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‘We just can’t take this anymore’: Montana man, 68, begs for ‘moratorium on property taxes’ after his bill reaches $8K a year just ‘to live in our own house’

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‘We just can’t take this anymore’: Montana man, 68, begs for ‘moratorium on property taxes’ after his bill reaches K a year just ‘to live in our own house’


‘We just can’t take this anymore’: Montana man, 68, begs for ‘moratorium on property taxes’ after his bill reaches $8K a year just ‘to live in our own house’

A senior from Montana has delivered a viral speech about the sorry state of property taxes in the Treasure State.

“I’m on Social Security, I’m 68-years-old and working just to pay my taxes,” says Kurt, in a clip shared on TikTok by Ryan Busse, who is running to be the next governor of Montana.

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Kurt claims that over the last couple of years, his annual property taxes have soared from $895 to almost $8,000 — an increase of around 790% — which he says is like paying almost “$700 a month rent to the state to live in our own house.” The state has an Elderly Homeowner/Renter Tax Credit, and the maximum credit is $1,150.

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“There needs to be a moratorium on what we have to pay,” he says, adding that he’s had to continue working into what should be his retirement golden years to cover his mounting property costs. “I’m stubborn enough [that] I don’t want to dig into my bank account to pay them.”

Kurt is one of thousands of Montana homeowners suffering sticker shock over recent property tax hikes. He says: “We just can’t take this anymore. This was a great place and it still is, but the people that made it great can’t afford to live here anymore.”

Here’s what’s going on in the Treasure State.

Soaring property values

There are many reasons why property taxes may increase over time. First and foremost, property tax is typically based on a percentage of a home’s assessed value — so if your value goes up, it’s likely that your tax bill will too.

In Kurt’s case, he claims to have bought his property in 1995. In the 29 years since then, the family home (he does not share where in Montana the property is located) has undoubtedly increased in value.

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According to FRED Economic Data’s house price index for Billings, MT (the state’s most populous city), the average house price at the end of 1995 was around $103,860 and by the end of 2023 it had soared around 272% to more than $387,000.

Read more: Jeff Bezos and Oprah Winfrey invest in this asset to keep their wealth safe — you may want to do the same in 2024

Looking at the data since 1985, the steepest jump in value in Billings and elsewhere in the state occurred between 2021 and 2023 — during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when there was a surge of migration to the state and housing demand quickly outpaced supply. This corresponds with Kurt’s complaint that his property taxes have soared “over the last couple of years,” which likely occurred because his property value increased.

Instead of working deep into what should be his retirement years, Kurt could sell the family home, collect his capital gains and move somewhere smaller (and with a more manageable tax bill) — but the house holds too much sentimental value for him to consider that.

“My children were raised [there]. They want to get married there, and I plan on being there until the very end,” he says — even if that means taking winter and summer shifts.

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Other homeowners in Montana, who aren’t quite so attached to their properties, may see selling and moving as their only viable option. According to a Montana Free Press (MTFP) analysis of revenue department data for the 956,000 properties on the state’s property tax rolls in both 2022 and 2023, the median Montana residential property owner saw a 21% hike on their property taxes this year, with typical increases ranging between 11% and 35%. That translates into residential tax bills that will be $98 to $660 a year more.

Where do the taxes go?

Property taxes make up almost 97% of local tax revenue here, considerably more than the 71% share for local governments in all U.S. states together, according to a state legislature brief. Property taxes account for 9.9% of the tax revenue of the Montana state government, as opposed to 1.7% for all the state governments.

Montana’s great reliance on property taxes is possibly due to the comparitively lower tax revenue from sales and excise taxes. Montana has no state or local sales tax.

Property taxes are calculated by multiplying the property’s market value by its tax rate (1.35% for residential properties) and its mill levies (one mill generates $1 for each $1,000 in taxable value). For example, for a property worth $400,000 with a tax rate of 1.35% and a mill rate of 650, the property tax would be $3,510.

Almost all property taxes in Montana go towards county and city government services like K-12 schools, law enforcement and fire departments. This money does not typically go towards state services, like universities and prisons, which are funded by state income tax.

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As inflation has increased nationwide, this has not only driven up the cost of living, but it also inflated the costs of providing public services. As a result, some local governments have had to compensate by raising property tax rates.

There’s no easy fix to Montanans’ property tax nightmares. The state department of revenue has promised property tax rebates for the 2022 and 2023 tax years of up to $675 for eligible homeowners, using $350 million from the state’s budget surplus.

While that may help some cash-strapped Montana homeowners, the “moratorium” on taxes that Chuck so desperately wants remains highly unlikely.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.





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Montana Lottery Mega Millions, Big Sky Bonus results for May 5, 2026

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The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at May 5, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 5 drawing

12-22-50-51-55, Mega Ball: 10

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from May 5 drawing

03-06-12-18, Bonus: 11

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 5 drawing

14-20-23-30-55, Bonus: 02

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

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When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
  • Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
  • Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Montana State Prison Expansion Advances as State Officials Tour New Housing Unit – Correctional News

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Montana State Prison Expansion Advances as State Officials Tour New Housing Unit – Correctional News


Prefabricated cells were placed in the new housing units in April as part of an ongoing expansion project at the Montana State Prison. | Photo Credit: Montana Department of Corrections
  • Officials say a major expansion at Montana State Prison near Deer Lodge is moving forward, with one of three new housing buildings nearing completion.
  • The project is expected to add about 1,000 beds as Montana continues to address overcrowding and the use of out-of-state placements.
  • Montana Department of Corrections Director Eric Strauss said the additional capacity will allow Montana to return incarcerated people currently held out of state.
  • The expansion is scheduled for completion in January 2029 and is part of nearly $700 million budgeted for prison system improvements.

DEER LODGE, Mont. — Construction on a major expansion at Montana State Prison is progressing, with one of three new housing buildings taking shape at the facility outside Deer Lodge.

State leaders toured the site in mid-April, describing the project as a key step toward easing overcrowding and reducing Montana’s reliance on out-of-state placements for incarcerated people.

Officials said the expansion will add about 1,000 beds. Montana Department of Corrections Director Eric Strauss told reporters that roughly 600 Montana inmates are currently housed out of state and more than 50 are being held in county detention facilities as the state manages crowding pressures. Once the project is finished, incarcerated people held elsewhere will be returned to Montana, according to Strauss.

Strauss said there is “no question” that bringing people back to Montana will help those in custody and their families, according to an article from the Daily Montanan.

The prison expansion, being led by contractor Sletten Construction, broke ground in April of 2025 and is slated for completion in January 2029. It is part of nearly $700 million budgeted to improve Montana’s prison system, with funding coming from the state general fund through appropriations approved by the 2023 and 2025 Montana Legislatures.

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During the recent visit from officials, crews were active on site and masonry was complete on one of the main facilities. Corrections officials said some incarcerated people at Montana State Prison have contributed to construction work.

Inside the first building, walls and a roof were in place, along with ductwork. The first new prefabricated cells — assembled offsite and trucked in — were placed in the new housing units on April 8, according to an update from MDOC, with each cell including two beds, a sink and a toilet.

Scott Eychner, who oversees rehabilitative services for the Department of Corrections, said the added classroom, office and activity space is expected to support programming. He also said the layout could help staff move incarcerated people more efficiently when staffing levels are strained.

The project also includes developing plans for water system enhancements outside the fence to support and complement the ongoing facility expansion. Strauss addressed water-system concerns after a pipe break last year, noting the department “learned a lot” from the October 2025 incident. Officials said crews have replaced lines to water tanks, installed flow meters and mapped plans for broader system replacement.

This article is based on reporting originally published by the Daily Montanan on April 15, 2026.

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Jacobsen touts record in race for western U.S. House seat

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Jacobsen touts record in race for western U.S. House seat


Ahead of the primary election on June 2, NBC Montana is interviewing candidates to get an idea of their policy stances.

NBC Montana sat down with current Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, who’s running as a Republican for Montana’s western U.S. House seat. The seat is currently held by U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, who is not seeking reelection.

The full interview is embedded below on YouTube:

During the interview, Jacobsen repeatedly described herself as a “proven leader,” pointing to her time as Montana’s Secretary of State.

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“I have delivered on all of my campaign promises starting from 2020 to secure our elections and partner with our business community,” said Jacobsen.

Jacobsen says she supports reducing the size of government, referring to her work as a state official.

“I have a proven track record, not only the votes that I have on the land board that support natural resource development and public access. But my proven track record by supporting businesses in the state, eliminating fees, cutting red tape, getting government out of the way, downsizing government, being accountable for spending, transparency securing our elections. I have a proven track record as delivering as a leader not just talking about it, but actually delivering on that. And that’s why in the last two general elections I’ve won by the largest margin of any other candidate on the ballot, including President Trump,” said Jacobsen.

Jacobsen cited reductions in her office’s staff, reductions in state government leases and reduced business filing fees, as well as voter ID requirements in state elections.

NBC Montana also asked Jacobsen about how she would plan to reduce the cost of housing. She said her approach would focus on “downsizing government,” reducing regulation and accelerating the permitting process.

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“I think for Montanans, it’s important that we are eliminating taxes or reducing taxes, and as secretary of state I’ve done that, I’ve actually put the work into downsize government by reducing staff by half and reducing the number of state government leases from four to one. And with the savings, I’ve been able to provide better service for Montanans, our business community and our voters,” said Jacobsen.

When asked about the Trump Administration’s efforts to downsize the federal workforce through DOGE, she said the size of the federal deficit makes spending restraint a priority.

“I think that has to be priority to make sure that we have our spending under control and Montana’s have to live by a budget a secretary of state. I had to balance the budget I held the line with spending and that didn’t, that meant not even increasing the spending with inflation. It meant actually reducing the spending and I know if we’re able to do that at the secretary of state’s office that I will be able to do that in Congress and when you do that you can pass that savings on and in fact reduce taxes and make many of the tax cuts permanent,” said Jacobsen.

When asked about rural health care challenges, Jacobsen said she supports telehealth when appropriate, preventive care and reducing insurance-related red tape.

NBC Montana asked Jacobsen about her stance on the war in Iran.

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“I think the president has done a good job with it being Operation Epic Fury, and I think Montanans want to see an end to it fairly quickly, and we’re supporting the president in hopes that happens soon,” said Jacobsen.

She said she hopes soaring gas prices are short-term. When asked about rising costs associated with the Trump Administration’s tariffs Jacobsen did not directly say whether or not she supports them.

“In general, I support free enterprise, and I think the less amount of government that we have, the less government interference and more private sector growth that we have as an opportunity for business to thrive and do it through free enterprise. That’s my position,” said Jacobsen.

NBC Montana asked Jacobsen on her willingness to work with leaders from the other party, referencing the longest government shutdown in U.S. history that lasted 43 days in 2025.

“It’s an absolute failure of our congressmen, and I do not believe that we should have any workers going and doing their job and congressman being able to take a vacation or take a break and continue to get paid. I would absolutely support that congressmen are not allowed to go home take a break or continue with a paycheck if they are in fact standing in the way of delivering for the workers and the people of our country,” said Jacobsen.

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NBC Montana asked about President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Republican candidate Aaron Flint, who’s seeking the same seat.

“I have an amazing partnership with Trump, as you mentioned he endorsed me in 2024, and moving forward we’ve partnered with the Trump Administration to secure our elections and make sure that we have only citizens voting in the state and I think that’s an amazing partnership that I’m very proud of,” said Jacobsen.

Jacobsen avoided drawing a direct contrast with current U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke when asked what she would do differently.

When asked what separates her from other Republicans in the race, she said, “I’m a doer. I’m not a talker.”

She cited her statewide election margins and her work on the state land board.

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