An estimated 79,897 veterans live in Montana, making up 8.9% of the state's population or the third-highest of the 56 U.S. states, inhabited territories and District of Columbia.
Montana Military and Veteran Income Taxes
Military Retiree Income Tax
Starting in the 2024 tax year, residents who work in Montana may deduct up to 50% of military retirement or survivor pay for up to the first five years of meeting the eligibility requirements. Also starting in the 2024 tax year, taxpayers ages 65 and over receive a $5,500 subtraction from their federal taxable income. Survivor Benefit Plan payments follow federal tax rules.
Active-Duty Income Tax
Active-duty pay is tax free.
Montana Veteran Property Taxes
Honorably discharged, 100% disabled veterans may be exempt from paying some property tax on their home. Income limits apply. Unmarried surviving spouses may also be eligible.
Montana Military and Veteran Education Benefits
Military/Veteran Education
Members of the state National Guard and honorably discharged veterans may receive tuition waivers to schools in the Montana University System after all other benefits are exhausted.
Military Dependent Education
Children of veterans who were KIA or MIA or died from service-connected causes receive tuition waivers within the Montana University System.
Montana Military and Veteran Employment Benefits
Veteran Hiring Preference
Preference points: Veterans receive a 5% application score enhancement. Disabled veterans receive a 10% application score enhancement.
Driving: Active-duty members and veterans who are licensed and drove a military motor vehicle equivalent to a commercial one may have the skills portion of the commercial driver's license test waived. Written tests may be waived, but school bus, passenger and hazardous materials endorsements may not transfer.
Military Spouse Employment
No state benefits.
Montana Veteran Housing and Veterans Homes
Veterans Homes
Montana's three veterans homes are in Butte, Columbia Falls and Glendive. Honorably discharged veterans who require skilled care are eligible for admission. Spouses are admitted on a space-available basis.
Homeless Veterans
The Montana Board of Housing administers federally funded voucher programs for rental assistance.
Adapted Housing
No state benefits.
Montana Veteran Financial Assistance
The Montana Military Family Relief Fund provides grants up to $2,000 for state National Guard members or reservists who are Montana residents, who have served under federal contingency orders for at least 30 consecutive days, and whose paygrade is no higher than O-3 or W-3. There are several types of grants.
Montana Veteran Legal Assistance
No state-funded legal services.
Montana Military and Veteran Recreation Benefits
Hunting/Fishing
The state issues up to 50 half-price licenses annually for veterans with certain combat--connected injuries to hunt deer and antelope.
Parks/Camping
Resident veterans receive 50% off camping.
Montana Veteran Transportation Benefits
No state-provided transportation benefits. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) offers van rides to VA medical centers in many states and may be available in the states without a state-funded transportation benefit.
Montana Veteran Burial Benefits
Veterans Cemeteries
Montana's three veterans cemeteries are in Helena, Missoula and Miles City. Spouses may be buried along with the veteran.
There is a small charge for burial. Non-residents may also be eligible.
More Information
Visit the Montana Department of Military Affairs website for more information on any of these programs.
-- Additional reporting by Jim Absher.
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