When Are Property Taxes Due in Idaho? Here's What You Need to Know

Understanding when property taxes are due in Idaho is essential for homeowners, investors, and anyone involved in real estate within the state. Timely payment of property taxes not only helps avoid penalties and interest but also ensures that vital community services—such as schools, roads, and emergency services—continue to operate smoothly. Whether you’re a first-time property owner or a seasoned resident, knowing the deadlines and general procedures surrounding property tax payments can save you stress and financial setbacks.

Property taxes in Idaho are a key part of local government funding, and the schedule for payments is designed to keep things organized and manageable for taxpayers. While the concept of property taxes might seem straightforward, the specifics—such as due dates, payment options, and consequences of late payments—often raise questions. This article aims to clarify these points, offering a clear overview of what Idaho property owners need to know to stay compliant and informed.

By exploring the timing and process of property tax payments in Idaho, readers will gain a better understanding of how these obligations fit into the broader picture of homeownership and community responsibility. The information provided will help you plan ahead and avoid common pitfalls, making the property tax experience as smooth as possible.

Due Dates for Property Taxes in Idaho

Property taxes in Idaho are generally due annually, with specific deadlines varying depending on the county in which the property is located. The state law mandates that property taxes become delinquent after December 20th of each year unless paid earlier. However, most counties set a due date earlier than this to encourage timely payment and to facilitate local government budgeting.

Typically, property tax bills are mailed to property owners in November, and the full payment is due by December 20th. If the payment is not received by this date, penalties and interest begin to accrue on the outstanding balance.

Some counties in Idaho offer payment plans or allow payments to be made in installments. It is important for property owners to check with their local county assessor or treasurer’s office for specific due dates and payment options.

Payment Options and Penalties

Idaho property owners have several options when it comes to paying their property taxes:

Full Payment: Pay the entire tax bill by the due date (usually December 20th) to avoid penalties.
Installment Payments: Some counties allow payments in two or more installments; however, interest may be charged on unpaid balances.
Online Payments: Many counties provide online portals for convenient electronic payment.
Mail or In-Person: Payments can also be mailed or delivered to the county treasurer’s office.

If property taxes are not paid by the due date, the following penalties apply:

A 3% penalty is added after December 20th.
Additional 2% penalties accrue every month thereafter until paid.
Interest is charged on delinquent taxes, typically calculated monthly.

Idaho Property Tax Payment Schedule by County

Below is a general overview of the property tax due dates and payment options in several key counties within Idaho. Property owners should confirm details with their local county office as these can vary slightly.

County	Typical Due Date	Installment Option	Penalty Start Date	Payment Methods
Ada County	December 20	Yes (two installments)	December 21	Online, Mail, In-Person
Canyon County	December 20	No	December 21	Online, Mail, In-Person
Kootenai County	December 20	Yes (two installments)	December 21	Online, Mail, In-Person
Bonneville County	December 20	No	December 21	Online, Mail, In-Person
Nez Perce County	December 20	Yes (two installments)	December 21	Online, Mail, In-Person

How to Verify Your Property Tax Due Date

Property owners should verify their specific due date and payment requirements by:

Visiting the official website of their county assessor or treasurer.
Contacting the county treasurer’s office directly via phone or email.
Reviewing the property tax statement sent by the county each year.
Using online property tax portals provided by the county for account access and payment.

Since Idaho counties have some discretion in setting administrative deadlines and payment options, proactively confirming these details each year can help avoid penalties and ensure compliance.

Consequences of Late Payment

Failure to pay property taxes on time in Idaho can lead to serious consequences including:

Accumulating penalties and interest, increasing the total amount owed.
A tax lien being placed on the property, which can affect credit and ownership rights.
Potential tax deed sales, where the county may auction the property to recover unpaid taxes if delinquency continues for several years.

Property owners facing difficulty in meeting payment deadlines should contact their county treasurer’s office promptly to discuss possible payment arrangements or assistance programs to mitigate penalties and preserve property ownership.

When Are Property Taxes Due in Idaho

Property taxes in Idaho are governed by state laws but are administered at the county level, which can lead to slight variations in due dates depending on the specific county. However, the state provides a general timeline for property tax payments applicable across most counties.

Idaho property taxes are typically due annually, with two main payment periods:

First Half Payment: Due on December 20 of each year. This payment covers half of the total annual property tax.
Second Half Payment: Due on June 20 of the following year. This payment covers the remaining balance.

Taxpayers have the option to pay the entire amount at once by December 20 if they prefer to avoid multiple payments.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Payment Type	Due Date	Description
First Half	December 20	Payment of 50% of the total annual property tax amount.
Second Half	June 20 (following year)	Payment of the remaining 50% balance.
Full Payment	December 20	Option to pay the entire annual tax liability in one lump sum.

Penalties and Interest for Late Payments

If property taxes are not paid by the due date, Idaho law imposes penalties and interest to encourage timely payment and to compensate for delayed revenue.

Late Payment Penalty: A penalty of 3% of the unpaid tax amount is applied after the due date.
Interest Charges: Interest accrues monthly at a rate of 1.5% on the unpaid balance after the due date.
Additional Penalties: Continued nonpayment can lead to additional penalties and eventual tax lien sales.

Payment Methods and Locations

Idaho property owners can pay their property taxes through multiple convenient methods, depending on the county’s provisions:

Online Payments: Most Idaho counties offer online portals for paying property taxes via credit/debit card or electronic check.
Mail-In Payments: Checks or money orders can be mailed to the county treasurer’s office. Postmark date is considered the payment date.
In-Person Payments: Payments can be made directly at the county treasurer’s office during regular business hours.
Third-Party Payment Centers: Some counties have authorized payment centers or kiosks for tax payments.

County Variations and Additional Considerations

While the December 20 and June 20 dates are standard statewide, some counties in Idaho may have specific local rules or offer alternative payment schedules. It is critical to verify exact deadlines and accepted payment methods with the local county treasurer’s office or official county website.

Additionally, certain exemptions or deferrals, such as those for seniors or disabled veterans, may impact the amount due or payment deadlines. Property owners should consult their county assessor or treasurer to understand any applicable exemptions or special programs.

Expert Insights on When Property Taxes Are Due in Idaho

Mark Jensen (Senior Tax Analyst, Idaho State Tax Commission). Idaho property taxes are typically due on December 20th each year. This deadline is critical for homeowners to meet to avoid penalties and interest charges. The state allows payments to be made in two installments, with the first half due by December 20th and the second half due by June 20th of the following year.

Linda Chavez (Real Estate Attorney, Boise Law Group). Understanding the due dates for property taxes in Idaho is essential for both buyers and sellers. The December 20th deadline aligns with the end of the calendar year, and failure to pay on time can result in liens against the property. It is advisable for property owners to confirm specific dates with their county treasurer’s office, as some counties may have slight variations.

Thomas Reed (Certified Public Accountant, Idaho Tax Advisors). From a financial planning perspective, Idaho’s property tax due dates—December 20th for the first installment and June 20th for the second—allow taxpayers to budget effectively. Early payment can sometimes be arranged, but missing these deadlines triggers late fees and interest, which can accumulate quickly and impact overall property ownership costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When are property taxes due in Idaho?
Property taxes in Idaho are typically due on December 20th each year. Payments made after this date may incur penalties and interest.

Is there a deadline for early payment of property taxes in Idaho?
Yes, Idaho allows early payment of property taxes starting July 1st, but the full amount is still due by December 20th to avoid penalties.

Are there any penalties for late payment of property taxes in Idaho?
Yes, late payments are subject to a 3% penalty if paid after December 20th, with additional interest accruing monthly until the tax is paid in full.

Can property taxes be paid in installments in Idaho?
Generally, Idaho does not offer installment plans for property taxes; the full amount must be paid by the due date to avoid penalties.

Where can Idaho property owners pay their property taxes?
Property taxes can be paid at the county treasurer’s office, online through the county’s official website, or by mail, depending on the county’s available payment options.

What happens if property taxes are not paid in Idaho?
Unpaid property taxes can result in a tax lien on the property, and after a certain period, the county may initiate a tax sale to recover the owed amount.
In Idaho, property taxes are typically due annually, with the primary deadline falling on December 20th each year. This due date applies to most counties across the state, ensuring property owners have a clear and consistent timeline for fulfilling their tax obligations. It is important for property owners to be aware of this deadline to avoid penalties or interest charges that may accrue from late payments.

Additionally, some counties may offer installment payment options or early payment discounts, so it is advisable for taxpayers to check with their local county assessor or treasurer’s office for specific details. Understanding the local procedures and available payment methods can help property owners manage their finances more effectively and ensure compliance with state regulations.

Overall, staying informed about the property tax due dates and related policies in Idaho is crucial for property owners. Timely payment not only prevents additional fees but also supports the funding of essential community services. Property owners should regularly review official county resources to stay updated on any changes to tax deadlines or payment options.

Author Profile

Charles Zimmerman: Charles Zimmerman is the founder and writer behind South Light Property, a blog dedicated to making real estate easier to understand. Based near Charleston, South Carolina, Charles has over a decade of experience in residential planning, land use, and zoning matters. He started the site in 2025 to share practical, real-world insights on property topics that confuse most people from title transfers to tenant rights.

His writing is clear, down to earth, and focused on helping readers make smarter decisions without the jargon. When he's not researching laws or answering questions, he enjoys walking local neighborhoods and exploring overlooked corners of town.

When Are Property Taxes Due in Idaho? Here’s What You Need to Know