Understanding Property Taxes

    Just like other business, NorthWestern Energy pays its share of taxes and fees. These funds help support schools and local government agencies.

    NorthWestern Energy invests significantly in critical electric and natural gas infrastructure and this impacts property taxes. Therefore, we work hard to manage our tax burden for the benefit of our customers.

    Montana

    For tax year 2022, NorthWestern Energy is estimated to pay $174.4 million in Montana property taxes.

    • In 2022, NorthWestern Energy is estimated to pay 36.4% of all centrally assessed property taxes in Montana.
    • Our Montana property tax bill is 4.7 times the next largest taxpayer (BNSF Railway Company).
    • NorthWestern has consistently been the largest taxpayer in Montana for many years.
    • In Montana, property taxes are a significant part of the funding for schools, fire departments, law enforcement agencies and many other vital services.
    A map showing the property taxes paid in Montana
    In 2021, NorthWestern Energy paid nearly $160 million in Montana property taxes.

    South Dakota

    A map showing the property taxes paid in South Dakota

    For tax year 2021, we paid $5.4 million in South Dakota property and wind taxes. Property taxes are used in South Dakota to fund county and municipal governments and schools.

    Nebraska

    A map showing the property taxes paid in Nebraska
    For tax year 2021, we paid $677,000 in Nebraska property taxes. In Nebraska, property taxes fund schools, county and city governments, natural resources and more.