Homeowners get tax break

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

The Idaho Property Tax Reduction (Circuit Breaker) program reduces property taxes on a homeowner's primary Idaho residence and on up to one acre of land 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 2009 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, 2010:

• Age 65 or older

• Blind

• Widow(er) of any age

• Former prisoner of war or hostage

• Disabled (as recognized by the Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs, Railroad Retirement Board, or Federal Civil Service)

For the tax deferral program, applicants can have no more than $40,000 in 2009 income. Other than income, applicants must meet the requirements of the property tax reduction program listed above.

Homeowners can get applications for both programs from their county assessor. They must file a separate application with the assessor for each program by the April 15 deadline.

For more information, homeowners should call their county assessor's office or the Idaho Tax Commission toll free at (800) 334-7756. They can also visit the Tax Commission Web site at tax.idaho.gov (go to "Property Tax," then "Homeowners" in the drop-down box).