Idaho Property Tax Reduction: Circuit Breaker Program

Idaho Property Tax Reduction
Circuit Breaker Program
(This is not intended to provide comprehensive explanations of Idaho tax laws or rules. Specific questions should be addressed to the county assessor. Income and other requirements may change from year-to-year.)

Apply Between Jan. 1 and April 15 For The Current Tax Year

What Is The Property Tax Reduction Program?

The Property Tax Reduction Program (Circuit Breaker) reduces property taxes for qualified applicants. The amount of reduction is based on total household income for the previous calendar year. If you qualify, the property taxes on your home and up to one acre of land may be reduced. Solid waste, irrigation or other fees charged in some counties cannot be reduced by Property Tax Reduction benefits.

Who Qualifies?

You may qualify for property tax reduction if you meet certain requirements. You must have owned and lived in a house or manufactured home in Idaho that was your primary residence. (You may qualify if you lived in a care facility or nursing home. Contact the county assessor for information.)

You must meet certain income requirements after deducting:

Medical expenses not reimbursed by Medicare or other insurance

Business or farm losses

Capital gains; and

You must be eligible in one or more categories, including:

Age 65 or older

Widow(er) of any age

Blind

Fatherless or motherless child, under 18 years of age

Former prisoner of war/hostage

Veteran with at least 10 percent service-connected disability, or receiving VA pension for a non-service-connected disability

Disabled as recognized by the Social Security Administration, Railroad Retirement Board or Federal Civil Service.

How To Apply...

Contact your county assessor. The Madison County Assessor's Office is located in the Administration Building on Main Street in Rexburg.

Complete an application. If you need help, the assessor's staff will assist you.

You can apply for property tax reduction between January 1 and April 15 yearly. To receive this benefit, you must apply and qualify each year. It is not renewed automatically.

You will be required to show proof of your income, medical expenses and any disability when you file your application.

If your application is approved, your property tax reduction will appear on the tax notice sent in November.

Documentation

You must provide the assessor's office with documents to show your income and expenses. (Bring original documents or copies if you apply in person; send copies if you mail your application.)

Income Guidelines

When you complete your application, you must report all household income received by:

Yourself and your spouse.

For more information, contact:

Your county assessor, 356-3071 or

Idaho State Tax Commission (208-334-7736 or toll-free from Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington, 1-800-972-7660

Hearing impaired: TDD 1-800-377-3529