Events hosted by Sen. Neumann, Rep. Griffith, Big Sky Chamber aim to educate residents on recent changes to property tax laws
By Jen Clancey STAFF WRITER
On Tuesday Aug. 5, Montana Sen. Cora Neumann and Rep. Alanah Griffith will hold a virtual town hall about property taxes and appeals. The public Zoom meeting will provide an overview of property taxes in Montana and discuss homeowners’ ability to appeal a state property valuation.
This summer, homeowners received tax valuations that will determine the tax rate on their homes come fall. Residents can appeal the valuation of their homes within 30 days of receipt of the appraisal notice from the Montana Department of Revenue.
Rep. Griffith said that the main goal of the town hall is to answer questions from constituents—both Neumann and Griffith have received phone calls from residents with questions about their property taxes and new legislation. According to reporting by Montana Free Press, Montana residents’ property taxes rose by 21% between 2022 and 2023. Tax appraisals also rose by an average of 46% according to the Daily Montanan’s reporting on the 2023 re-appraisal year.
The legislators hope that attendees will become more informed about recent legislative changes through the session and learn how to put their best foot forward in the appraisal appeal process, if they decide to go that route. Griffith, who serves the Big Sky and West Yellowstone area, noted that it would be worthwhile to learn more about property value appraisals.
“The reality for our constituents who have permanent residences in Big Sky … most are going to see a drop in their taxable value,” Griffith said.
Outside of guiding attendees through the process, which includes a form to appeal to the Montana Tax Appeal Board and finding an appraiser to value their homes, the Montana legislators hope that the session will bring some clarity to a complicated taxation process.
“We want to save some time to answer questions about property taxes,” Griffith said.
For residents considering an appeal, Griffith recommended looking at the appeal form on the Department of Revenue’s website and seeing what items require a response from homeowners.
Big Sky Chamber to hold local tax education meeting
On top of the virtual town hall next week, Big Sky residents can attend an event on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 5:30 p.m. at The Wilson Hotel to learn more about Montana property taxes from the Department of Revenue.
“The event is designed to help homeowners, business owners and community members better understand Montana’s property tax system, the impacts of new legislation and the options available to those with concerns about their property assessments,” a press release from the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce.
Montana Department of Revenue’s Director Brendan Beatty, and Administrator of Property Assessment Paula Gibson will share insights on how Montana taxes are calculated and how recent legislative changes will impact homeowners. Big Sky resident and Big Sky Resort Area District board member John Zirkle will moderate the event.
“This is an opportunity for Big Sky residents to hear directly from the state officials responsible for property tax administration,” Brad Niva, CEO of the chamber stated in the release. “With property valuations rising dramatically, it’s essential that our community is informed and equipped to engage with the process.”
