BILLINGS, Mont.

With 2026 on the horizon, residents of Montana are gearing up for several upcoming fiscal and policy adjustments. These changes will include property tax relief for certain homeowners, a rise in the minimum wage, and noteworthy updates to SNAP benefits.

New state housing tax exemptions are expected to decrease costs for thousands, specifically regarding property taxes. The Montana Department of Revenue has announced that registration for homeowners and long-term rental property owners will start on December 1.

To be eligible, the property must be the primary residence, which means the owner must live there for a minimum of seven months per year. A property can also qualify as a long-term rental if it is the primary residence of the tenant for at least seven months each year, provided the rentals last for at least 28 days.

Those eligible will benefit from a lower tax rate on part of their property’s value starting in the 2026 tax year, although any additional property value will still incur a tax of 1.9%. Some homeowners who submitted property tax refund requests this year may be automatically enrolled in the program, while others must submit applications by March 1.

Moreover, the minimum wage in Montana will increase by 30 cents in 2026 to reach $10.85 per hour. This hike is a result of a state law from 2006 that links the minimum wage to the Consumer Price Index, ensuring it adjusts with inflation.

There are also major changes for SNAP beneficiaries. A new federal law permits states to utilize USDA-sanctioned waivers that restrict certain purchases made with SNAP benefits, like specific sugary drinks, candy, and other non-nutritious foods. Several states have already gotten approval, with rules and timelines differing across the board.

This session, Montana lawmakers sought a USDA exemption through a bill aiming to restrict SNAP purchases to “nutritious foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, and dairy products,” but the bill did not make it to the governor.

Additionally, federal law has broadening work requirements for SNAP, raising the eligibility age to 64 and mandating 80 hours of work or training each month, while placing more administrative responsibilities on states. These work requirements are anticipated to kick in by March, with a shift in cost responsibilities between federal and state governments expected to start in October.

For further details on tax-exempt registration with the Montana Department of Revenue, it’s best to check their official website.

Keep an eye on these changes as they could affect your financial planning for the coming year.