Montana Governor Greg Gianforte partnered with the Mountain States Policy Center last week to launch a new initiative advocating for a simplified state income tax structure. The governor announced the “Flat. Fair. Montana.” campaign during an event at the Montana State Capitol, marking a formal push toward overhauling the state’s current individual income tax system.

The project, administered by the Bozeman-based think tank, proposes replacing Montana’s graduated tax brackets with a single flat rate of 4.7 percent. Proponents argue that this change would make the state’s fiscal policy more transparent and competitive for residents and businesses alike.

Gianforte emphasized individual financial autonomy during the announcement. “We’re here today because we believe in a simple truth: Montanans know how to spend their money better than the government does,” Gianforte said.

The campaign represents a significant policy goal heading into the 2027 legislative session. While interim committees continue their study work, this executive-backed initiative sets the stage for potential statutory changes when lawmakers reconvene next year. The proposal aligns with broader conservative efforts to reduce regulatory complexity and lower tax burdens across the state.