(MCA 15-6-156)

 

All property of telecommunication utilities and the electric-generating property of electric utilities are taxable in Montana. The taxable value is 6% of the market value.

 

Telecommunication and electric-generating utilities are centrally assessed. Centrally assessed companies are valued by department appraisers by a method referred to as the "unit approach to value." The appraiser determines a system value for the company, allocates a portion to the state and then apportions values to the counties where the property is located.

 

Three indicators are typically used to determine the system value of the company: Cost, Income and Market.

 

The indicators are then correlated to arrive at a system value. The Department of Revenue determines an allocated value to the state (that portion of the correlated system value that belongs to Montana). The department then apportions the allocated Montana value to the counties where the property is located.