Property taxes are easy to put off until a deadline sneaks up on you. If you own a home in Billings or you are planning to buy, a clear plan can save you money and stress. In this guide, you will learn how Yellowstone County property taxes work, what deadlines to watch, how your bill is calculated, and smart ways to budget so you are ready when the bill arrives. Let’s dive in.
How Billings property taxes work
Property taxes in Billings are local. Several offices play a role, and knowing who does what helps you get fast answers.
Who does what
- Yellowstone County Assessor: sets your property’s market value and sends assessment notices with appeal instructions.
- Local taxing jurisdictions: City of Billings, Yellowstone County, school districts, and special districts set budgets and mill levies.
- Yellowstone County Treasurer: mails tax bills, takes payments, posts payments, and handles penalties and collections.
- Montana Department of Revenue: provides statewide rules and handles some programs and appeals.
If you have valuation questions, contact the Assessor. If you need due dates or payment options, call the Treasurer.
Key deadlines to watch
Exact dates change year to year. Your notice or bill is the source for current deadlines. When in doubt, confirm with the Yellowstone County Assessor or Treasurer.
Assessment notices
Assessment notices often arrive in spring or early summer. They show your property’s market value and explain how to appeal. Read yours as soon as it arrives and note the appeal window.
Appeal timelines
The appeal deadline is printed on the assessment notice. If you disagree with the value, act promptly. Start by calling the Assessor to discuss. If you still disagree, file a written protest within the stated window.
Tax bills and due dates
Tax bills are mailed after local budgets and mill levies are set. Your bill lists the due date and whether you can pay in installments. Some owners pay once a year, others split the bill. Follow the instructions on your bill and confirm with the Treasurer if you have questions.
Penalties and interest
Late payments usually trigger penalties and interest starting right after the due date. Rates and timelines are set locally and can change. If you cannot pay on time, contact the Treasurer before the due date to ask about options.
How your bill is calculated
Here are the basics that drive your total tax.
Key terms
- Market value: what the Assessor estimates your home would sell for.
- Taxable or assessed value: the value used to compute your tax per state and county rules.
- Mill levy or mill rate: the tax rate. One mill equals 1 dollar of tax per 1,000 dollars of taxable value.
Simple formula
Total Property Tax = (Taxable Value ÷ 1,000) × Total Mills
Illustrative example
This example is only to show the math. Your actual taxable value and combined mills are on your bill.
- If your taxable value is 350,000 dollars and the total mills are 95:
- Tax = (350,000 ÷ 1,000) × 95 = 350 × 95 = 33,250 dollars.
Small changes in either taxable value or mills can move your bill. Review both lines on your tax bill each year.
Payment options and what to do if you cannot pay
Counties typically accept online payments, mailed checks, and in-person payments. Fees, processing times, and installment options can vary.
- Verify the payment methods listed on your bill.
- Allow mailing and online processing time so your payment posts by the due date.
- Keep your receipt or confirmation number.
If you cannot pay, call the Yellowstone County Treasurer as soon as possible. Ask about partial payments, plans, or other options before penalties and interest add up. Unpaid taxes can become a lien on the property and may lead to collections if not resolved.
Tax relief and exemptions to ask about
Eligibility depends on your situation and can change. Ask the Yellowstone County Assessor and the Montana Department of Revenue about:
- Owner-occupant or homestead relief
- Senior, disabled, or veteran relief
- Income-based assistance or deferrals
- Agricultural or other special-use valuations
Request current forms, deadlines, and documentation requirements. Apply early, and keep copies of everything you submit.
How to appeal your assessed value
If your assessment seems off, you have options. Move quickly and follow your notice.
- Read your assessment notice and note the deadline.
- Call the Assessor to discuss how your value was set. Some issues can be resolved informally.
- Gather evidence. Use recent comparable sales, a professional appraisal, photos, and repair estimates.
- File a written protest by the deadline, as instructed on the notice.
- If you disagree with the county’s decision, ask about state-level appeal steps.
Keep your tone factual and your documentation organized. The best appeals focus on clear evidence of value.
Budgeting basics for buyers
You can plan ahead for taxes even before you close.
- Ask for the seller’s most recent tax bill and confirm taxes are current.
- Expect proration at closing. Your closing agent usually splits the taxes based on the closing date.
- Estimate your future bill using the prior bill’s taxable value and mills as a guide, but add a buffer for changes.
- Ask your lender if taxes will be escrowed. If not, budget monthly to build your annual payment.
- Watch local budget cycles. School bonds or special assessments may affect next year’s mill levy.
Budgeting basics for current owners
Staying on top of taxes protects your equity and avoids fees.
- Use last year’s bill as your base. Add a 5 to 15 percent cushion for potential changes.
- Save monthly. Set up an automatic transfer to a separate savings account.
- Calendar key dates. Add reminders for assessment notices and bill due dates.
- Review your taxable value. If it jumps, consider whether an appeal is warranted.
- If selling, clear any outstanding taxes or confirm prorations with your closing agent to avoid last-minute issues.
Closing, prorations, and timing
When you sell or buy, property taxes are usually prorated to the closing date. That means you each pay your share for the year. Confirm the proration method with your title company or closing agent, and ask how the final tax bill will be handled if it comes after closing.
If you are planning a move, consider the tax billing calendar. The timing of your closing can affect who cuts the check and how much each side owes.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Find your last tax bill and note taxable value and total mills.
- Watch for your assessment notice and read it the day it arrives.
- If you disagree with the value, call the Assessor and follow the notice’s appeal steps by the deadline.
- When your tax bill arrives, confirm due date and payment options.
- If you cannot pay in full, call the Treasurer before the due date to discuss options.
- Set up monthly savings or escrow to be ready for the next bill.
Local help when you need it
You do not have to navigate this alone. Your assessment notice and tax bill list phone numbers for the Yellowstone County Assessor and Treasurer. Start there for official deadlines, payment options, and appeals. If you are planning a move or want help estimating your tax exposure as part of a purchase or sale, reach out for local guidance.
Have questions about how taxes could impact your next move in Billings? Connect with the Brosovich Real Estate Team to talk through your plan or Request a Free Home Valuation.
FAQs
When do Billings property tax notices and bills arrive?
- Assessment notices often arrive in spring or early summer, and tax bills mail later in the year after budgets are set; confirm current timing with the Assessor and Treasurer.
How do I appeal my Yellowstone County property valuation?
- Follow the appeal instructions and deadline on your assessment notice, call the Assessor first, gather evidence like recent sales and photos, then file a written protest on time.
What tax relief can Billings homeowners apply for?
- Ask the Yellowstone County Assessor and Montana Department of Revenue about owner-occupant, senior, disabled, veteran, income-based assistance, or special-use valuations and how to apply.
Will property taxes be prorated when I buy or sell in Billings?
- Yes, taxes are typically prorated to the closing date so buyer and seller each pay their share; confirm the exact method with your title company or closing agent.
What if I cannot pay my Yellowstone County property taxes?
- Contact the Treasurer immediately to ask about payment options before penalties and interest begin; unpaid taxes may become a lien if not addressed.
