Taxes

The governor’s proposed child tax credit for middle- to low-income Montana families has stalled in committee.

As Montana officials seek to make nonprofit hospitals prove the benefits they provide the community justify their tax exemptions, industry leaders propose their own changes which state officials say would further limit the state’s authority.

The district wants to ask taxpayers to help make up for a budget shortfall in its K-12 general fund.

State and local governments often tax economic activity on tribal land, reducing what tribes can collect to fund services for their citizens. It’s the latest variation on centuries of wealth extraction.

Two years after Montana voters statewide legalized recreational marijuana some communities are still fighting over the issue. Recreational sales are once again on the ballot this November.

Preliminary results show recreational marijuana will stay in Yellowstone County.

In Gallatin County, commissioners want to use the funds for mental health services. But some pot shop owners say the tax would hurt their businesses.

“Montana businesses are supportive of comprehensive tax reform. CI-121 is neither comprehensive, nor is it even reform," the Montana Chamber of Commerce executive director said. "It is a clumsy bludgeon, similar to a bull in a china closet."

Filming in Montana of the hit cable show "Yellowstone" has added considerably to the state’s economy, according to a University of Montana study, which found the state has collected more than $10 million in tax revenue, added 527 jobs and saw more than $15 million spent on Montana-based products and services during filming.

Montanans have an extra week to file their income taxes after Gov. Greg Gianforte announced an extension Monday to the individual tax return deadline.