Do I have to pay it all at once?

No. Idaho lets you pay in full or in two halves. If you pay the first half by December 20, you have until June 20 to pay the second half with no interest or penalty. Plenty of homeowners like the split because it spreads the cost across two seasons.

What happens if I pay late?

Canyon County spells it out: if the first half isn't paid by December 20, a 2% late charge is added, and interest of 1% per month starts January 1. If you mail your payment, it must be postmarked on or before the due date, and Canyon County notes that a postage meter mark doesn't count as a postmark. One more thing to know. Under Idaho Code 63-902, not receiving a bill doesn't excuse the tax. If you bought a home this year and haven't seen a bill by early December, call your county treasurer. When the 20th lands on a weekend, counties have given a little grace. Last year it fell on a Saturday, and Ada and Canyon counties accepted payments through Monday, December 22 without extra charges. Elmore County's website says the deadline extends to the first business day after the 20th. I'd still pay a few days early.

How do I pay my property taxes in Ada County?

Ada County takes payments in person at the courthouse at 200 W. Front St. in Boise, by mail, online through the county treasurer's website, or by phone at 844-471-7324. Card payments online and by phone carry a fee. Here's a local tip a lot of people learn the hard way. The Ada County Treasurer warns that payments sent through third-party bill pay services can take 10 to 14 business days to arrive, and your bank's bill pay can take 7 to 10 business days. If you're paying that way, send it by early December.

My lender pays my taxes. Do I need to do anything?

Usually not, but it's worth a quick check. Many Idaho homeowners pay property taxes through an escrow account built into their monthly mortgage payment, and the lender pays the county directly. If you're not sure how your taxes are paid, call your lender or the county treasurer. It's especially worth confirming if you closed this year or refinanced.

I bought a home this year. Can I still get the homeowner's exemption?

Yes, and this is the deadline I'd circle. Idaho's homeowner's exemption takes 50% off the value of your primary residence, plus up to one acre of land, up to a maximum of $125,000. Under a 2026 law (House Bill 843), the Idaho State Tax Commission says you can get the full exemption for the year if you file with your county assessor before the close of business on the last business day of the year. This year that's Thursday, December 31. There's a wrinkle. If you apply after the second Monday in July, your assessed value stays on the tax roll at full value, and the exemption comes to you as a tax cancellation instead. The Tax Commission says that works out the same as getting the full exemption. Either way, if you moved into your home in 2026 and haven't filed, do it before New Year's. Once you have the exemption, you generally don't need to reapply each year as long as nothing changes.

Why does my new build have a small tax bill?

Because the house may not be fully on the roll yet. In Canyon County, for example, newly built homes get a supplemental tax notice in March or April, and the full supplemental amount is due June 20. Your November bill may only cover the land. If you bought new construction, plan for that second bill so it doesn't surprise you in the spring, and ask your lender whether your escrow covers it.

How are Idaho property taxes figured?

Every home is valued as of January 1, and assessment notices go out by the first Monday in June. Each taxing district, like your city, county and fire district, adopts its budget in a public hearing, and levy rates are set by dividing each district's property-tax-funded budget by the total taxable value in that district. Your bill is the combination of those levies applied to your taxable value. For perspective, the Idaho REALTORS 2026 property tax white paper puts Idaho at roughly a 0.50% effective tax rate on owner-occupied housing. Your actual bill depends on where you live and which districts you're in.

Is there property tax help for lower-income homeowners?

Yes. Idaho's Property Tax Reduction program, often called the circuit breaker, is for qualifying homeowners with total 2025 income of $39,130 or less after medical deductions, and you apply between January 1 and April 15. There's also a deferral program for 2025 income of $61,674 or less, with applications due by September 8. Your county assessor can tell you whether you qualify.

When are Idaho property taxes due in 2026?

The first half is due December 20 and the second half June 20, 2027. With December 20 on a Sunday this year, confirm with your county whether payments are accepted through Monday the 21st.

Do I have to reapply for the homeowner's exemption every year?

Generally no. It stays in place as long as you own the home and it remains your primary residence.

What if I never got a bill?

You still owe the tax. Call your county treasurer, especially if you bought this year.

Yes. Ada and Canyon counties both take online payments, though card fees may apply.

Market Insights · Idaho Living

When Do Idaho Property Tax Bills Arrive, and When Are They Due?

Dave Carney, REALTOR®Nov 5, 2026 · 5 min read

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