One way to evaluate a tax system is to look at how that system affects different households based on how much income they make. An analysis of Montana’s state and local taxes reveals that low-income Montanans pay higher taxes rates than those with higher incomes. In other words, Montana’s tax system is regressive. In Montana, those with incomes below $16,000 pay 6.1% of their income in state and local taxes, while those with income above $434,000 pay 4.6%.
MBPC is a nonprofit organization focused on providing credible and timely research and analysis on budget, tax, and economic issues that impact low- and moderate-income Montana families.