Billings Property Tax Adjustments Take Effect in September 2026

The 2026 Revenue Ordinance approved by the Billings City Council on June 15 adjusts the property tax levy for Yellowstone County properties. The changes apply to all residential and commercial parcels within city limits. Residents will see the first effects on statements mailed after August 1.

Local budgets in Billings rely on property taxes to fund police, fire, road maintenance and parks. The ordinance follows state requirements for annual revenue certification. It sets the mill levy at 48.2 mills for the coming fiscal year that starts July 1.

Timeline for Billings Households

Tax notices will arrive in mailboxes during the first week of September. Payments for the first half of the year are due by November 30. A second notice covering the remaining balance will follow in February 2027. City records show that 68 percent of Billings property owners pay in two installments.

Single-family homes assessed at the 2025 median value of $312,000 face an average increase of $47 per year under the new rates. Apartment complexes and small businesses will receive separate calculations based on square footage and occupancy data. The city finance department projects total property tax collections of $31.7 million to support municipal services.

Next Steps and Payment Options

The city will open online payment portals on August 15. Residents may also enroll in automatic withdrawal through the utility billing office. Appeals for assessed values must be filed with the Yellowstone County assessor by October 1. The ordinance requires the city to publish a final revenue report by December 31.

Policy analysts note that the schedule aligns with existing county assessment cycles. Local advocates point to the published budget documents as the source for exact figures. The government states the policy will stabilize service funding through the end of 2027.