BOISE, IDAHO – April 4, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — April 15 is the last day to submit applications to your county assessor for a reduction in your property taxes.
Those who qualify for Idaho’s Property Tax Reduction (Circuit Breaker) Program can get property taxes on their primary Idaho residence and up to one acre of land reduced by as much as $1,320. The state pays a portion of the homeowner’s property taxes, and recipients don’t repay the state. Last year, the state approved 27,734 claims for a total of $15.7 million in benefits.
“We encourage everyone who is eligible to apply for the program,” said Pam Waters, who oversees the Property Tax Reduction Program for the Idaho State Tax Commission. “It can make a difference in people’s lives,” she added.
To qualify for property tax reduction, applicants can have no more than $28,700 in 2013 income, and they must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. They must also be in at least one of the following categories as of Jan. 1, 2014:
Age 65 or older
Blind
Widow(er) of any age
Former prisoner of war or hostage
Disabled (as recognized by the Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs, Railroad Retirement Board, or Federal Civil Service)
Eligible homeowners can print an application for property tax reduction from the Tax Commission’s website or get one from their county assessor. This program isn’t renewed automatically, so applicants must apply for this program each year between Jan. 1 and April 15.
For more information, contact any county assessor’s office in Idaho, or call the Tax Commission at (208) 334-7736 in the Boise area or toll free at (800) 334-7756.
