Tax scam targets homeowners for fake property tax relief

The Idaho State Tax Commission is warning of an apparent scam targeting property owners.

“Individuals have reported receiving a flyer in the mail about Idaho’s Property Tax Reduction program. The flyer looks official and implies that it’s from the Idaho State Tax Commission or another government entity,” commission officials said in the press release. “It is not.”

“The flyer is an attempt to get personal information from Idahoans. It contains inaccurate details about the state’s property tax reduction program,” officials said.

While the flyer has only been found in Ada County at this point, ISTC’s Pam Waters encouraged all residents to keep an eye out and to let them know if they see it anywhere else.

In the flyer, scammers claim residents can reduce your property tax by $1,500 by contacting them. The fake ad explicitly targets veterans and incorrectly cites Idaho Statute 63-702, which offers property tax relief under limited circumstances.

“Please disregard the flyer if you receive it and shred it before you throw it away. Do not call the number listed on the flyer,” tax commission officials said.

A phone number listed on the flyer goes straight to voicemail and provides no details about the operation.

“If you have questions about Idaho’s Property Tax Reduction program, please call your county assessor’s office or call the tax commission … toll free at 800-334-7756,” commission officials said in the press release..

County Assessor Donna Gow said there have not been tax scams like this reported in Bonner County. However, she encouraged taxpayers who receive any potential scams to report them to the Idaho State Tax Commission.

You can reach them at 800-972-7660 or at taxrep@idaho.tax.gov.