Property Taxes. Here We Go Again……..

[Big Sky Guy]

Im glad im not alone in being a bit confused. All of my property went up a lot in value too, but i think my taxes will actually be going down.

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Who Will Feel the Squeeze of Montana's New Property Tax Code? - Flathead Beacon

Property tax bills of second homeowners and short-term rental owners are primed to see an average cumulative increase of 68% over the next two years.

flatheadbeacon.com

This is what I've read. I called in today and asked why there is no estimated taxes column and the lady just said the state decided to quit including that because it was causing too much confusion. She confirmed there will be no estimated tax so to me it's a bit of a coin flip to appeal. I've heard past stories from folks that have not only lost the appeal, but had the appeal come back even higher and end up with a higher tax bill than they originally would have had if they didn't appeal.

 

[Big Sky Guy]

Submit Form AB-26, Request for Informal Classification and Appraisal Review, with option to receive info on "what comps". Whether the review decreases the appraised value recently received or not, if still dissatisfied, then file formal protest after receiving county tax bill. My hope is that if enough Montanans are upset and file through this process, the pressure will result in some meaningful tax reform.
My recent Letter to Editor in Bozeman:

2025 MONTANA DEPT OF REVENUE PROPERTY APPRAISAL ESCALATION
Recently received 2025 Property Appraisal sky-rocketed value of one small parcel by a factor of thirty-nine … almost a four thousand percent (4,000 %) increase in “appraised” value!
Small acreage home property value increased thirty-two percent (32%).
Another remote, only difficult seasonally accessible recreational property with no utilities escalated up fifty-eight percent (58%).
Supposedly, the recent Montana Legislative session was to focus on property tax relief. I stand by my wish that instead of meeting for ninety days every two years, the Legislature should meet for two days every ninety years!

The lady I spoke to basically confirmed this. She said there is no way to get the comps without submitting that form. My understanding is I file submit this form and check that box to get the comps. I will then be provided with the comps and can decide to proceed or withdraw my appeal. I *think* this is what I am planning to do unless someone else on here can share a story of this going wrong or provide other wisdom. I have two vacant lots and then our house and land it sits on is the third. I only think worth appealing the vacant lots as the taxable value on my home and land actually decreased (even though the assessed value increased) but the taxable value on the lots more than double and the assessed value increased 318%. If the comps are reasonable to an experienced realtor then I won't proceed with an appeal. If however we cand find an orange in the apple pile they used for comps then may be worth appealing.

I am unsure of the idea of appealing for the sake of appealing to prove a point, seems like a waste of my time and the states. More so I am not sure if meaningful tax reform has or hasn't already occurred because how can I determine that if I don't even know what my taxes are going to be this year?

Please discuss and advise.

 

[Straight Arrow]

Please discuss and advise.

My neighbor and I both requested an Informal Classification and Appraisal Review by submitting Form AB-26. The appraiser met with us up at our remote dry cabin sites and completed analysis of property, including questions regarding usage, access issues, and other relevant data. The recently received appraisal adjustments cut my appraisal by over a third and my neighbor's by over two thirds. Even more critical, it adjusted the property description to limited usage cabins rather than second homes thus dropping the taxation level to a more reasonable level.

 

[Big Sky Guy]

My neighbor and I both requested an Informal Classification and Appraisal Review by submitting Form AB-26. The appraiser met with us up at our remote dry cabin sites and completed analysis of property, including questions regarding usage, access issues, and other relevant data. The recently received appraisal adjustments cut my appraisal by over a third and my neighbor's by over two thirds. Even more critical, it adjusted the property description to limited usage cabins rather than second homes thus dropping the taxation level to a more reasonable level.

Great to hear, good for you! I am planning to submit the AB-26 for our two vacant lots. When I went to do it earlier this week there was a place to attach comps, so waiting to get those from realtor and submit. I'm about 70-80% confident this will go in my favor like you based on numerous conversations, but you never know.

 

[Straight Arrow]

Great to hear, good for you! I am planning to submit the AB-26 for our two vacant lots. When I went to do it earlier this week there was a place to attach comps, so waiting to get those from realtor and submit. I'm about 70-80% confident this will go in my favor like you based on numerous conversations, but you never know.

We were pleased and impressed by the appraiser. He was intent on explaining all the factors and regulations, as the system is complex. Once he realized that we were just a couple of Montana residents and ordinary blokes ... not uber wealthy NR with an opulent second Montana home ... he went out of his way to assist us.
I think it will be well worth your while to visit with the appraiser.

 

[Big Sky Guy]

We were pleased and impressed by the appraiser. He was intent on explaining all the factors and regulations, as the system is complex. Once he realized that we were just a couple of Montana residents and ordinary blokes ... not uber wealthy NR with an opulent second Montana home ... he went out of his way to assist us.
I think it will be well worth your while to visit with the appraiser.

Update:

Received a packet in the mail today. Our lots were reassessed at $80k less each so I am one a happy camper! The letter stated they came out on September 2. I selected that I wanted to be present but was never contacted so idk why that was but not going to worry about it. Can’t wait to tell all my neighbors that were too nervous to appeal tonight at the HOA meeting!