BOISE, Idaho — It's time for Americans to prepare their taxes, and many Idaho homeowners are leaving money on the table.
Here are some opportunities to cash in:
Homeowners Exemption – available to those who own and occupy their home as their primary residence on or before April 15, 2020, and make application prior to April 15,, 2020 to the Assessor’s Office
Property Tax Reduction – available to those who own and occupy their home as their primary residence, and meet one of the following qualifying statuses below:
- Over the age of 65
- Widow(er) of any age (not remarried)
- Legally blind (any age)
- Disabled through Social Security, Railroad or VA
- Former POW/Hostage
- Fatherless or motherless child under the age of 18
Income for this program cannot exceed $31,280 after deducting unreimbursed medical expenses and the property must have a Homeowners Exemption in place.
"Only 50% of people who would be eligible for this [property tax reduction] are actually taking advantage of it, which means 50% of the people are not taking advantage of that," said Ada County Assessor Robert McQuade.
Veterans Property Tax Reduction-
- Applicant is recognized as 100% service-connected disabled by the US Department of Veterans Affairs as of January 1, 2020
- Owned and lived in your primary residence before April 15, 2020
- Property must have a Homeowners Exemption
Property Tax Deferral Program – This program defers the taxes on the home and up to one acre of land for qualified applicants. The deferred taxes become a lien on the property and have to be repaid to the State of Idaho. The applicant must meet one of the requirements of the Property Tax Reduction Program and have an income of $44,510 or less for 2019.
All of the listed programs, with the exception of the Homeowners Exemption, must be applied for each year with the County Assessor’s Office.
For more information, you can contact the Assessor's Office at (208) 287-7200 or assessormail@adacounty.id.gov
