Tax break bills draw support from business, agriculture organizations

HELENA — Two bills promising tax breaks for businesses drew widespread support during a Montana House of Representatives committee hearing Tuesday.

House Bill 303 would increase the exemption for the business equipment tax from $100,000 to $200,000. Montana Department of Revenue Director Brendan Beatty said it would allow business owners to reinvest the savings in their communities.

“Every time that dollar that didn’t go to Helena gets recycled in our communities, it adds to the tax base, keeps our local jobs and keeps the economy moving,” Beatty said.