Eric Dietrich

Montana voters are having their first encounter with a new requirement to provide their birth year on the back of mail-in ballot envelopes alongside the previously required signature line. The change is a result of a legislative mandate aimed at enhancing mail election security. Election officials in Montana’s two largest counties, Yellowstone and Missoula, said the change had already forced them to reject hundreds of ballots in early returns.

Eligible taxpayers can apply through the revenue department website.

A potential legal challenge to the state’s current education funding system, organized by Helena-based Upper Seven Law, is still being drafted but will likely be filed by the end of 2025.

Montana is ranked last in the nation for broadband connectivity. The administration of Gov. Greg Gianforte says a $308 million plan pending federal approval, combined with past investment, will close the gap in the coming years.

Court filings indicate Rep. Tom Millett, R-Marion, failed to file income taxes in most years between 2004 and 2012. He has argued, unsuccessfully, for judges to accept an interpretation of the U.S. tax code that exempts his income from taxation.

Montana’s effort to offer homeowner relief without stifling businesses is mind-numbingly complex. Here’s an illustrated guide to how it works.

Montana voters have repeatedly shot down sales tax proposals. The Montana Chamber of Commerce is arguing it’s time to revisit the idea again.

Eligible taxpayers can apply through the revenue department website.

Residential valuations produced by the Montana Department of Revenue for property tax purposes chart a major rise in Montana property values.

Further increases are likely for most residential properties.

Governor’s veto pen slashes hundreds of millions in spending that had been approved by legislators.

Rep. Marta Bertoglio, R-Clancy, fills vacancy created by the February departure of former Hardin lawmaker Paul Green.

Legislation aims to reduce property taxes for homeowners and landlords.

Reductions projected for average homeowners and landlords; big increases coming in 2026 for second homes and short-term rental properties.

The legislation is projected to reduce homeowner taxes 18% on average by 2026, while raising taxes on second homes and short-term rentals by 68%.

Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte is likely to sign what is his signature property tax relief proposal.

Bills aim to reduce tax bills for homeowners, landlords.

Republican-backed measure cuts the state’s top-bracket tax rate to 5.4%, extends a lower rate to more middle-income taxpayers.

Lawmakers cut grants for organizations that didn’t present at January hearings as influential Republican criticizes how grants are awarded.

House Bill 337, sponsored by Speaker of the House Brandon Ler, R-Savage, scales back the state’s top-bracket tax rate over the next two years while extending a lower-bracket rate to higher incomes. It passed on near-party line votes, with support from all Republicans and opposition from nearly all Democrats.