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Department of Revenue briefs committee on property-tax operations and outreach
Summary
Director Brandon Beatty and Department of Revenue staff described the department's nonpartisan role, outreach efforts, property-tax administration (valuation of ~800,000 properties under MCA 15-8-111) and scheduled 'lunch and learn' education sessions for legislators.
Department of Revenue Director Brandon Beatty told the committee the department seeks to execute the legislature's intent and described the agency as "not an activist agency," emphasizing its role in implementing clear statutes and providing fact-based testimony to lawmakers.
Beatty and his staff outlined outreach work including town halls on property taxation, two years of property-tax rebates already distributed, and public education for taxpayers and licensees. Director Beatty encouraged legislators to attend department 'lunch and learns' on tax topics during the session.
Division administrators introduced key functions: Derek Bell (business and income tax division) noted his staff handle central assessment and valuation questions; Paula Gilbert (property tax division) stated the division values over 800,000 properties at 100% of market value "as directed by Montana code annotated 15 dash 8 dash 1 11" and explained classification, valuation and certification processes used to produce local taxable values certified to counties each August.
Staff outlined available supports — contact sheets, biennial report and subject-matter teams — and invited committee members to request further briefings or data as bills that affect tax policy and property valuation move through the committee.
