15-1-2301. (Temporary) Definitions. As used in this part, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Montana property taxes" means the ad valorem property taxes, special assessments, and other fees imposed on property classified under 15-6-134 that is a single-family dwelling unit, unit of a multiple-unit dwelling, trailer, manufactured home, or mobile home and as much of the surrounding land, not exceeding 1 acre, as is reasonably necessary for its use as a dwelling and that were assessed and paid by the taxpayer as follows:

(a) for tax year 2022, the amount of Montana property taxes assessed and paid is equal to the total amount billed by the local government for the dwelling as shown on the 2022 property tax bill received by the taxpayer; and

(b) for tax year 2023, the amount of Montana property taxes assessed and paid is equal to the total amount billed by the local government for the dwelling as shown on the 2023 property tax bill received by the taxpayer.

(2) "Owned" includes purchasing under a contract for deed and being the grantor or grantors under a revocable trust indenture.

(3) (a) "Principal residence" is, subject to the provisions of subsection (3)(b), a dwelling:

(i) in which a taxpayer can demonstrate the taxpayer owned and lived in for at least 7 months of the year for which the rebate is claimed;

(ii) that is the only residence for which the property tax rebate is claimed; and

(iii) for which the taxpayer made payment of the assessed Montana property taxes during tax year 2022 and tax year 2023.

(b) A taxpayer that cannot meet the requirements of subsection (3)(a)(i) because the taxpayer's principal residence changes during the tax year to another principal residence may still claim a rebate if the taxpayer paid the Montana property taxes while residing in each principal residence for a total of at least 7 consecutive months for each tax year.

(4) "Tax year 2022" means the period January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022.

(5) "Tax year 2023" means the period January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023. (Terminates June 30, 2025--sec. 10, Ch. 47, L. 2023, sec. 10, Ch. 764, L. 2023.)