Montana Disabled Veteran Assistance Program (MDV)

Montana Disabled Veteran Assistance Program (MDV)

Status: Active assistance program

Geographic Scope: Montana (statewide)

Focus Areas: Property tax relief for disabled veterans

Program Description

The Montana Disabled Veterans (MDV) Assistance Program helps disabled veterans or their unmarried surviving spouse by reducing the property tax rate on their home.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for MDV, you must:
• Own or currently be under a contract to purchase a home
• Live in the home as your primary residence for at least seven months of the year
• Have a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) showing current disability status is 100% for a service-connected disability
• Have a 2019 Federal Adjusted Gross Income (FAGI)—excluding capital income or loss—below the threshold:
- Single: $54,067 - Married or Head of Household: $62,385 - Unmarried Surviving Spouse: $47,136

Special Requirements for Surviving Spouses

A surviving spouse must also have a letter from the VA showing their deceased spouse:
• Died in active duty, OR
• Died from a disability related to service and was rated 100% disability at the time of their death

Special Documentation Requirements

• New Montana residents: Include copy of 2019 federal income tax return
• Married applicants: Include spouse's income in FAGI regardless of whether they are co-owner of home
• Social security/veteran's benefits only: Include copy of social security statement and other income documentation
• Agricultural/forest land: Benefit applies to home and one-acre homesite

Benefit Amounts

Reduction is 100%, 80%, 70%, or 50% of normal tax rate depending on marital status and income:

Single:

$0 – $41,590: 100% reduction

$41,591 – $45,749: 80% reduction

$45,750 – $49,908: 70% reduction

$49,909 – $54,067: 50% reduction

Married or Head of Household:

$0 – $49,908: 100% reduction

$49,909 – $54,067: 80% reduction

$54,068 – $58,226: 70% reduction

$58,227 – $62,385: 50% reduction

Unmarried Surviving Spouse:

$0 – $34,658: 100% reduction

$34,659 – $38,818: 80% reduction

$38,819 – $42,976: 70% reduction

$42,977 – $47,136: 50% reduction

Note: Income ranges are updated each year for inflation.

Renewal

As long as you own and live in your home, your application will remain active. The agency sends a letter each year with current Property Tax Assistance Program status.

Related Laws

• MCA 15-6-311
• MCA 15-6-312
• ARM 42.19.401
• ARM 42.19.402

Contact Information

Western Montana Area VI Agency on Aging
• Polson: 406-883-7284
• State Wide: 1-800-266-4188
• Email: natoshab@area6aging.org
• Address: 110 Main Street, Suite 5, Polson, Montana 59860