HELENA — According to Montana state law, property taxes are due in the Treasure State twice a year in May and November. But starting with the 2025 property tax payment period, Montanans can pay their property taxes in a series of seven monthly installments instead of paying the standard twice-yearly payments.

This new program was made possible by House bill 830a law providing an alternative payment plan for property taxes.

This bill passed in 2023, and you can now apply to participate in the 2025 property tax payment program.

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Montana State Director Tim Summers says the association supported the legislation and the program because it could help reduce financial stress for Montana seniors. “We supported this first and foremost because it makes aging easier, it makes it easier for older Montanans 50 and over to pay their property taxes, if anything we can do to make the aging process easier, that’s about it.”

Summers adds, “It is a very significant strain on seniors to keep up with rising property values, many seniors find themselves house rich and cash poor. The more property values ​​increase, the more difficult it can be for them to keep up with these property taxes and therefore, programs like this are important to be able to keep them in their homes and age where they want.”

The program also aims to make it easier for other populations to balance their property tax payments with other living expenses.

“The new, optional payment plan will make it easier for everyone on fixed incomes — including older Montanans — to better meet their property tax obligations while managing their household budgets,” Summers said in a press release on the AARP States Montana website.