Mont. Code Ann. § 15-24-1501 — Remodeling, Reconstruction, Or Expansion Of Buildings Or Structures -- Assessment Provisions -- Levy Limitations

15-24-1501 . Remodeling, reconstruction, or expansion of buildings or structures -- assessment provisions -- levy limitations. (1) Subject to 15-10-420 and the authority contained in subsection (5) of this section, remodeling, reconstruction, or expansion of existing buildings or structures, which increases their taxable value by at least 2 1/2% as determined by the department, may receive tax benefits during the construction period and for the following 5 years in accordance with subsections (2), (4), and (5) and the following schedule. The percentages must be applied as provided in subsections (4) and (5) and are limited to the increase in taxable value caused by remodeling, reconstruction, or expansion:
Construction period
0%
First year following construction
20%
Second year following construction
40%
Third year following construction
60%
Fourth year following construction
80%
Fifth year following construction
100%
Following years
100%
(2) In order for a taxpayer to receive the tax benefits described in subsection (1), the taxpayer must have applied by March 1 of the year during which the benefit is first applicable. The governing body of the affected county or, if the construction will occur within an incorporated city or town, the governing body of the incorporated city or town shall, following due notice as provided in 7-1-2121 if a county or 7-1-4127 if an incorporated city or town and a public hearing, approve by resolution for each remodeling, reconstruction, or expansion project the use of the schedule provided for in subsection (1) or a schedule adopted pursuant to subsection (5).
(3) (a) The governing body shall:
(i) publish due notice within 60 days of receiving a taxpayer's complete application for the tax treatment provided for in this section; and
(ii) conduct a public hearing regarding an application for the tax treatment provided for in this section and deny or approve it within 120 days of receiving the application as provided in subsection (3)(a)(i).
(b) If the governing body fails to hold a hearing or deny or approve the application within 120 days of receiving the application, the applicant may seek from the district court in the jurisdiction in which the county, city, or town is located a writ of mandamus to compel the governing body to make a determination.
(4) The tax benefit described in subsection (1) applies only to the number of mills levied and assessed for high school district and elementary school district purposes and to the number of mills levied and assessed by the local governing body approving the benefit. The benefit described in subsection (1) may not apply to statewide levies.
(5) A local government may, in the resolution required by subsection (2), modify the percentages contained in subsection (1) that apply to the first year following construction through the fourth year following construction. A local government may not modify the percentages contained in subsection (1) that apply to the fifth year following construction or years following the fifth year. A local government may not modify the time limits contained in subsection (1). The modifications to the percentages in subsection (1) adopted by a local government apply uniformly to each remodeling, reconstruction, or expansion project approved by the governing body.
(6) Property taxes abated from the reduction in property taxes allowed by this section are subject to recapture by the local governing body if the ownership or use of the property does not meet the requirements of this section or the resolution required by subsection (2). The recapture is equal to the amount of taxes avoided, plus interest and penalties for nonpayment of property taxes provided in 15-16-102 , during any period in which an abatement under the provisions of this section was in effect. The amount recaptured, including penalty and interest, must be distributed by the treasurer to funds and accounts subject to the abatement in the same ratio as the property tax was abated. A recapture of taxes abated by this section is not allowed with regard to property ceasing to qualify for the abatement by reason of an involuntary conversion. The recapture of abated taxes may be canceled, in whole or in part, if the local governing body determines that the taxpayer's failure to meet the requirements is a result of circumstances beyond the control of the taxpayer.