Tax Relief Available To Homeowners Who Suffer Wildfire Losses

Montana Public Radio | By Edward O'Brien

Published August 5, 2016 at 5:16 PM MDT

Rene Whalen grabs what she can of her important papers and photos while evacuating the home she's lived in for 20 years. Hundreds of homes are under evacuation due to the Roaring Lion Fire.

The Montana Department of Revenue is reaching out to Bitterroot Valley residents who lost their homes this week to wildfire. The nearly 8,000 acre Roaring Lion fire has consumed at least 14 homes and other outbuildings.

Revenue Department spokeswoman Mary Ann Dunwell:

"If you’ve lost homes or have had property damaged or destroyed during wildfire, you can apply for property tax relief. We know that wildfire and natural disasters can be devastating – and we’re sorry for Montanans who’ve lost homes and property. This tax assistance can help provide some kind of relief as property owners recover from destruction or damage."

There are different levels of available disaster-related property tax assistance.

Anyone with fire-damaged or destroyed homes, outbuildings or forest lands can contact the Montana Department of Revenue for more information.

Dunwell says Revenue Department officials are contacting Ravalli County residents affected by the Roaring Lion fire.

Notifications are being sent to – and held by – local postal officials.