Let’s talk about property tax rebates today, folks.

Mariah Thomas here with your Daily Roundup … and since arriving here in the Flathead in June, property taxes have been one of the top issues I’ve heard about from readers and sources alike.

That’s because earlier this year, the state legislature reformed the state’s property tax code. It implemented a homestead exemption, where those who own a primary residence or long-term rental will pay a lower tax rate. Short-term rental owners and second homeowners, along with commercial and industrial business properties, will generally see increased tax bills.

The reform came as a solution to skyrocketing property tax bills, and garnered bipartisan support at the legislature from Democrats and a group of moderate Republicans. Several states have homestead exemptions baked into their property tax codes, and the idea emerged as a result of Gov. Greg Gianforte’s bipartisan housing task force, which met in 2024.

But the tax reform has also drawn ire. Some have argued the state’s property tax structure is more complicated now than before thanks to the reform. For others, it’s stirred up a conversation about alternative solutions to the state’s skyrocketing property taxes, like a sales tax.

And locally, people in the Flathead Valley, an area of the state rich with second homeowners and short-term rentals that are likely to be hard-hit by the changes, shared some complex feelings about the reform. I wrote about the response from some locals who are seeing and thinking about the impacts of the potentially higher tax bills back in June, and heard from several of you about it. I promised updates as they came — and I’ve got one.

The filing period for the 2024 Montana Property Tax Rebate opens on Friday. It will remain open through Oct. 1.

That’s important because if you apply and qualify for the rebate — which could be up to $400 — you could be automatically enrolled into the lower homestead rate next year, according to an Aug. 8 press release from Gov. Greg Gianforte’s office.

“Recognizing the burden of rising property taxes, we worked with the Legislature to deliver permanent and meaningful property tax relief,” Gianforte said. “… It’s critical that homeowners claim their rebate this year as you may be automatically enrolled into the lower Homestead Rate next year.”

To file a claim for a property tax rebate, you’ll need to have the following:

1. Name and social security numbers for you and your spouse
2. The geocode of your principal residence, which can either be found on your property tax bill or at cadastral.mt.gov
3. The amount of property taxes you paid in 2024
4. The mailing address where your rebate will be sent

You can apply either online or via a paper form, though Montana Department of Revenue Director Brendan Beatty said applying online is a faster process.

To apply for the rebate online, or for more information on how the rebate works, visit: getmyrebate.mt.gov.

And, for more information about the homestead exemption rates, you can navigate to: https://revenue.mt.gov/property/property-tax-changes/homesteads-and-long-term-rentals.

Now… the rest of your Flathead Beacon headlines.

Meet Pancake (special kudos to whoever picked her name — it’s perfect)! Pancake is an 8-year-old domestic shorthair mix. She’s a social butterfly who bonds quickly with humans who are kind to her, and loves to be the center of attention.

To find out more about Pancake and other pet adoption opportunities at the Humane Society of Northwest Montana go to: www.humanesocietypets.com. To donate to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana, visit the organization’s donation page here.