The Montana Department of Revenue is about to embark on a “road show” across Montana to explain the 2015 reappraisal cycle for property taxes.

Starting Sept. 16, a group of department officials will travel to 18 different cities and towns, including Kalispell on Sept. 23 at the Outlaw Inn from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“The primary purpose of the road show is to help taxpayers understand the property tax system and help community leaders make informed policy decisions,” said Department of Revenue Director Mike Kadas. “We encourage anyone in Montana with an interest in property valuation, especially those who are experts in local housing markets, to attend the sessions.”

All properties in Montana are reappraised every six years. The last reappraisal was in 2008, and in this cycle, Jan. 1, 2014, was the date used to value properties.

In a recent letter, Sen. Janna Taylor, R-Dayton, offered some preliminary reappraisal information she picked up in a legislative committee meeting with Department of Revenue officials.

Although it was stressed that the information is preliminary, Taylor said Flathead County residential taxes are expected to stay about the same, while agricultural taxes will be down 4 percent and taxes on commercial properties are expected to be down 15 percent.

In Lake County, residential taxes are expected to be down slightly, commercial taxes are expected to be up 2 percent and agricultural taxes will be up about 10 percent.

She urges people to attend the road show meetings.

Presenters will include Kadas, Property Assessment Division Administrator Cynthia Monteau-Moore, Business and Income Tax Division Administrator Gene Walborn, and Ed Caplis, director of tax policy and research.