Montana residents who saw their property taxes increase during the 2026 tax year have a new opportunity to recoup some of those costs. The state’s Homestead Act credit, which lowered the taxable rate for qualifying homeowners, can be claimed as a refund if the benefit was missed.

Who is eligible?

To qualify for the 2026 refund, homeowners must meet three clear criteria posted on the Montana Department of Revenue website:

• Own the property for the entire 2026 tax year.
• Use the home as a primary residence for at least seven months of that year.
• Have paid all 2026 property taxes and any prior‑year property taxes in full.

If you satisfy these requirements, you are considered eligible for the missed Homestead Act benefit.

How to apply

The refund application window opens on January 1, 2027. When the online portal becomes active, you will need to provide several pieces of information:

• Your Social Security number.
• The property’s geocode, which can be located through the state’s mapping tool.
• A current phone number or email address for contact.
• The mailing address where the refund check should be sent.

Instructions for locating your property’s geocode and completing the form are available on the Department of Revenue’s website. A frequently‑asked‑questions page also guides applicants through common issues such as mismatched address records or missing tax receipts.

Check your status

If you are unsure whether you have already received the credit, the state offers an online enrollment‑status checker. Simply enter your property identification number and personal details to see if the Homestead Act credit was applied to your account.

Why the refund matters

Montana’s Homestead Act was designed to ease the tax burden on families who own and occupy their homes. When the credit is not automatically applied, eligible homeowners can lose a significant amount of money—especially in counties with higher property‑tax rates. This refund program restores the intended benefit and aligns with the administration’s focus on supporting traditional families and protecting individual liberty through transparent, fair taxation.

Next steps

Homeowners should gather the required documents now, verify their eligibility, and mark January 1, 2027 on their calendars. Early filing can help ensure a smooth process and quicker receipt of any refund owed.

For more detailed instructions, visit the Montana Department of Revenue’s Homestead Act page or contact their helpline for assistance.

Original reporting: NewsTalk KGVO 1290 (Townsquare) — read the source article.