Montana $675 Stimulus Check Requirements In 2024: Know Application Process & More Details

Homeowners in Montana who paid property taxes in 2023 may be eligible for a stimulus check of up to $675. This initiative is part of the state’s effort to provide financial relief, allowing homeowners to recover a portion of the property taxes they’ve already paid.

If you qualify, the amount you receive will be the lower of $675 or the total property taxes paid. Here’s what you need to know about the eligibility requirements, deadlines, and the application process.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this property tax refund in Montana, homeowners must meet the following conditions:

1. Residency Requirement: You must have owned and lived in a Montana home for at least seven months during 2023. The property can be a house, apartment, or mobile home.
2. Primary Residence: The home for which you’re applying must be your primary residence, meaning you received a property tax bill and paid the taxes for that year.
3. First Acre Rule: The refund only applies to the property taxes on the house and the first acre of land surrounding it.
4. One Refund Per Household: Only one refund can be claimed per household. Multiple claims for the same residence are not allowed.

Ineligible Situations

Certain situations make homeowners ineligible for this refund:

• Businesses and LLCs: Properties owned by businesses or limited liability companies (LLCs) are not eligible, even if a partner or member of the LLC lives on the property.
• Renters: Only homeowners can claim the refund, so renters do not qualify.
• Trusts: Properties held in irrevocable trusts are not eligible for the refund.

Application Deadline

The application window for this refund opened on August 15, 2024, and the deadline to submit claims was October 1, 2024. If you missed this deadline, unfortunately, you will not be able to claim the refund.

Processing Times

• Paper Applications: These may take up to 90 days to process.
• Online Applications: Online claims are faster, usually processed within 30 days.

How to Apply

If you met the eligibility criteria and applied before the October 1 deadline, you were able to file either online or via paper submission. Here’s the basic application process:

1. Gather Information: Ensure you have key details, including your Social Security number and the geographical code for your property.
2. Apply Online or by Mail: The Montana Department of Revenue offered both methods. Online applications were faster, while paper submissions required more processing time.
3. Check Processing Status: After applying, you could check your application status by contacting the Montana Department of Revenue if you applied online.

Keep in mind, this property tax refund will be issued as a check—direct deposit is not available for these payments. Also, be cautious of potential scams and rely only on official communications from the Montana Department of Revenue.

Example Scenarios

Here’s how the refund amount works depending on your property tax payment:

• If your property tax was $425, you’ll receive a refund for the full amount of $425.
• If your property tax was $1,200, you’ll receive the maximum refund of $675, as that’s the highest amount allowed.

Other Financial Assistance

While this $675 stimulus check is a great relief for homeowners in Montana, it’s important to remember that this program is specific to the state.

There are no federal stimulus checks planned for 2024. However, other financial programs such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and unemployment benefits may provide additional support to those in need.

Always make sure you verify any information about financial assistance through official sources, such as government websites or a trusted financial advisor, to avoid misinformation.

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