Deadline approaches for tax 'Breaker'

COEUR d'ALENE - The Kootenai County Assessor's Office announced Thursday that the deadline for a popular state Property Tax Reduction Program is coming up soon.

Long known as the "Circuit Breaker" program, it can reduce the property tax liability - on a person's primary Idaho residence and as much as 1 acre of land - by as much as $1,320 if certain eligibility requirements are met.

The deadline to file the one-page application with the county assessor's office is April 15. Eligible property owners have to apply for the program benefits each year.

Last year, 3,000 applications were completed in Kootenai County.

Through March 31 this year, the county has received 2,100 applications, said Jan Lindquist, administrative manager in the assessor's office.

"Sometimes it's what keeps some of these people in their homes," Lindquist said Thursday. "It's a way to help out our seniors and people who are disabled," who are on a limited income.

Applicants must have $29,100 or less in reported income - after deducting medical expenses - for 2014.

Property owners must be 65 or older, a widow or widower, disabled, blind, a fatherless or motherless child younger than 18, or a former prisoner of war or hostage.

Last year, the state approved more than 27,000 claims for a total of $16.3 million in benefits.

"If you think you might be eligible, don't wait to file," said Pam Waters, who oversees the program for the Idaho State Tax Commission. "We can't accept applications after the deadline."

Waters said the program dates back to the 1970s.

The state of Idaho reimburses Kootenai County for the portion of property tax not collected from the property owner.

Any qualified applicant who fails to submit an application before the deadline must wait until January 2016 to apply.

The assessor's office phone numbers are (208) 446-1500 or (208) 446-1511.

The assessor's office is located at 451 Government Way in the administrative building.