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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Adams County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Adams County, ID. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.328% to 0.571% (varies by taxing districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Adams County, Idaho operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, fire protection, and county government operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed values determined by the Adams County Assessor's Office, with tax rates varying significantly depending on your location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts.

The effective property tax rates in Adams County for 2025 range from 0.328% in rural areas to 0.571% in urban areas, which is below Idaho's statewide average of approximately 1%. Your actual tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, such as school districts, fire districts, highway districts, and other local service areas. This district-based system means neighboring properties may have different tax rates depending on the specific services provided to their location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentUrban RateRural RateDescription
Total Combined Rate (2025)0.571%0.328%All taxing districts combined
County GeneralVariesVariesBasic county services and administration
School DistrictsVariesVariesLocal school district operations and bonds
Highway DistrictsVariesVariesRoad maintenance and improvements
Fire DistrictsVariesVariesFire protection services
Other Special DistrictsVariesVariesCemetery, recreation, or other local services

Note: These are the average combined rates for levy year 2025 (taxes payable in 2025). Your specific rate depends on which combination of taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Adams County Assessor at (208) 253-4561 for your property's exact district assignments and rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Adams County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Adams County are additional property tax bills issued when there's a change in property ownership or new construction that increases assessed value mid-tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure the county collects the appropriate amount of tax revenue based on current property values and ownership.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the old and new assessed values, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year after the change occurred. For example, if you purchase a home in Adams County in July and the assessed value increases from $250,000 to $350,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the $100,000 difference, prorated for the remaining months of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homeowner's Exemption: $125,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $175,000
  • Annual Tax (Urban 0.571%): $999
  • Monthly Payment: $83

Property Value: $600,000

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homeowner's Exemption: $125,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $475,000
  • Annual Tax (Urban 0.571%): $2,712
  • Monthly Payment: $226

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homeowner's Exemption: $125,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $875,000
  • Annual Tax (Urban 0.571%): $4,996
  • Monthly Payment: $416

Note: Homeowner's exemption requires annual application and is not automatic. Rural properties would use the 0.328% rate.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Adams County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12 of your annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Your lender collects these funds and pays your property taxes directly to Adams County on the December 20 and June 20 due dates. Lenders typically maintain a cushion in your escrow account to ensure sufficient funds are available when taxes are due.

Your lender will conduct an annual escrow analysis to adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and any changes in assessed value. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will increase accordingly. You can verify your current tax amount by checking with the Adams County Treasurer's Office or accessing property records online to ensure your lender has accurate information for escrow calculations.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Adams County for 2025? A: Property taxes are due December 20, 2025 and June 20, 2026. Late payments incur penalty charges after these dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary credit is the Homeowner's Exemption, which can reduce taxable value by up to $125,000. This requires annual application and is NOT automatic. Applications must be filed with the Adams County Assessor's Office.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: Idaho's homestead exemption limits assessment increases and reduces taxable value for qualifying owner-occupied properties. You must file an application with the assessor's office - it does not reduce market value but provides tax relief on your actual tax bill.

Q: When do I need to apply for the Homeowner's Exemption? A: Applications are due by April 15 each year. Contact the Adams County Assessor at 201 Industrial Avenue, Council, ID 83612 or call (208) 253-4561.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Idaho law requires annual assessment updates. The Adams County Assessor reviews property values each year, with notices of valuation typically mailed in spring.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File an appeal with the Adams County Board of Equalization by the fourth Monday in June. Contact the Assessor's Office for specific forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalty and interest charges. Contact the Adams County Treasurer's Office at (208) 253-4406 for current penalty rates.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Adams County Treasurer's Office at (208) 253-4406 to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do special district taxes vary within the county? A: Different areas of Adams County are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, highway districts, and other special service areas, each with their own tax rates.

Q: What is the Circuit Breaker program? A: This is a property tax reduction program for qualifying low-income residents. Applications are due by April 15 and must be filed annually with the Adams County Assessor's Office.

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