Montana Title 15. Taxation § 15-6-407. Refund for failure to claim homestead reduced tax rate--statutory appropriation

(1) A property owner who was eligible for the homestead reduced tax rate provided for in 15-6-405, but who failed to file an application to claim the homestead reduced tax rate may receive a refund as provided in this section.

(2) To claim a refund under this section, a property owner shall file an informal appeal with the department of revenue by May 31 of the year after the property owner did not receive the homestead reduced tax rate.  The refund may only be claimed for 1 year.

(3) If the department determines the property owner is eligible for a refund under this section, the department shall calculate the difference between property taxes paid and property taxes that would have been due if the property owner received the homestead reduced tax rate in the prior year.

(4) The department shall issue a refund to the property owner of the amount calculated pursuant to subsection (3).

(5) The payment of property tax refunds under this section is statutorily appropriated, as provided in 17-7-502, from the general fund to the department of revenue for distribution to taxpayers.