Time’s running out to apply for property tax reduction

June 15 is the last day for eligible homeowners and disabled veterans to apply for a reduction in their 2020 property taxes. They must give their completed application to their county assessor by that date.

• Idaho’s Property Tax Reduction Program

This program reduces property taxes on an eligible homeowner’s primary Idaho residence and up to one acre of land by as much as $1,320.

To qualify, homeowners must have been in one of the following categories by Jan. 1, 2020:

• Recognized as disabled by the Social Security Administration, Railroad Retirement Board, Federal Civil Service, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or a public employee retirement system not covered by these agencies. (Idaho’s PERSI is covered by Social Security.)

• Widow(er)

• Blind

• Fatherless or motherless child under 18 years old

• Former prisoner of war

• Age 65 or older

The program requires that homeowners have no more than $31,280 in total income in 2019. They also must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident and own and live in their home by April 14, 2020.

Homeowners can get an application for property tax reduction on the Idaho State Tax Commission website at tax.idaho.gov or from their county assessor.

Property Tax Benefit for Disabled Veterans

The benefit for disabled veterans reduces Idaho property taxes by as much as $1,320 on their home and up to one acre of land. Those who qualify include:

• Veterans who receive 100% compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) due to individual unemployability.

• Veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA.

• Veterans also must own and live in an Idaho home that was their primary residence by April 14, 2020.

Disabled veterans can get an application for the property tax benefit at tax.idaho.gov or from their county assessor. They’ll need to include a letter from the VA confirming their 100% service-connected disability rating or their 100% compensation due to individual unemployability as of Jan. 1, 2020.

Veterans with a disability also might qualify for Idaho’s Property Tax Reduction program based on their income.

For more information about property tax relief contact the Boundary County Assessor’s Office at 208-267-3301, the Idaho Tax Commission at 208-334-7736 in the Boise area or toll free at 1-800-334-7756.