MT SB397

Requires the Department of Revenue to select and pay for a qualified independent appraiser to assess centrally assessed property when the department and property owner cannot agree on a specific appraiser

Allows the department to accept or modify the independent appraisal results; if modified, the department must provide the property owner with a copy of the original appraisal before modification

Preserves the existing process where the department and property owner may jointly agree on an appraiser, share costs, and accept results

Appeals from department decisions remain subject to mediation and may be taken to the Montana Tax Appeal Board

Effective January 1, 2026, applying to property tax years beginning after December 31, 2025