Ada County assessor urges residents to apply for homestead and senior tax programs; board approves tax cancellations

Ada County’s assessor’s office used the Feb. 24 commission meeting to remind residents about property-tax relief programs and to obtain approval for several tax cancellations.

Assistant Chief Deputy Assessor Chaplain Ireland told commissioners the assessor’s office has handled roughly 3,200 calls in January and February about property-tax reduction programs, including the homestead exemption, income-restricted senior property-tax reduction, and a veterans property-tax credit for 100% service-connected disabled veterans. "The homestead exemption is, of course, an up to 50% off the value or a $125,000 off the assessed value, whichever is less," Ireland said, and explained the senior reduction program is income-restricted and can, for qualifying residents, cover all property-tax owed.

Ireland also outlined outreach efforts: staff will be at the Meridian DMV office and the CUNA senior center this week to help residents complete applications.

Separately, the board approved tax cancellations/adjustments listed on the agenda, noting two parcels were recently purchased by government entities (an Ada County highway district parcel and one owned by the Boise Urban Renewal Agency) and that late homestead exemptions accounted for most of the listed adjustments. The chair and commissioners moved and approved the cancellations and authorized the chair to sign.