Applications now open for tax reduction programs
Bonner County Treasurer Clorrisa Koster is reminding county residents that applications for several tax reduction programs are now available and are due back to the Assessor’s Office by April 15. The programs are the property tax reduction — formerly known as the Circuit Breaker — and the property tax benefit for veterans with 100% service-connected disability.
“You might be eligible for the Property Tax Reduction program if you are an Idaho resident and homeowner,” she said. “The program could reduce your property taxes by $250 to $1,500 on your home and up to one acre of land.”
However, this program will not reduce solid waste or other fees that government entities charge.
Bonner County residents might qualify for this program if each of these boxes are checked: Their total 2023 income — after deducting medical expenses — was $37,000 or less; they were 65 or older, blind, widowed, disabled, a former POW or hostage, or a motherless or fatherless child under 18 years old; and they owned and lived in a home in Idaho that was their primary residence before April 15, 2024. That property must have a current homeowner’s exemption and mobile homes are acceptable.
“You could qualify if you live in a care facility or nursing home in 2024 or lived in one in 2023,” Koster added.
Individuals may qualify for the property tax benefit for veterans with 100% service-connected disability if they are an Idaho resident, homeowner and qualified veteran with a 100% service-connected disability. The program could reduce the property taxes on a qualified individual’s home and up to one acre of land by as much as $1,500. This program will also not reduce solid waste or other fees that government entities charge.
“Once granted to a qualifying veteran, a surviving spouse can use this benefit,” Koster said. “However, the benefit isn’t transferable to a new property after the death of the veteran.”
Residents have the chance to qualify for Veterans Property Tax Reduction if they meet both of the following requirements: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes them as 100% service-connected disabled, or they receive 100% compensation due to individual unemployment; and they owned and lived in a home in Idaho that was a primary residence before April 15 of the year applying. The home must have a current homeowner’s exemption, Koster said. Individuals who lived or are living in a care facility or nursing home in 2023 or 2024 could also qualify.
“Even if you aren’t sure if you qualify, let's have a conversation to determine if you do or don’t,” Koster said. “There is no extension of the due date so please do not wait.”
Contact the Bonner County Assessor’s Office at 208-265-1440 with any questions or for help applying. Applicants must apply and qualify for this program every year.