Missoula Legislators Describe Three Property Tax Relief Programs

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - With the Montana Legislative Session looming in January, the one topic that home and business owners are most concerned about is property taxes, and so on Monday’s Talk Back show, two Democratic Missoula legislators appeared on KGVO to discuss the issue.

Mark Thane, running for his third term representing House District 99, joined fellow legislator Jonathan Karlen in House District 66 to discuss the matter and take calls from KGVO listeners.

All the callers were deeply concerned about how property taxes could drive vulnerable citizens out of their homes, prompting Thane to discuss three programs specially created for those at risk.

Mark Thane and Jonathan Karlen Appeared on Monday's Talk Back

“If you've been in your home a long time, you certainly don't want to be taxed out of it,” began Thane. “I would just like to reference that there are three programs that we call ‘circuit breakers’, and essentially their efforts to make sure that people are not taxed out of their homes.”

Thane described the first program that can assist property owners with their taxes.

“The first one's called informally, P-tap. It's the Property Tax Assistance Program, and it basically benefits at its current levels, about 20,500 Montanans, and provides for them a benefit of more than $18 million in tax reduction if you qualify.”

Mark Thane Described Three Property Tax Assistance Programs

Thane said other groups are also protected with special assistance programs.

“A second program is the Elderly Homeowners and Renters Credit and presently, 16,000 Montanans participate in that program,” he said. “It benefits them to the tune of about $10,500,000.”

Thane said another property tax assistance program is available specifically for veterans.

READ MORE: Montana Governor Talks Property Taxes and Disaster Funding

The Legislature Will Convene in Helena on January 6 and Will Last 90 Days

“There's a special program for disabled veterans, and we have a little over 3,200 Montanans who participate in that program, and they reap more than $7 million in property tax benefit as a result,” he said. “There is an acknowledgment on the part of the state that we don't want to be in the position of taxing people out of their homes. I would suggest that those three programs need to be reviewed, and maybe we need to look at the qualifications so that we can expand it so we make sure we're not catching anyone in that trap.”

The Montana Legislature will meet for 90 days convening on January 6 and then adjourning on May 9.