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Montana
Military Benefits

Montana offers a partial subtraction for working military retirees, the National Guard tuition waiver, and disabled veteran property tax assistance. This guide covers Malmstrom AFB and the rest of the state.

Income tax
Up to 50% for five years, Form WMRE
Highlight
Active duty pay exempt while deployed
Property tax
100% P&T veteran property tax assistance
Education
National Guard tuition waiver
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Military Pay and State Income TaxMontana taxes military retirement pay except for a partial working-retiree subtraction. It is not a full exemption.Working Military Retirement ExemptionProperty Tax Benefits for VeteransMontana provides property tax assistance programs for disabled veterans and their families.100% P&T Disabled VeteransEducation Benefits in MontanaMontana offers state-level tuition benefits stacked on top of federal GI Bill programs.Montana National Guard Tuition WaiverSCRAThe Servicemembers Civil Relief Act is federal law. Montana courts and landlords must honor all SCRA protections.Lease Termination

On this page

  1. 01Military Pay and State Income Tax
  2. 02Property Tax Benefits for Veterans
  3. 03Education Benefits in Montana
  4. 04SCRA
  5. 05Military Spouse Employment and Licensing
  6. 06Quality of Life Near Malmstrom AFB and Great Falls
  7. 07Official sources

Confirm current rules with your installation JAG office, the Montana Department of Revenue, or a licensed attorney before making financial or legal decisions. Laws change. Last reviewed October 2026.

01 · Military Pay and State Income Tax

Military Pay and State Income Tax

Montana taxes military retirement pay except for a partial working-retiree subtraction. It is not a full exemption.

Working Military Retirement Exemption

Montana does not exempt all military retirement pay. A resident may subtract the lesser of 50 percent of military retirement income or Montana-source wages, business income, or farm income. The Department of Revenue limits the claim to five consecutive years. You qualify if you became a resident after June 30, 2023, or you were a resident before the retired pay started and you stayed a resident. Survivor Benefit Plan beneficiaries can exempt up to 50 percent of those benefits. Claim it on Form WMRE with Form 2. Senate Bill 93 removed the December 31, 2033 end date for later tax years. The five-year limit is still in the Department of Revenue instructions. https://revenue.mt.gov/taxes/individual-income-tax/working-military-retirement-exemption

Conditions Apply

Active Duty Pay

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.

National Guard and Reserve Pay

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.

Conditions Apply

VA Disability Compensation

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

Income Tax Rates

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.

Conditions Apply

Do this next. Attach Form WMRE to Form 2. The five-year window keeps running even in a year you skip the claim. Montana Department of Revenue: (406) 444-6900 and https://revenue.mt.gov/taxes/individual-income-tax/working-military-retirement-exemption

02 · Property Tax Benefits for Veterans

Property Tax Benefits for Veterans

Montana provides property tax assistance programs for disabled veterans and their families.

100% P&T Disabled Veterans

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.

Income-Based Sliding Scale

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.

Conditions Apply

Surviving Spouse Retention

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.

Property Tax Rebate Program

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

Conditions Apply

Do this next. Apply for DV property tax assistance through your county treasurer. Malmstrom AFB families should contact the Cascade County Treasurer (406-454-6820).

03 · Education Benefits in Montana

Education Benefits in Montana

Montana offers state-level tuition benefits stacked on top of federal GI Bill programs.

Montana National Guard Tuition Waiver

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.

In-State Tuition for Active Duty Families

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.

Post-9/11 GI Bill at Montana Institutions

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.

Conditions Apply

Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance

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

Do this next. Great Falls College Montana State University is the most immediately accessible institution for Malmstrom AFB families. The University of Montana (Missoula) and Montana State University (Bozeman) are the flagship institutions.

04 · SCRA

SCRA, Federal Protections in Montana

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act is federal law. Montana courts and landlords must honor all SCRA protections.

Lease Termination

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

6% Interest Rate Cap on Pre-Service Debt

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

Foreclosure Protection

MT courts cannot foreclose on a servicemember's primary residence without a court order while on active duty and for 1 year after.

Eviction Protection

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

Civil Court Stays

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

Do this next. Contact the JAG Legal Assistance office at Malmstrom AFB (406-731-4403) for SCRA enforcement help, lease issues, wills, and powers of attorney.

05 · Military Spouse Employment and Licensing

Military Spouse Employment and Licensing

Montana supports military spouses with license reciprocity and unemployment benefits.

Professional License Reciprocity

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

Unemployment for PCS-Following Spouses

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

Great Falls Job Market

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.

Conditions Apply

Do this next. Contact Montana Job Service (406-447-3000) for unemployment claims and licensing reciprocity information.

06 · Quality of Life Near Malmstrom AFB and Great Falls

Quality of Life Near Malmstrom AFB and Great Falls

Big Sky Country offers unmatched outdoor recreation, a low cost of living, and a tight-knit military community.

Outdoor Recreation

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.

Affordable Housing in Great Falls

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.

Small City Advantages

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.

Winter Conditions

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.

Conditions Apply

Do this next. The Malmstrom AFB community is welcoming to new families. The base has active family support programs, and the Great Falls community has a long positive relationship with the military.

State Legislature

Veterans and Servicemember Advocacy

Legislative Committee
Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee
This committee oversees legislation affecting active duty servicemembers, veterans, and military families in Montana. It handles bills on veterans benefits, military employment protections, property tax exemptions, and National Guard policy.
Website: leg.mt.gov
How to Engage
Contact Your State Representative
Military families can contact their state legislators to weigh in on veteran and servicemember legislation. Find your Montana representative at leg.mt.gov using your home address. Committee hearings on veterans bills are typically open to the public and remote testimony is often accepted.

Research-Ranked

Military-Friendly Colleges in Montana

Rankings based on Military Times Best for Vets, GI Jobs Military Friendly Schools, and Victory Media research methodology. Yellow Ribbon participation verified annually.

University of Montana
Military Times Best for Vets
Missoula, Yellow Ribbon, veteran resource center
Montana State University
GI Jobs Military Friendly
Bozeman, ROTC, veteran services
Montana State University Billings
Military Friendly
Near Malmstrom AFB corridor, veteran services

Rankings and program details change annually. Verify current Yellow Ribbon participation and benefit amounts at benefits.va.gov/GIBILL before enrolling. GI Jobs Military Friendly designation and Military Times rankings are independently published each year.

Official sources

Government pages for this guide. Confirm the figure for the year you are filing or the orders you are executing.

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