This bill establishes a new workforce renter's tax credit for Montana residents under 62 with household incomes below $45,000 who pay rent-equivalent property taxes, allowing eligible renters to claim up to $1,200 or $1,750 depending on their rent-to-income ratio. It also permits qualifying teachers to exclude certain earned income when calculating this credit and ensures any excess credit is refunded even if the taxpayer has no state income tax liability. Additionally, the bill increases the residential property tax credit for elderly residents and includes an inflationary adjustment to the income thresholds where these credits begin to phase out. The legislation also schedules periodic reviews of various tax credits, including the new workforce renter's credit, to evaluate their effectiveness and impact on taxpayers every eight years.
This Montana bill creates a refundable tax credit of up to $300 for taxpayers who purchase a firearm safe, allowing them to claim the full purchase price as a credit against their state income tax. To qualify, the safe must meet specific security standards, including a drill-resistant lock with at least 10,000 combinations, reinforced steel construction, and certification from a nationally recognized testing laboratory. The legislation also adds this new tax credit to a list of other credits that must be reviewed by the revenue interim committee every eight years to assess their effectiveness and impact.
This bill establishes a Montana child tax credit for resident taxpayers with qualifying children aged 5 or younger, providing a maximum refundable credit of $1,200 per child. The credit is reduced by $90 for every $1,000 of federal adjusted gross income exceeding $50,000, and it is not available if income surpasses a $56,000 threshold regardless of filing status. The legislation also adds this child tax credit to a list of tax credits that must be reviewed by the revenue interim committee every eight years to evaluate their effectiveness and impact. These policy changes apply to Montana income tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.
This bill creates a Montana income tax credit for landlords who rent residential properties at rates below the local fair market value. Landlords can claim $2 for every $100 their rent is under 110% of the county's fair market rent, with a maximum credit limited to their annual tax liability. To qualify, properties must have lease terms of at least one year, meet federal housing quality standards, and not already participate in other rent-limiting programs. The credit can be carried forward for up to three years if not fully used, and the bill requires landlords to submit proof of rent amounts and lease agreements when claiming the benefit.
This bill increases the annual limit on Montana film production tax credits from $12 million to $350 million, allowing more movie and TV projects to qualify for state tax incentives. The change directly affects film production companies and other businesses seeking tax credits under the Montana Economic Development Industry Advancement Act. The bill also maintains a first-come, first-served allocation system and requires state departments to publicly post available credit amounts online. If a project misses the annual limit, it can apply for credits in the following year without extending the standard carry-forward period for unused credits. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage and applies to income tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.
This Montana bill establishes three tax credits to support families and child-care workers: a $1,200 child tax credit for parents of children age 5 or younger, a $1,600 credit for child-care workers who work at least 20 hours per week for six months, and a $5,000 maximum credit for employers who provide dependent care assistance to employees. The child tax credit is available to residents with earned income and limited investment income, while the worker credit applies to those employed in licensed day-care centers, family homes, or early childhood programs. All three credits are refundable and will be adjusted annually for inflation, with the department authorized to create rules for administering the program.
This bill creates a new Montana income tax credit for renters with household incomes under $45,000 who pay rent-equivalent property taxes. The credit equals the lesser of the amount by which rent-equivalent taxes exceed 4% of gross income or $500, with reduced credit amounts for those earning between $35,000 and $45,000. Renters cannot claim this credit if they also qualify for the elderly residential property tax credit, and any unused credit amount is refunded to the claimant. The legislation also adds the renter's tax credit to a list of tax credits that must be reviewed by the revenue interim committee every eight years starting in 2025.
This bill would exempt military pensions, retirement benefits, and survivor benefits from Montana state income tax. It directly affects veterans and their families who receive these benefits and currently pay state income tax on them. The legislation amends existing state tax code sections to establish this exemption and repeals a previous 2023 provision that may have affected this area. The bill also includes updated definitions for various tax terms to ensure clarity in how the exemption is applied.
This bill proposes sending a legislative referendum to Montana voters in November 2026 to decide whether the state can return excess revenue to resident income taxpaye rs. If approved, the legislature would gain the authority to create a program that refunds surplus state funds to taxpayers who pay income tax. The bill outlines that lawmakers would determine specific details such as the revenue threshold for refunds, how to calculate refund amounts, who qualifies, and how to distribute the money. The measure does not establish the refund program itself but instead asks voters whether to allow the legislature to create it in the future.
This bill increases the maximum income tax credit available to elderly homeowners and renters in Montana by adjusting the credit calculation thresholds and amounts. It directly affects seniors who own or rent their primary residences by providing a tax credit that offsets a portion of their property taxes or rent-equivalent costs. The key mechanism involves raising the income threshold at which the credit begins to phase out and increasing the maximum credit amount, while also updating the definition of household income to $14,100 for calculation purposes. The bill includes an inflationary adjustment provision to ensure the credit maximum and phase-out income levels keep pace with economic changes.
