Assessor notes tax breaks

Homeowners who qualify have until April 15, to apply for two different programs that can help with their property taxes.

The Idaho Property Tax Reduction program reduces property taxes on a homeowner's primary Idaho residence and on up to one acre of by as much as $1,320. The state pays a portion of a homeowner's property taxes, and qualified recipients don't repay the state.

Applicants for the property tax reduction program can have no more than $28,000 in 2008 income. They must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. They must also be in at least one of the following categories as of Jan. 1, 2009.

Applicants requirements must be 65 years or older, blind, widow(er) of any age, former prisoner of war or hostage, or disabled (as recognized by the Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs, Railroad Retirement Board, or Federal Civil Service).

In contrast, the Idaho Property Tax Deferral program offers homeowners a way to postpone paying the taxes on their primary Idaho residence and on up to one acre of land. The deferred taxes and interest must eventually be repaid to the state. For the tax deferral program, applicants can have no more than $40,000 in 2008 income. Other than income, applicants must meet the requirements of the property tax reduction program listed above.

For more information, homeowners should call their county assessors's office or the Idaho Tax Commission at 334-7736 in the Boise are or toll free at (800)334-7756. Or visit the Tax Commission web site at tax.idaho.gov (click on "Property Tax Relief").