ASSESSOR'S CORNER
I hope the saying “spring is in the air" rings true soon! I am more than ready for warmer weather.

This is the time of year when all our deadlines start popping up. Not only are we finalizing values for property assessments, but we are also busy working on exemption applications.

1. Property Tax Reduction Program - also known as the “circuit breaker.” We have been visiting communities to help people apply for this program online. The PTR is for those whose net income after medical expense deductions is $37000 or less and are either over 65, a widow or widower, on disability, or a veteran. The application deadline is April 15th, and applications must be submitted annually.

2. Site Improvement Exemption- also referred to as the developers’ exemption. This exempts 75% of the value of a developer’s property until they sell it. The value is then pro-rated to the new owner. We do send letters out when a new subdivision is created, but if you developed a new subdivision and haven’t heard from us, please reach out. The deadline is April 15th. 

3. Non-Profit Exemptions. This exemption is for religious organizations, schools and other government properties, benevolent organizations, and non-profit charitable organizations. The application deadline is April 15th, and applications must be submitted annually.

4. Business Personal Property Declarations. If you own a business of any kind in the State of Idaho and your assets or inventory exceeds $250,000, you are required by law to declare your assets. In 2013, the threshold was $100,000, but now it has climbed to $250,000. A notice is mailed out every year in January, and declarations are due to our office by March 15th.

All these exemptions can be found on our website, bannockcount.gov/assessor, along with others, such as the Homeowner’s Exemption.

If you have any questions concerning these exemptions or anything else, please feel free to call our office.

I hope you all have a wonderful March. And hopefully, if March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb. 



- Anita Hymas, Bannock County Assessor
Appraisal Corner
In recent years, we have seen a dramatic increase in new residential construction. While building permits for new homes declined about 30% from 2022 to 2023, the year-over-year data suggests 2024 could see another rise in the number of new homes being built. 

High demand for housing and a shrinking supply of available homes on the market are likely contributing to the rise in construction. The cost of building materials has stabilized over the last 18 months, which may help explain the recent increase in new home building permits.

Our office monitors building permits issued throughout Bannock County from start to finish. This helps ensure we have the most updated information on each parcel and equips us to provide accurate and equitable assessments. If new construction or major remodeling is happening in your neighborhood, you will likely see our appraisal staff driving or walking around the area. Each year, we work to record any major changes that take place across all property types.

Overall, Bannock County continues to experience strong growth, and we remain committed as an office to having the most accurate data, values, and information available to ensure the most accurate appraisal of each parcel.
 
Please feel free to reach out any time of the year for any questions or concerns regarding your property. 208 -236-7260
DMV Corner
Did you miss us? We were wrapping up the first month of the year and didn’t have time to do a DMV corner in February. So here’s what we’ve been up to.

We’ve been following along with the Idaho Legislative Session and certain bills that could directly affect the work we do. 

House Bill 0413 - which amends existing law so that license plates do not automatically expire after ten years and may continue to be used. This bill passed in the House but has been held up in committee at the Senate, meaning that the bill likely will not be further considered this session. 

House Bill 0583 – adjusts the requirement for transplant residents to get a driver’s license from 90 days to 30 days. This passed the House and is currently in the Senate. 

Senate Bill 1282 – amends the existing law to establish provisions regarding temporary motor vehicle registration permits for individuals who have purchased a new vehicle and have transferred their plates and registration to the new vehicle but would need registration on the old vehicle in order to sell it. This bill passed the Senate and is currently in the House. 

Senate Bill 1317 – allows specialty license plates to benefit the Idaho State Board of Education and establishes a Don’t Tread on Me license plate to generate funds for an existing gun safety education program. This, too, has passed the Senate and is in the House. 

We are interested in seeing the outcome of these bills, so stay tuned for an update next month.
Additional Housing and Support Resources
There are numerous housing resources and financial support programs available for qualifying renters and landlords in Bannock County and throughout Idaho. Support is available NOW, so please check out the resources below.
Property Tax Assistance Programs
Certain properties and property owners may be eligible to reduce what they owe on property taxes.
Housing Assistance Fund
The Homeowner Assistance Fund helps eligible Idaho homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments or other housing-related expenses because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rural Development Programs
USDA Rural Development operates over fifty financial assistance programs for a variety of rural applications.
Affordable Rental and Homeownership Opportunities
SEICAA Housing programs offer both affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities throughout southeast Idaho.
Location
130 North 6th Avenue
Pocatello, Idaho 83201
Phone
Office: 208-236-7260
Fax: 208-236-7074
Hours
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday – Friday
BANNOCK COUNTY | www.bannockcounty.us