Property Tax Reduction-Deferral Deadlines Near
Posted on 04-01-2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2011 |
Contact: Jessica Donald
Communications Specialist
208-287-6998
jdonald@adaweb.net |
Deadline to Apply for 2011 Property Tax Reduction &
Deferral Programs is Near
(Boise, ID) – The deadline for property owners to apply for the 2011 Homestead Exemption, Property Tax Reduction (Circuit Breaker) and/or Property Tax Deferral is April 15, 2011. These programs can significantly reduce or defer property tax bills for residents who qualify.
“These programs can be a tremendous help to property owners,” said Ada County Assessor, Robert McQuade. “We encourage residents to apply as soon as possible since the April 15th deadline is quickly approaching.”
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION:
The 2011 Homestead Exemption program exempts 50% of a property’s value up to a maximum of $ 92,040 for the home and up to one acre of land. To qualify, applicants must apply to the County Assessor indicating that the dwelling is owner-occupied prior to the April 15th deadline. There are no income or age restrictions to qualify for this program, however, the exemption can only be claimed on a primary residence.
Property owners can apply for the Homestead Exemption online via the Ada County Assessor’s website at http://www.adaweb.net/Assessor.aspx, or by contacting the Assessor’s Office at (208) 287-7200.
PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION (CIRCUIT BREAKER) PROGRAM:
Property owners who qualify for the Property Tax Reduction Program can reduce their annual property tax bill by up to $1,320. The State of Idaho reimburses Ada County for the reduction in property taxes up to the claimant’s qualifying benefit amount. To be eligible for this program, a property owner must also be eligible for the Homestead Exemption, and one or more of the following must apply to the applicant as of January 1, 2011:
- Age 65 or older
- Widow(er) of any age
- Blind
- Fatherless or motherless child under 18 years of age
- Former prisoner of war/hostage
- Disabled as recognized by the Social Security Administration, Railroad Retirement Board or Federal Civil Service
- Veteran with a 10 percent or more service-connected disability or receiving a pension from Veteran’s Affairs (VA) for non-service-connected disability
To qualify for the Property Tax Reduction Program, applicants must also have a 2010 net income of $28,000 or less after deducting non-reimbursed medical expenses. Other deductions may include funeral expenses, business/farm losses, early banking withdrawal penalties and/or alimony paid. Applicants must provide documentation proving their wages and all sources of income. Residents must re-apply for this program each year since eligibility is based on income from the previous year.
PROPERTY TAX DEFERRAL PROGRAM:
Another tax relief option is the Property Tax Deferral Program, which offers residents deferral of property taxes on their home and up to one acre of land. However, these taxes must eventually be repaid to the State of Idaho, with interest. To qualify, applicants must also meet the eligibility requirements of the Property Tax Reduction (Circuit Breaker) Program as previously listed, and have a 2010 income of $40,000 or less. Deferred property taxes plus interest must be repaid when:
- Any part of the property is sold or the title is transferred
- The qualified claimant, or the last qualified claimant dies
- The property no longer qualifies for the Homestead Exemption (it’s no longer the primary residence)
- The Idaho State Tax Commission determines the property tax deferral was granted to an individual who isn’t a qualified claimant, or granted for property that does not qualify
To apply for the 2011 Property Tax Deferral Program, residents must submit an application including the required notarized signatures, by the April 15, 2011 deadline.
PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION APPLICATION ASSISTANCE:
Assessor Robert McQuade wants to remind residents that there is no cost associated with applying for these programs, and residents should not work with an individual who tries to charge an application fee.
Residents who need assistance to complete an application are encouraged to visit locations where Ada County Assessor’s Office employees will be offering help free of charge (see below). Residents can also get application assistance at the Assessor’s Office at 190 W. Front Street, Suite 107, or by calling (208) 287-7200.
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2011 Property Tax Reduction Program
Application Assistance Schedule
(Remaining Dates)
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Boise Senior Center -
690 Robbins Road, Boise, ID 83702 (345-9921)
EVERY Thursday: February 3 through April 7 - 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Kuna Senior Center -
299 Avenue B, Kuna, ID 83634(922-9714)
Monday: April 4 - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Meridian Community Center -
201 E. Idaho Ave., Meridian, ID 83642 (888-3579)
Thursday: April 5 - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Star Senior Center -
102 Main St., Star, ID 83669 (286-7943)
Friday: April 1 - 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. |