Tax Exempt Property in Montana

Some property in Montana is not taxed. In many cases you do not need to apply for the exemption — the property is already exempt under Montana law. This page explains common property that is already tax-exempt and what that means for you.

Go to Property.mt.gov for a listing of tax exempt property in Montana.

Tax Exempt Property Types

You do not need to apply for real property exemptions for:

Government and Public Entities

  • Property owned by federal, state, and local governments
  • Public libraries
  • Municipal corporations
  • Special districts created by 7-11-10, MCA

Districts and Services

  • Irrigation districts not operated for gain or profit
  • Fire districts and some volunteer fire departments

Agricultural

  • Farm buildings with a market value less than $500

You do not need to apply for personal property exemptions for:

Agricultural Property

  • Livestock and the unprocessed products of livestock
  • Producer-held grain in storage
  • Unprocessed agricultural products
  • Poultry and the unprocessed products of poultry
  • Bees and the unprocessed products of bees
  • Biological control insects
  • Sprinkler irrigation systems
  • Sugar beet equipment, if:
    • It has not been used in the last two years, and
    • There are no sugar beet contracts available in the grower’s marketing area
  • Agricultural implements and machinery worth less than $100

Industrial and Energy Equipment

  • Down-hole equipment in oil and gas wells
  • Small electrical generation equipment with a nameplate capacity of less than 1 megawatt

Business and Manufacturing

  • Freeport merchandise and business inventories
  • Certain motion picture and television property
  • Intangible personal property, including software
  • Title plant owned by a title insurer
  • Property subject to registration fees
  • Class 8 property (business equipment) totaling less than $1 million in statewide market value

Household and Personal Use

  • Harness, saddles, and other tack
  • First $15,000 or less of hand-held tools
  • Household goods and furniture
  • A bicycle for personal use
  • Personal property intended for rent or lease (if it meets specific conditions)
  • Space vehicles and all associated equipment

Please Note: All exemptions and personal property reporting is subject to audit. Department personnel may visit the business, agricultural operation, or field site to ensure accurate personal property reporting.