HELENA — The state Department of Revenue is reminding owners of property or forest lands damaged by wildfire or other natural disasters that they may be eligible for property tax relief.
A property owner whose home or outbuildings are partially or totally destroyed by wildfire, wind or flooding, rendering it unsuitable for its previous use, may be eligible for property tax relief. Businesses whose equipment is destroyed may also qualify.
The tax relief is prorated based on the number of days in the tax year that the property is unusable. Property owners must complete an application by Dec. 31 to be eligible for the credit.
A forestland owner whose standing timber has been destroyed by wildfire in 2015 will receive a reduction in the assessed value for 20 years beginning with the 2016 tax year.