On May 19th, 2023 Governor Gianforte signed House Bill 55 which imposes a 0.03 per kWh tax on public charging stations in Montana with a rated capacity greater than 25 kw.

“Legacy Public charging stations” (stations in operation before July 1, 2023) are required to register with the Department of Transportation by June 19th, 2023.

  • Effective July 1, 2025, Legacy public charging stations must have an electric meter installed or approved by the public utility exclusively dedicated to the public charging stations that measures all of the electricity delivered to the public charging station.
  • Effective July 1, 2025, the public utility shall collect the tax levied in its monthly invoice to the public charging station owner and the public utility will remit the proceeds as calculated to the Department of Transportation.

“Public charging Stations” (stations in operation after July 1, 2023) are required to register with the Department of Transportation no later than 30 days after the first day of operation.

  • Effective July 1, 2023, all new public charging stations must have an electric meter installed or approved by the public utility exclusively dedicated to the public charging station that measures all of the electricity delivered to the public charging station.
  • Effective July 1, 2023, the public utility shall collect the tax levied in its monthly invoice to the public charging station owner and remit the proceeds to the Department of Transportation.

Impacts & Registration

Who needs to register?

Owners of public charging stations with a rated capacity greater than 25 kw installed prior to July 1, 2023.

Owners of public charging stations with a rated capacity greater than 25 kw installed after July 1, 2023. (No later than 30 days after the first day of operation.)

When do they need to register by?

Installed prior to May 19, 2023 must be registered by June 19, 2023.

Installed after May 19, 2023 must be registered no later than 30 days after the first day of operation.

How do I register?

EV Charge Station Registration Online Form

You will receive a confirmation email within 15 minutes of submission. If you do not receive this email, please contact 406-444-0806 as your registration may not be processed.

How is the tax collected?

The public utility shall collect the tax in its monthly invoice to the public charging station owner.

Who remits the tax?

The public utility that provides electricity to the charging station will remit the tax to the Department of Transportation.
Public Utility EV Charging Station Tax Return.

Questions?

For questions regarding installation of separate meters please contact your public utility.

For questions regarding registration or House Bill 55 please contact 406-444-0806.