Montana taxpayers would get tax credits for qualifying firearm safes

Montana would offer an individual income tax credit equal to a qualifying firearm safe's purchase price, up to $300 per taxpayer each tax year. The credit would cover Montana individual income taxpayers. Eligible safes would need at least 12-gauge steel single walls or double steel walls totaling at least one-tenth inch. Doors would need reinforced construction with at least one 7-gauge steel layer or compound construction with at least two 12-gauge steel layers. Taxpayers would receive a refund for any credit amount above their income tax owed. The safe would need to fully enclose a firearm, allow repeated use, and have certification from a nationally recognized testing laboratory that it meets Underwriters Laboratories residential security container standards. Its mechanical or electronic combination lock would need at least 10,000 possible combinations using at least three numbers, letters, or symbols. A case-hardened, drill-resistant steel plate or equally strong drill-resistant material would need to protect the lock. At least three steel locking bolts, each at least one-half inch thick, would need to connect the door and body. A separate handle would operate them, and the lock would secure them. Protected hinges would need to prevent door removal. The proposal would apply to income tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. Taxpayers would claim the credit in the tax year they purchased the safe.