Centrally Assessed Property
What Is Centrally Assessed Property?
Centrally Assessed properties are appraised and taxed at the state level instead of the county level.
Types of centrally assessed property include:
- Railroad
- Rail car
- Microwave Transmitters
- Telecommunications
- Telephone cooperatives
- Gas utilities
- Electric utilities
- Electric cooperatives
- Ditch
- Canal
- Flume
- Natural Gas Pipeline
- Oil pipeline
- Airlines
Requirements for Central Assessment
To be centrally assessed, the property must be either:
- Physically Connected Property: The company has property that crosses a county or state line.
- Unity of Operation: The company has property that works as a single entity across a county or state line, even if it isn't physically connected.
See 15-23-101, MCA and ARM 42.22.102.
Appraisal of Centrally Assessed Property
We value Centrally Assessed property using the Unit method and may include a:
- Cost indicator
- Capitalized income indicator
- Market indicator
We use an industry capitalization rate to estimate values when relying on the capitalized income indicator.
We perform an annual capitalization rate study for each industry to set the capitalization rates.
Learn more about Capitalization Rate Studies (ARM 42.22.111).
Reports and Resources
- Please file your Situs and Mileage Turnaround documents via our TransAction Portal (TAP).
- For instructions on how to edit, add, and delete Situs and Mileage line items via TAP, please view our Reporting Tips (PDF).
- Levy district information can be found via our current Montana Levy District Map.
Date and Reports by Tax Year
Railroad and Rail Car Resources
Other Reports and Memos
- Centrally Assessed Property - Current Protested Taxes in Appeals Status
- Prevailing Wages Requirements Memo (PDF, 96.8 KB)
- NCUVS Appraisal Standards (PDF, 77 KB)
- Telecommunication companies may apply for the Fiber Optic Cable Exemption.