Parental Choice Tax Credit deadline approaches

BOISE, Idaho — March 4, 2026 —Time’s running out to apply for the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit program. Funds are still available, and parents can apply through 11:59 p.m. on March 15.

So far, the Idaho State Tax Commission has received more than 6,400 applications for more than 11,800 students. In addition, nearly 1,000 applications have been started but not submitted. The Tax Commission advises parents to finish up these applications by the deadline.

Parents can’t claim the parental choice tax credit on their 2025 income tax return unless the Tax Commission notifies them that they’re allowed to claim it. The Tax Commission expects to notify applicants of tax credit approval decisions by April 15, 2026, which is also the filing deadline for 2025 tax returns.

Parents who are concerned about the timing of tax credit approvals and filing their 2025 taxes have two options:

1. Get an automatic filing extension if they pay enough or their tax by April 15. This provides additional time to file and claim any allowed credit but doesn’t extend the deadline to pay taxes owed. They’ll owe interest on any tax due that they don’t pay by April 15.
2. File their return without claiming the credit. If they’re allowed to claim the credit, they can then submit an amended return.

The Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit program provides nearly $50 million in state funds for refundable tax credits to help pay for eligible nonpublic school expenses. Parents can apply for either the advance payment or the parental choice tax credit for each eligible child.

To learn more about the Parental Choice Tax Credit program, visit the state’s official website, myschoolchoice.idaho.gov. See the FAQs page. Parents with questions about the program can email the Tax Commission at parentalchoice@tax.idaho.gov. If they have questions about their TAP account, they must call (208) 334-7660 in the Boise area or toll free at (800) 972-7660.