Budget Saver …The Idaho Property Tax Reduction Program or Circuit Breaker

By: State: Idaho

Can the Idaho Property Tax Reduction Program save you money? It depends.

You may qualify for a 2009 property tax reduction if you own and live in your home or mobile home as your primary residence prior to April 15, 2009 and your income falls within the income cap (currently $28,000).

And you will need to meet one or more of the following status requirements as of January 1, 2009:

• Age 65 or older
• Widow or widower
• Blind
• Fatherless or motherless child under age 18
• Former prisoner of war/hostage
• Veteran with 10% or more service-connected disability or disabled

The amount of the reduction is based on your income for the previous calendar year.

Apply with your county tax assessor between January 1 and April 15, 2009 for a 2009 property tax reduction. Your tax assessor's office will provide the forms you need. County tax assessors are listed under County Offices in your phone book.

The application will require providing proof of all income reported to you and your spouse. However, you may deduct the following items from income: Qualified medical/dental and related expenses not reimbursed by insurance or other reimbursement; medical insurance premiums; payment or prepayment of funeral expenses; farm, rental and/or business losses; early withdrawal penalties; alimony paid.

For more information, contact your county assessor or the Idaho State Tax Commission, (800) 334-7756, ext. 7736, hearing impaired: TDD (800) 377-3529 or visit tax.idaho.gov.

Other Resources

Idaho State Tax Commission at 1-800-334-7756, ext. 7736 (hearing impaired: TDD 1-800-377-3529), or online at tax.idaho.gov.