Montana Military Benefits Guide

Montana exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. Retirees who establish Montana domicile do not pay state income tax on their retired pay, a significant benefit in a state known for its outdoor lifestyle and quality of life.

Active duty pay earned while serving outside Montana on federal orders is exempt from MT state income tax. Servicemembers stationed at Malmstrom who deploy outside Montana benefit from this exemption for the duration of their deployment.

Montana National Guard and reserve component pay during federal activation is generally exempt. Drill pay may be subject to MT income tax. Consult the Montana Department of Revenue for your specific situation.

VA disability compensation is exempt from Montana state income tax consistent with federal law.

Montana does levy a state income tax on income that is not exempt, with rates up to 6.75%. Servicemembers stationed at Malmstrom whose base pay is subject to MT tax should factor this into their financial planning.

Veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled by the VA may qualify for property tax assistance through Montana's Disabled Veterans (DV) Property Tax Assistance Program, which provides a reduction in property taxes on their primary residence. The benefit amount depends on household income and property value.

Unlike states that offer a flat exemption, Montana's DV assistance program uses an income-based sliding scale. Higher-income veterans may receive a smaller benefit. Contact your county treasurer for current income thresholds and benefit schedules.

The surviving spouse of a qualifying disabled veteran may retain property tax assistance eligibility as long as they meet income requirements and continue to occupy the home as their primary residence.

Montana has offered property tax rebate programs for all homeowners including military families. Check the Montana Department of Revenue for current program availability.

Active members of the Montana National Guard receive a tuition waiver at Montana University System institutions. The waiver covers a significant portion of tuition costs. Contact the Montana Adjutant General's office for current waiver levels and eligibility requirements.

Active duty servicemembers stationed in Montana, their spouses, and dependents are eligible for in-state tuition at Montana University System institutions immediately. No 12-month waiting period. Great Falls College MSU is located directly in the Malmstrom community.

Montana State University, University of Montana, and Great Falls College MSU participate in Yellow Ribbon or accept Post-9/11 GI Bill. Contact each institution's veterans services office for current participation.

Eligible dependents of veterans rated 100% P&T or who died in service may use Chapter 35 DEA benefits at any Montana institution.

Terminate any MT lease with 30 days written notice after receiving PCS orders or a deployment of 90 or more days.

Pre-service debts capped at 6% interest upon written request with orders.

MT courts cannot foreclose on a servicemember's primary residence without a court order while on active duty and for 9 months after.

Landlords cannot evict an active duty servicemember or family from a primary residence without a court order.

MT courts cannot enter a default judgment against an active duty servicemember without a hearing.

Montana participates in expedited endorsement for military spouses holding a valid professional license from another state.

Military spouses who leave employment to follow a servicemember on PCS orders are eligible for Montana unemployment benefits.

The Great Falls metro is a small but stable market. Job opportunities are more limited than larger metro areas, but the cost of living is correspondingly lower. Defense contractor work around Malmstrom is the primary professional employment driver.

Montana offers some of the best hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching in North America. Glacier National Park is approximately 2 hours from Great Falls. The Missouri River corridor near the base is a premier fishing and outdoor destination.

The Great Falls housing market is consistently among the most affordable in the Mountain West. Median home prices are well below national averages, and VA loans are widely used in the area.

Great Falls has the essentials of a full-service city (hospitals, big-box retail, restaurants, schools) without the traffic and cost of living associated with larger metros. Many families enjoy the uncrowded pace of life.

Montana winters near Great Falls are serious. Wind chills can be extreme, and the base is at elevation. Families PCSing from warmer climates should prepare for significant weather adjustment.