The public is getting mixed signals about Senate Bill 542 and House Bill 231's sweeping property tax changes. Some state lawmakers are hailing the tax package as "meaningful and permanent tax relief" while national tax policy experts have characterized the package as a flawed tax shift that fails to deliver permanent relief. Who should Montanans believe?

I think it's true that many property owners are likely to see a tax cut under this package, largely dropping back to levels a few years ago before valuation spikes. But a lot of other property owners are going to be hit hard with tax hikes to pay for it. Ultimately, these property tax changes are unlikely to deliver the scale of ongoing property tax relief we need.

A quick background on the big changes. Starting in 2025 the SB 542/HB 231

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