At Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC, we assist Montana residents in accessing key tax relief programs, including the Property Tax Assistance Program available for individuals with federal adjusted gross income under $28,329 (singles) or $37,968 (married filers), offering 30-80% reduction in property tax obligations. Our firm can help you navigate the Montana Property Tax Rebate Program, which provides up to $675 annually for eligible primary residences, and secure refundable credits up to $1,150 for elderly residents. Our experienced attorneys guide clients through documentation requirements, including federal tax returns, income verification, and seven-month occupancy compliance. We ensure strategic coordination of these programs and proper deadline management to maximize your available tax relief benefits.
Key Takeaways
At Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC, we assist Montana residents with accessing tax relief programs including:
- The Montana Property Tax Rebate Program, offering eligible primary residence owners rebates up to $675 annually through our guidance.
- Our attorneys help qualified households secure 30-80% rate reductions through the Property Tax Assistance Program for limited-income residents.
- We facilitate Elderly Homeowner and Renter Credit applications, helping seniors obtain refundable credits up to $1,150.
- Our firm provides counsel on the New Homestead Exemption protecting up to $409,450 in home equity from creditors starting in 2025.
- We assist with electronic filing through Montana Revenue’s TransAction Portal for expedited processing and confirmation of relief applications.
Contact our experienced tax attorneys today to evaluate your eligibility for Montana tax relief programs and develop a personalized resolution strategy.
Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP) for Limited Income Households
Knudsen Law Firm’s tax experts can assist qualifying homeowners with Montana’s Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP), which offers property tax rate reductions of 30%, 50%, or 80% on primary residences’ first $350,000 of market value. Our attorneys can help determine if you meet the income thresholds: Federal Adjusted Gross Income below $28,329 for singles or $37,968 for married/head of household filers in 2023. These limits provide essential tax relief for fixed-income households. During your free consultation call, our experienced tax attorneys will review your situation and explain all available relief options.
Our legal team can guide you through household income calculations, including spousal earnings requirements regardless of property co-ownership. We’ll ensure compliance with the seven-month annual occupancy requirement for primary residences. Once approved, your application remains active as long as you continue to own and live in your home, and you’ll receive annual status letters confirming your Property Tax Assistance Program benefits. Our attorneys will assist with application documentation, including federal tax returns and Social Security income statements. For new Montana residents, we handle 2023 federal return submissions. Contact Knudsen Law Firm before the April 15 deadline to secure timely processing of your PTAP benefits.
Montana Property Tax Rebate Program Benefits and Timeline
Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC informs Montana homeowners about the Property Tax Rebate Program‘s comprehensive relief options, available regardless of financial status. Eligible homeowners can receive up to $675 annually for 2023 and 2024 when maintaining primary residence ownership for at least seven months during the qualifying year. The program mandates strict tax payment compliance, requiring actual property tax payments rather than just billing statements.
Key eligibility criteria include primary residence requirements and individual ownership provisions, with entity-held properties being ineligible. Applications must be submitted via GETMYREBATE.MT.GOV or through paper forms, subject to specific tax year deadlines. The 2022 rebate application period closed on October 1, 2023. For the 2024 tax year, the filing window opens on August 15, 2025 and closes on October 1, 2025. For application assistance and documentation guidance, contact Montana Department of Revenue at 406-444-6900.
As tax law specialists since 2016, Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC assists clients in navigating these property tax rebate requirements and ensuring compliance with state tax regulations. Our experienced attorneys provide personalized guidance through the application process while maintaining our broader focus on resolving complex IRS and state tax matters.
Elderly Homeowner and Renter Credit Opportunities
As a trusted tax law resource since 2016, Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC works extensively with Montana’s Elderly Homeowner and Renter Credit program. Our experienced attorneys assist qualifying residents aged 62 and older in navigating eligibility criteria, which include nine-month Montana residency, six-month property occupancy, and household income under $45,000.
Our legal team guides clients through the credit application process, including proper completion of Form 2 with Schedule 2EC, comprehensive income documentation, and housing cost verification. We help secure refundable credits up to $1,150, available regardless of tax liability. Our attorneys ensure timely filing through Montana Revenue’s TransAction Portal by the April 15 deadline, while providing rigorous income verification and documentation support to establish eligibility and maintain compliance. We also assist clients who may qualify without income tax filing requirements.
Through personalized legal counsel, Knudsen Law Firm helps clients optimize their tax benefits while avoiding common filing pitfalls. Our results-driven approach ensures elderly homeowners and renters receive maximum available credits under Montana law.
New Homestead Exemption Rules and Application Requirements
Under Knudsen Law Firm’s guidance, Montana’s updated homestead exemption rules provide crucial property tax relief opportunities while requiring strict compliance with new application requirements.
The 2025 exemption, as interpreted by our tax attorneys, protects up to $409,450 in home equity from creditors and offers significant tax rate reductions for qualifying primary residences. Knudsen Law Firm advises that property owners must meet specific occupancy thresholds and submit applications by March 1, 2026, to secure these benefits and avoid higher second-home tax rates, in accordance with current Montana tax law.
Homestead Exemption Benefits
Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC’s experienced tax attorneys can help you understand Montana’s homestead exemption, which protects up to $409,450 of your primary residence equity from unsecured creditors in 2025, with protection amounts increasing 4% annually to $425,827 in 2026 and $442,659 in 2027.
| Year | Exemption Amount | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $409,450 | Base Year |
| 2026 | $425,827 | 4% |
| 2027 | $442,659 | 4% |
Our tax law experts will guide you through filing your homestead declaration. The exemption shields your equity from unsecured debt collection, preventing forced property sales when your equity stays within exemption limits. We can advise you on protecting homestead sale proceeds, which remain protected for 18 months after receipt, allowing time for reinvestment. Our attorneys will help you understand how the exemption applies during financial hardships and divorce proceedings. We’ll assist in calculating protected equity, which equals home value minus outstanding loans. For properties exceeding exemption amounts, our firm can represent you regarding potential court-ordered partition sales.
Required Application Process
Starting August 15, 2025, Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC can assist Montana property owners with navigating specific application requirements for homestead exemption benefits for the 2026 tax year, with a firm deadline of March 1, 2026 for submission. Our tax attorneys will help submit applications through mail or online once the Montana Department of Revenue publishes required forms. The state handles centralized application processing and verification for exemption eligibility.
Our legal team will help you formally declare your property’s usage as either a primary residence or qualifying long-term rental. We assist in preparing supporting documentation proving residency status, including driver’s license, voter registration, or utility bills.
Property owners currently receiving tax rebates won’t need to reapply—they’re automatically qualified. For landlords requiring periodic rental status certification reapplication, Knudsen Law Firm’s experienced attorneys provide comprehensive guidance. Our firm ensures clients meet all deadlines to avoid exemption loss and higher second-home assessments.
Occupancy Time Requirements
At Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC, we advise clients on Montana’s homestead exemption requirements, which mandate a seven-month occupancy period under revised state regulations. This residency duration requires continuous physical presence at your property as the qualifying standard. Our attorneys assist with gathering and submitting proper occupancy verification documentation to demonstrate compliance.
Our tax law specialists can guide you through exemption requirements for both principal residences and second homes. We advise that properties failing to meet the seven-month threshold lose exemption eligibility and face increased property taxation beginning in 2026, as enforced by Montana’s Department of Revenue through physical residency documentation.
Knudsen Law Firm helps clients maintain accurate occupancy records and submit formal declarations confirming primary residence status. We emphasize the serious consequences of false occupancy claims: triple tax savings penalties, $500 fines, and potential six-month jail sentences. Contact our experienced attorneys for comprehensive guidance on homestead exemption compliance.
Eligibility Criteria and Documentation for Tax Relief Programs
You must meet specific income thresholds and provide thorough documentation to qualify for Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC’s tax relief assistance.
Your Federal Adjusted Gross Income eligibility will be evaluated by their experienced attorneys, who’ve been resolving complex IRS and state tax matters since 2016.
When working with Knudsen Law Firm’s team, you’ll need to submit federal tax returns, income verification statements, residency documentation, and any specialized forms relevant to your tax dispute or planning needs.
Their personalized approach ensures comprehensive review of your financial situation to determine the most effective tax relief solutions and planning strategies.
Required Documentation Overview
At Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC, we assist clients in compiling required documentation for Montana tax relief programs, which varies based on residency status, age, income level, and specific relief programs. Our experienced attorneys help verify income through previous year’s federal tax returns, IRS forms including W-2s, SSA-1099s, or 1099-Rs, and guide clients through annual income certification forms from the Montana Department of Revenue.
We ensure proper residency verification by documenting nine months’ residence for applicable credits, confirming identification information matches filing status, and verifying full-year or part-year Montana residency status. Our team assists with filing Form 2 for personal tax credits, Schedule 2EC for Elderly Homeowner Renter Credit, and gathering documentation of home market value for property tax rate reductions.
Since our founding in 2016, we’ve specialized in resolving complex IRS and state tax disputes, providing personalized, results-driven solutions to help clients regain control of their financial situation.
Income Threshold Requirements
The Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC helps clients navigate Montana’s tax relief programs by ensuring they meet specific income threshold requirements. For PTAP eligibility in 2023, our tax attorneys verify Federal Adjusted Gross Income falls below $28,329 for singles or $37,968 for married/head of household filers.
We assist seniors applying for the Montana Elderly Homeowner/Renter Income Tax Credit, which requires household income under $45,000. Our firm handles income verification through federal tax returns documenting FAGI, and for clients with nontaxable benefits, we help secure required Social Security statements or equivalent documentation.
We advise that spousal income affects thresholds regardless of property co-ownership status. Our attorneys guide disabled veterans through the Property Tax Assistance Program‘s combined income limits and 100% disability requirements.
The firm evaluates simultaneous program eligibility by assessing overlapping income criteria across multiple assistance programs.
Recent Legislative Changes Affecting Property Tax Rates
As tax law specialists at Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC, we advise clients on Montana’s recent property tax restructuring through HB 231 and SB 542, enacted May 2025. Our analysis indicates these laws create a tiered taxation system with distinct implications across property categories, implementing changes throughout 2025-2026 and establishing new rate structures between homestead and non-homestead properties.
| Property Value Tier | Tax Rate | Property Type Impact |
|---|---|---|
| First $400,000 | 0.76% | Benefits primary residences |
| Next $1.1 million | 1.1% | Moderate rate increase |
| Over $1.5 million | 2.2% | Targets luxury properties |
| Second homes/STR | Variable | Higher burden expected |
| Commercial/Agricultural | Adjusted | Lower rates for smaller parcels |
Our tax attorneys can assist in determining your specific tax obligations under these changes. Based on our assessment, median homeowners may realize approximately $700 in annual savings, while high-value non-homestead property owners could face increases up to $8,250. Contact our office for detailed analysis of how these changes affect your property tax situation.
Strategic Application Timing and Deadline Management
At Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC, we help clients navigate Montana’s property tax relief program deadlines to maximize available benefits. Our tax attorneys ensure timely submission of Property Tax Assistance Program applications by the April 15 annual deadline to prevent automatic deferrals.
We manage Property Tax Rebate filings within the critical August 15 to October 1, 2025 window, as late submissions aren’t permitted. Our firm monitors federal disaster relief provisions, such as the February 3, 2025 IRS extensions for Crow Tribe storm victims, to identify deadline adjustments.
We utilize electronic filing systems to guarantee submission confirmation and expedited processing. Our experienced legal team coordinates state and federal tax deadlines to optimize compliance and secure maximum relief benefits for our clients since 2016.
Professional Tax Resolution Services Beyond State Programs
While meeting state program deadlines maximizes available relief, Montana taxpayers with complex federal tax issues often require specialized professional intervention beyond state-administered programs. Professional tax resolution firms conduct detailed needs assessment to determine ideal strategies for IRS negotiations, penalty abatements, and installment agreements.
| Service Type | Primary Benefits |
|---|---|
| Tax Resolution Firms | Negotiation expertise, customized payment plans |
| Tax Attorneys | Legal representation, audit defense |
| Specialized Services | Offers in Compromise, lien releases |
Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC, established in 2016, leverages their expertise to secure favorable settlement terms for Montana residents. Their dedicated team of attorneys provides comprehensive tax resolution services, from audit representation to strategic tax planning. The firm’s personalized approach and commitment to achieving optimal outcomes demonstrates their effectiveness in federal and state tax debt resolution. These professionals provide essential representation during audits, collections, and appeals where legal expertise becomes critical for protecting taxpayer rights and achieving preferred outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Montana Tax Relief Programs Help Eliminate Existing Back Tax Debt?
While Montana’s tax relief programs cannot fully eliminate existing back tax debt, Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC can help navigate available options. Our experienced tax attorneys can assist with payment plan arrangements, property tax rebate applications, and documentation requirements for installment agreements. We understand Montana’s tax regulations and work directly with state authorities to develop solutions for resolving your back tax obligations through legally available relief programs and payment structures.
What Happens if I Miss Multiple Application Deadlines for Different Programs?
The Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC advises that missing multiple program deadlines can result in significant tax consequences. When application deadlines are not met across various programs, your eligibility status becomes invalid for the current tax year. This requires resubmission of applications in subsequent years, during which time you remain responsible for full property tax obligations without access to available reductions. Our experienced tax attorneys can assist in managing deadline compliance and protecting your program eligibility.
Do These Programs Apply to Mobile Homes or Manufactured Housing?
Mobile homes and manufactured housing properties may qualify for tax relief through PTAP benefits, which include partial tax exemptions and assessment reductions for properties valued up to $350,000. Contact Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC’s experienced tax attorneys for guidance on eligibility, application requirements, and maximizing available tax benefits for your manufactured home.
Can I Combine Multiple Montana Tax Relief Programs Simultaneously?
As experienced tax attorneys at Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC, we advise that Montana’s tax relief programs operate independently, each with distinct qualifying income thresholds and eligibility criteria. State regulations prohibit the simultaneous use of multiple property tax relief programs, as Montana’s tax policies are designed to prevent benefit stacking through exclusive single-program participation per taxpayer. Our legal team can assist in determining which specific tax relief program best suits your situation while ensuring compliance with state regulations.
Are There Payment Plan Options for Back Taxes While Awaiting Relief?
Through Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC, taxpayers can establish reasonable payment arrangements while awaiting relief decisions. Our tax attorneys assist clients in negotiating payment plan terms of 6-12 months with the IRS and state tax authorities. Extended payment plans or monthly payments under $50 require additional financial documentation, which our experienced legal team can help prepare and submit.
Final Thoughts
Montana residents facing back taxes can find relief through various programs, but navigating these options requires careful attention to detail. At Knudsen Law Firm, PLLC, we help clients understand and meet specific eligibility requirements for programs like PTAP and homestead exemptions. Our experienced tax attorneys ensure timely filing of all documentation and identify multiple relief programs for which you may qualify simultaneously. When state-level solutions aren’t sufficient, our team provides professional tax resolution services to address complex back-tax situations. Since 2016, we’ve specialized in resolving both IRS and Montana state tax disputes, delivering personalized solutions to help restore our clients’ financial stability.