In 2025, many Americans were expecting another federal stimulus check, but there was no federal-level payment announced in January. However, the good news for some homeowners in Montana is that the state is offering a $675 property tax rebate to help reduce rising living costs. This rebate is a vital financial lifeline for many residents who have already paid property taxes and meet specific eligibility criteria.
What is the Montana $675 Property Tax Rebate?
The Montana $675 Property Tax Rebate is a state-level program designed to reimburse homeowners for part of the property taxes they paid in 2023. The purpose of this rebate is to help ease the financial burden on homeowners in Montana, as rising living costs are a concern for many. This rebate is aimed at those who purchased their primary residence in 2023 and paid property taxes during that year.
For eligible homeowners, the rebate could be worth up to $675, depending on how much property tax they paid. The state of Montana began issuing the rebate payments in late December 2024, and residents are expected to receive their checks by January 2025.
Eligibility for the $675 Property Tax Rebate
To qualify for the Montana $675 Property Tax Rebate, homeowners must meet the following requirements:
- Primary Residence: The homeowner must have owned and lived in their primary residence in Montana for at least 7 months during 2023.
- Paid Property Taxes: The homeowner must have fully paid their property taxes, including any special assessments or fees.
- Social Security Number: The applicant must have a valid Social Security number.
- No Corporate or Trust Ownership: Only individual homeowners can apply for this rebate. Properties owned by businesses or trusts are not eligible.
- Application Period: The homeowner must have submitted their application between August 15 and October 1, 2024.
It’s important to note that the application window closed in October 2024, so if you missed it, you won’t be eligible for this year’s rebate. However, staying updated on similar programs in future years is a good idea.
How to Apply for the Montana $675 Rebate
Though the application period has passed for 2024, understanding the process can help you in the future. Here’s how Montana residents applied for the rebate:
- Check Eligibility: Before applying, make sure you meet all the necessary requirements, such as residency, tax payment, and Social Security number.
- Gather Documents: You’ll need to collect important documents like proof of property ownership, proof of residency, and receipts showing that you’ve paid your property taxes.
- Submit Application: You could apply online through Montana’s official Department of Revenue website, or submit your application by mail if you preferred.
- Wait for Payment: Once your application was processed, the payment would be sent to you by mail.
For those who applied correctly and met all criteria, payments started going out in December 2024, and most residents received their checks by January 2025.
How Much Money Can You Get?
The total amount you will receive from the Montana property tax rebate depends on how much you paid in property taxes. Homeowners can receive up to $675 as a reimbursement for their 2023 property tax payments. The more you paid in property taxes, the larger your rebate might be.
Other State-Level Stimulus Programs
While Montana’s $675 rebate is a great benefit for homeowners, other states also offer similar programs to help residents with living costs. Some of the other notable state-level programs in 2025 include:
- Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD): Eligible Alaskan residents will receive a payment of $1,312, starting on February 12, 2025.
- California Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP): California is providing monthly payments of $725 for low-income families with children under 5 years old. The latest payment was issued in January 2025.
How to Make the Most of Your $675 Stimulus Payment
Once you receive your rebate, it’s important to manage the funds wisely. Here are some suggestions for using the money:
- Essential Expenses: Use the funds to cover important living expenses, such as groceries or utility bills.
- Pay Down Debt: If you have any high-interest loans or credit card debts, using the rebate to pay them off can save you money in the long run.
- Save for Emergencies: Putting the money in a savings account can provide a financial cushion in case of unexpected events.
If you’re unsure about how to best use the funds, you might want to consider speaking to a financial advisor who can offer guidance.
Final Thoughts
The Montana $675 property tax rebate program is a great way to help homeowners ease the burden of rising living costs. Even though the application window has closed for 2024, understanding how these programs work will prepare you for similar opportunities in the future. Stay informed about future relief programs, and be sure to apply on time if you qualify!
