East Helena, Montana Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in East Helena, MT is 0.98%, slightly lower than the national median of 0.99% but higher than the Montana state median of 0.83%. With the median home value in East Helena at $318,900, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $3,279, surpassing the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in East Helena are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which typically falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding East Helena's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of East Helena or another part of the city, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
East Helena, Montana Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.83%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,660
Ownwell’s East Helena Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in East Helena with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in East Helena to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’re interested in seeing trends on a neighborhood level, scroll down to find more localized information. Your property’s assessed value is the value assigned by the county for property tax calculations, accounting for any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across East Helena, Montana
Property taxes in East Helena, Montana, are crucial for funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in East Helena is 0.98%, slightly lower than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within East Helena set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, East Helena estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. The data below compares East Helena's effective property tax rate to other counties in Montana and the national median. For comparison, the 59635 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 0.98%, while the same zip code also has the lowest median tax rate of 0.98%. Understanding how these cities compare with East Helena provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Lewis and Clark County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average East Helena Tax Rate
0.98%
Average Lewis And Clark County Tax Rate
0.95%
Average Montana Tax Rate
0.83%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across East Helena, Montana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59635 | 0.91% | 0.94% | 0.98% | 1.18% | 1.18% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across East Helena, Montana
In East Helena, Montana, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the Lewis and Clark County Appraisal District for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. In East Helena, assessment notices are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. Being aware of these valuation processes in East Helena helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The highest and lowest median tax bills in East Helena are both $3,279, associated with the zip code 59635.
Average East Helena Assessed Value
$318,900
Average Lewis And Clark County Assessed Value
$345,065
Average Montana Assessed Value
$317,400
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across East Helena, Montana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59635 | $102,806 | $247,625 | $318,900 | $407,268 | $518,390 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across East Helena, Montana
In East Helena, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is derived from its market value. The assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate set by Lewis and Clark County to determine the annual tax bill. Several factors influence this calculation, including the home's location, size, and any applicable exemptions. For homeowners in East Helena, the median home price stands at $318,900. Property tax bills can vary significantly, with the 25th percentile tax bill at $2,584 and the 75th percentile reaching $4,052. The 90th percentile tax bill is even higher, at $5,026. The highest and lowest median tax bills in the area are both $3,279, recorded in the 59635 zip code. These property taxes fund essential local services such as schools, infrastructure, and public safety. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, East Helena's rates may seem higher, but they reflect the value placed on maintaining and improving community services.
Average East Helena Tax Bill
$3,279
Average Lewis And Clark County Tax Bill
$3,454
Average Montana Tax Bill
$2,646
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across East Helena, Montana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59635 | $969 | $2,584 | $3,279 | $4,052 | $5,026 |
Source: Ownwell