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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bonner County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.748%-1.014% total effective rate (0.350%-0.616% base + 0.398% additional), varies by taxing district
1st Due
Dec 20
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bonner County, Idaho operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, fire protection, libraries, hospitals, and county operations. The county assesses property taxes based on market value, with effective tax rates for 2025 ranging from 0.350% in rural areas to 0.616% in urban areas, plus additional property tax rates of 0.398%. These rates are notably below Idaho's statewide average of approximately 1%.

Your actual property tax rate depends on your specific location within Bonner County, as various special taxing districts overlay the base county levy. These districts can include fire protection districts, library districts, hospital districts, highway districts, and sewer districts, each adding their own levy to fund specialized services. The combination of these district rates determines your total effective tax rate, making it essential to understand which districts serve your specific property address.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on FY 2025 levy rates for Bonner County:

ComponentRateDescription
County Base0.001531742General county operations and services
Urban Areas0.616%Total effective rate for urban locations
Rural Areas0.350%Total effective rate for rural locations
Property Tax Rate0.398%Additional property tax assessment
Fire Districts~0.000211433Fire protection services (varies by district)
Library District~0.000218501East Bonner County Library services
Hospital District~0.000111334Post Office Hospital operations
Highway District~0.000618142Independent highway maintenance
Ambulance District~0.000162840Emergency medical services

Note: Special district rates vary significantly based on property location. Some properties may have sewer districts, solid waste fees, or other special assessments not listed above. Contact the Bonner County Assessor's Office to determine the exact districts and rates applicable to your specific property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Dec 20
Delinquent after Dec 10
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 Bonner County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county calculates additional taxes based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in March that was previously assessed at $200,000 but sells for $350,000, the assessor may adjust the assessed value upward. The supplemental tax would apply to the increased value ($150,000 difference) for the remaining 10 months of the tax year. Using Bonner County's average rate of approximately 0.5%, this could result in a supplemental tax bill of roughly $625 ($150,000 × 0.005 × 10/12 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (Rural Area)

  • Market/Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$125,000 (maximum 50% exemption)
  • Net Taxable Value: $175,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.350%
  • Annual Tax: $612.50
  • Monthly Escrow: $51.04

Example 2: $600,000 Home (Urban Area)

  • Market/Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$125,000 (maximum exemption)
  • Net Taxable Value: $475,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.616%
  • Annual Tax: $2,926.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $243.83

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (Urban Area with Special Districts)

  • Market/Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$125,000 (maximum exemption)
  • Net Taxable Value: $875,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.70% (including additional special districts)
  • Annual Tax: $6,125.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $510.42

Note: Homestead exemption requires annual application and is not automatic. Special district rates vary by location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Bonner County require property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments to cover annual tax obligations. Your lender will estimate annual taxes based on current assessed value and tax rates, then divide by 12 for monthly collection. Lenders typically maintain a cushion of 2-6 months of payments to handle rate increases or assessment changes.

Property taxes are due in two installments: the first half by December 20th and the second half by June 23rd of the following year. Your escrow servicer will make these payments on your behalf using collected funds. Each year, lenders conduct escrow analyses to adjust monthly payments based on actual tax bills and account balances. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, you're responsible for making timely payments to avoid late charges and potential tax liens.

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 Bonner County? A: For FY 2025, property taxes are due December 20th (full payment or first half) and June 23rd (second half). Late payments after these dates incur additional charges.

Q: What homestead tax credit is available and how do I apply? A: The Homeowner's Exemption provides a tax credit on 50% of your home's value up to one acre (maximum $125,000 credit). This requires annual application with the Bonner County Assessor's Office and is limited to one primary residence per taxpayer.

Q: Are there other tax credits available? A: Additional credits may be available for disabled veterans, seniors, and other qualifying circumstances. All credits require separate applications and documentation. Contact the Bonner County Assessor at (208) 255-5681 for specific eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Bonner County conducts annual assessments, with notices typically mailed in April. Property values are based on market conditions as of January 1st of the assessment year.

Q: How do I appeal my assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed by June 23rd with the Board of Equalization. Contact the Assessor's Office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Late payments incur penalty charges and interest. Unpaid taxes can result in tax liens and eventual tax deed proceedings against your property.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Bonner County offers online payment options through their official website. Contact the Treasurer's Office at (208) 255-5681 for payment portal access and accepted methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Bonner County? A: Special taxing districts (fire, library, hospital, sewer, etc.) overlay the base county rate. Your specific combination of districts determines your total effective tax rate, which can vary significantly based on property location.

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