Helena, Montana Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Helena, MT is 0.95%, slightly below the national median of 0.99% but higher than the Montana state median of 0.83%. With a median home value of $358,800 in Helena, the typical annual property tax bill amounts to $3,631, surpassing the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Helena are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which often falls below the market value due to various exemptions, such as those for primary residences and agricultural properties. Understanding 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 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
Helena, Montana Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.95%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,409
$3,163
Ownwell’s Helena Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Helena with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in 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 Helena, Montana
Property taxes in Helena, Montana, are vital in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Helena is 0.95%, slightly below the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Helena set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, 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 Helena's effective property tax rate to other areas in Lewis and Clark County and the national median. For comparison, the 59601 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 1.09%, while the 59602 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 0.94%. Understanding how these areas compare with 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 Helena Tax Rate
0.95%
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 Helena, Montana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59601 | 0.97% | 1.09% | 1.09% | 1.09% | 1.09% |
| 59602 | 0.90% | 0.91% | 0.94% | 0.94% | 0.96% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Helena, Montana
In 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 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. For instance, the highest median tax bill in Helena is $3,715 in the 59601 zip code, while the lowest is $3,524 in the 59602 zip code. 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 Helena helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Average Helena Assessed Value
$358,800
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 Helena, Montana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59601 | $144,720 | $269,700 | $343,300 | $436,200 | $566,400 |
| 59602 | $49,240 | $234,306 | $374,700 | $478,300 | $613,408 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Helena, Montana
In Helena, located in Lewis and Clark County, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home. The process begins with the county assessor determining the market value of the property. This value is then multiplied by the assessment ratio to arrive at the assessed value. The property tax rate, which is set by local taxing authorities, is applied to this assessed value to calculate the tax bill. Factors such as the home's location within specific zip codes can influence the tax bill. For example, properties in zip code 59601 have the highest median tax bill at $3,715, while those in zip code 59602 have a slightly lower median tax bill of $3,524. The tax bills can vary significantly, with the 25th percentile at $2,627 and the 90th percentile reaching up to $5,857. For homeowners in Helena, understanding how these factors interplay is crucial, as property taxes can significantly impact annual household expenses. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Helena's rates reflect the unique local economic and governmental conditions.
Average Helena Tax Bill
$3,631
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 Helena, Montana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59601 | $1,339 | $2,885 | $3,715 | $4,683 | $5,996 |
| 59602 | $447 | $2,116 | $3,524 | $4,516 | $5,757 |
Source: Ownwell