Whitefish, Montana Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Whitefish, MT is 0.69%, which is considerably lower than both the national median of 0.99% and the Montana state median of 0.83%. With a median home value of $653,122, the typical annual property tax bill in Whitefish reaches $4,297, significantly exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Whitefish 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 Whitefish'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 Whitefish 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
Whitefish, 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 Whitefish Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Whitefish with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Whitefish 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 Whitefish, Montana
Property taxes in Whitefish, Montana, play a crucial role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Whitefish is 0.69%, which is lower than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Whitefish set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Whitefish 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 Whitefish's effective property tax rate to other counties in Montana and the national median. For comparison, the 59937 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 0.69%, while the same zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 0.69%. Understanding how these cities compare with Whitefish provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Flathead County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Whitefish Tax Rate
0.69%
Average Flathead County Tax Rate
0.75%
Average Montana Tax Rate
0.83%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Whitefish, Montana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59937 | 0.62% | 0.62% | 0.69% | 0.69% | 0.72% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Whitefish, Montana
In Whitefish, 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 Flathead 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 Whitefish, 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 Whitefish helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The highest and lowest median tax bills in Whitefish are both $4,297, found in zip code 59937.
Average Whitefish Assessed Value
$653,122
Average Flathead County Assessed Value
$447,500
Average Montana Assessed Value
$317,400
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Whitefish, Montana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59937 | $318,400 | $454,575 | $653,122 | $1,008,525 | $1,866,300 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Whitefish, Montana
Property tax bills in Whitefish, located in Flathead County, MT, are calculated based on the assessed value of a property and the local tax rate. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and reflects a percentage of the property's market value. Homeowners in Whitefish experience a range of tax bills, with the 25th percentile paying around $3,021 and the 75th percentile paying up to $6,604. The 90th percentile can see bills as high as $11,949. The median home price in Whitefish is $653,122, which significantly influences the tax bills. Factors such as property size, location, and improvements play a crucial role in determining the assessed value. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Whitefish's property tax rate can lead to substantial annual costs for homeowners. Understanding these factors helps homeowners anticipate their tax obligations and plan their finances accordingly. The highest and lowest median tax bills in Whitefish are both recorded at $4,297 in the zip code 59937, highlighting the consistency in tax assessments within the area.
Average Whitefish Tax Bill
$4,297
Average Flathead County Tax Bill
$3,622
Average Montana Tax Bill
$2,646
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Whitefish, Montana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59937 | $2,075 | $3,021 | $4,297 | $6,604 | $11,949 |
Source: Ownwell