How is my property tax determined?

The amount of tax is determined from the budget needs of the taxing districts. There are many kinds of taxing districts in Idaho. Some, like cities and counties, levy taxes to provide a wide range of services. Others levy taxes for specific purposes like highways, schools, or fire protection.


Officials for each taxing district determine the annual budget needed to provide services for the district. The approved budget is divided by the total taxable value of all properties within the district.


The result is the district’s tax rate. This rate, multiplied by the taxable value of your property, determines the amount of taxes you owe to the district.


Every property is located within several independent-taxing districts. This means your property tax bill includes taxes for all the districts in which you live. This combination of taxing districts is known as a “tax code area.” Each of these areas is assigned a number which appears on your assessment notice and tax bill. Within each tax code area, the total tax rate is generally the same for all properties.


The taxable value of your property determines how much tax you pay in relation to other properties. Assessments must be accurate for all taxpayers to pay their fair share of the total property taxes.

Show All Answers

1. How is property assessed?
2. How often are property values adjusted?
3. How can my property be assessed on improvements when I haven’t made any?
4. What makes property real or personal?
5. How do I know what value the assessor has estimated for my property?
6. What if I disagree with the value the assessor estimated for my property?
7. How is my property tax determined?
8. When will I get my property tax bill?
9. How can my taxes go up if my property’s taxable value does not increase?
10. Are there limits on property tax increases?
11. Why do I pay higher taxes than my neighbor?
12. Is any tax relief available to homeowners?
13. What is an occupancy fee?