not receive a March rebill.
What if I have questions about the school’s funding or staffing?
Please reach out to your local school district. For many, that is Missoula County Public Schools at 406-728-2400.
What if I have questions about the State mills?
Please contact your legislator by looking them up online: https://leg.mt.gov/legislator-lookup/
