Idaho State Taxes
Quick Tax Facts
Income Tax: 5.3%
State Sales Tax: 6%
Median Property Tax: $1,872
Overview
Idaho, also known as the Gem State, has seen explosive growth and is becoming a popular place to live. The state’s low unemployment rate and affordable housing market are definitely a draw, but it’s also very tax-friendly to retirees. Idaho has one of the lowest income tax rates in the country. Its sales tax and property tax rates are also fairly modest. When combined, Idaho has the lowest per capita tax burden in the nation.
Idaho Income Tax
Effective January 1, 2025, Idaho’s flat tax rate is 5.3% for all individuals. The rate applies to taxable income over:
- $4,812 (single filers)
- $9,623 (joint filers)
The tax income thresholds will be adjusted annually for inflation.
Who Must File?
You must file an income tax return (Form 40) in Idaho if you are a full-year resident and your gross income is at least:
| Filing Status | Gross Income |
|---|---|
| Single – under age 65 | $15,000 |
| Single – 65+ | $17,000 |
| Married Filing Separately (any age) | $5 |
| Married Filing Jointly (both under 65) | $30,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly (one 65+) | $31,600 |
| Married Filing Jointly (both 65+) | $33,200 |
| Head of Household – under age 65 | $22,500 |
| Head of Household – 65+ | $24,500 |
| Qualifying Widow(er) – under age 65 | $30,000 |
| Qualifying Widow(er) – 65+ | $31,600 |
Part-year residents must file a return (Form 43) if their total combined gross income from Idaho sources, as well as all sources while residing in the state, is more than $2,500.
Non-residents must file an Idaho tax return (Form 43) if their total gross income from Idaho sources is more than $2,500.
Idaho Sales Tax
Idaho has a state sales tax rate of 6%. Local governments (cities and auditorium districts) are also allowed to levy an additional sales tax of up to 3%. These are sometimes referred to as local “option” taxes because the taxes are decided by the voters in the community affected. Although auditorium districts are limited to charging sales tax for lodging only, city governments may levy a sales tax on anything subject to sales tax at the state level.
The average sales tax rate for the state is 6.1%. Sun Valley has the highest sales tax rate at 10% (food and beverage). Most cities in Idaho, however, do not charge above the state’s rate of 6%.
Idaho Property Taxes
The state of Idaho doesn’t receive any property tax. Counties are responsible for levying and collecting this tax. There is no legal limit for how much property taxes can increase or decrease annually. Taxing districts, however, are limited to raising their property tax budgets by no more than 3% each year (with limited exceptions).
The median property tax in Idaho is $1,872 annually. Ada County has the highest property tax at an average of $2,504. The lowest amount is $929 in Idaho County.
| Highest | $2504 |
|---|---|
| Median | $1872 |
| Lowest | $929 |
Yearly Cost Per Resident
Idaho Tax Holidays
There are no tax holidays scheduled in Idaho at this time.
Idaho Tax Relief
Falling behind on your Idaho taxes can make your balance harder to manage, especially as penalties and interest continue to accrue. The Idaho State Tax Commission may take collection action when tax obligations remain unresolved. Whether you owe taxes because of missed returns, financial difficulties, or business-related tax issues, addressing your tax debt early may help prevent additional complications.
If you can’t pay your Idaho tax balance in full, there may be options available to help you resolve what you owe. Depending on your financial circumstances and eligibility, you may be able to request a payment plan or apply for an Offer in Compromise. Taking action early can also help you potentially avoid enforcement measures such as tax liens, wage garnishments, bank levies, and other collection actions.
Learning how Idaho handles delinquent taxes and understanding the relief options available can make it easier to determine your next steps. By addressing your outstanding balance and working toward a resolution, you can begin bringing your Idaho tax account back into good standing.
Common Idaho State Tax Problems
Back Taxes
If you owe unpaid Idaho taxes, addressing your balance early may help you avoid additional penalties and collection actions.
Unfiled Tax Returns
Filing past-due Idaho tax returns is often the first step toward resolving your state tax issues.
Tax Notices
Notices from the ID Department of Revenue shouldn’t be ignored, as they often require prompt action to prevent further collections.
Liens & Levies
Unresolved tax debt may lead to liens against your property or levies on your assets as the state works to collect what is owed.
Garnishment
Idaho may garnish your wages to collect unpaid taxes, reducing the amount of each paycheck you receive.
Tax Penalties
Unpaid taxes can continue to accrue penalties and interest until your balance is resolved.
How Idaho Collects Tax Debt
If you fail to pay your Idaho income taxes on time, the State Tax Commission will send a demand for payment. Failure to pay by the deadline will result in the state issuing a tax lien.
Continued non-compliance will result in the state moving to file a Notice of Levy. This may include wage levy (garnishment), bank levies, as well as levies attached to your real and personal property. If you don’t make payment arrangements, the state may seize your assets and sell them to satisfy your bill.
While you have an outstanding balance, penalties and interest will continue to accrue. Addressing your tax debt as early as possible can help you avoid additional costs and more serious collection actions.
Notice and demand for payment sent to taxpayer
State tax lien filed
Seizure and sale of property (real and personal)
Idaho State Tax Relief Options
Idaho offers a few relief options, including:
- Payment Plans – Idaho offers 12-month and 24-month payment plans for those unable to pay their tax debt in full.
- Offer in Compromise – If there is a doubt as to collectability, doubt as to liability, or exceptional circumstances, Idaho may accept an Offer in Compromise. This essentially reduces or eliminates what you owe.
If you’re experiencing financial hardship and can’t pay your Idaho income tax bill, contact the State Tax Commission as soon as possible to avoid collection actions.
When to Seek Tax Relief Help
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to explore your tax relief options:

You’re Receiving Collection Notices
Ignoring Idaho tax notices can lead to more serious collection actions, so it’s often best to address the issue early.

You Can’t Afford to Pay Your Taxes
If paying your Idaho state tax bill in full isn’t realistic, there may be payment or resolution options available.

Collection Actions Have Started
If you’re facing wage garnishments, bank levies, or tax liens, professional guidance may help you understand your options.
The sooner you address your tax debt, the more options you may have available to resolve your balance and minimize additional collection actions.
Idaho Tax Relief FAQs
Idaho Tax Resources
If you need assistance preparing your Idaho state taxes, you can speak with a tax professional from Tax Defense Network by calling 855-476-6920.
You can also visit the State Tax Commission website for additional resources.
- Payment Options
- Where’s My Refund?
- Download Tax Forms
- Customer Service: 800-972-7660 or email taxrep@tax.idaho.gov


