Mont. Code Ann. § 15-24-1502 — Tax Exemption And Abatement For Remodeling, Reconstruction, Or Expansion Of Certain Commercial Property -- Approval

15-24-1502 . Tax exemption and abatement for remodeling, reconstruction, or expansion of certain commercial property -- approval. (1) (a) Subject to the conditions of this section, remodeling, reconstruction, or expansion of an existing commercial building or structure that increases its taxable value by at least 5%, as determined by the department, may receive a property tax exemption during the construction period, not to exceed 12 months, and for up to 5 years following completion of construction. The property tax exemption is limited to 100% of the increase in taxable value caused by remodeling, reconstruction, or expansion.
(b) (i) In addition to the property tax exemption described in subsection (1)(a), the buildings and structures may receive a property tax reduction for 4 years following the exemption period as provided in this subsection (1)(b). The percentages must be applied to the increase in taxable value caused by remodeling, reconstruction, or expansion according to the following schedule:
First year following the exemption period
20%
Second year following the exemption period
40%
Third year following the exemption period
60%
Fourth year following the exemption period
80%
Fifth year following the exemption period
100%
Following years
100%
(ii) Mill levies are assessed against the reduced taxable value of the remodeling, reconstruction, or expansion determined under subsection (1)(b)(i).
(c) To be eligible for the property tax exemption and the property tax reduction, the commercial building or structure may not have been used in a business for at least 6 months immediately preceding the date of application to the governing body for approval under subsection (2).
(2) (a) 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 consolidated government 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 consolidated local government 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 property tax exemption and property tax reduction.
(b) The governing body may not grant the property tax benefits described in subsection (1) if property taxes on the buildings or structures are delinquent.
(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, consolidated local government, city, or town is located a writ of mandamus to compel the governing body to make a determination.
(4) 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.