Search Category: Property Tax

Voter Approved Fund Tracker

Water Distribution Industry Operator Statement

Water or Air Pollution Control Equipment Declaration

Water Transportation Industry Operator Statement

Wind Farms Operator Statement

Property Tax Exemption Election Form and Instructions 2025

Ratio Studies

Ratio Study is an annual statistical study of the relationship between assessed values and market value.

About Ratio Studies

Idaho law requires that all property be assessed at market value. The Idaho State Tax Commission is responsible for making sure each county assessor is assessing property at market value. To do this, the Tax Commission conducts annual ratio studies in each county. These are used to evaluate the assessment process in the counties and to determine the maximum property tax that can be levied by one school district.

The 102 is an annual statistical study of the relationship between assessed values and market value. This study is done by the Tax Commission primarily to ensure that locally assessed property is assessed at market value as required by law. A ratio study is also conducted in the Boise School District to determine the maximum property tax that district can levy.

By comparing assessed values with sale prices, the ratio study provides measurements of assessment level and uniformity. The results of the study of locally assessed property are reported to the State Board of Equalization (consisting of the tax commissioners), which reviews property assessments in each county annually. Assessed values in categories of property that fail to meet standards may be subject to additional review or adjustment by the State Board of Equalization.

Contact us if you have questions on budget and levy.

View County Ratio Studies
View Reports & Statistics

Property Tax Rules Committee

This committee is responsible for all property tax rules matters. Stay informed and subscribe to Tax Professionals.

Contacts

PositionNameContact Information
Committee ChairAlan Dornfestalan.dornfest@tax.idaho.gov

(208) 334-7742
Rules CoordinatorPhilip Johnsonphilip.johnson@tax.idaho.gov

(208) 334-7505

Upcoming meetings

No event found!

Rules under discussion (status board)

Property Tax   (35.01.03)

Meetings history

DateRecordings
April 12, 2023Meeting recording
July 10, 2023Meeting recording
September 21, 2023Meeting recording
July 30, 2024Meeting recording

Operating Property Basics Guide

The Idaho State Tax Commission is responsible for appraising all operating property in the state and each year releases both preliminary and final operating property values.

Operating property defined

Operating property, also known as centrally assessed property, generally includes all property operated in connection with any public utility, railroad, or private railcar fleet, located wholly or partially in Idaho. For a complete definition of operating property, see Idaho Code section 63-201(16).

The following industry types are classified as operating property:

  • Electric utilities
  • Telecommunication services
  • Water transportation and distribution
  • Petroleum pipelines
  • Gas transmission and distribution
  • Railroads
  • Private railcar fleets
  • Non-utility electric generators
  • Electric cooperatives, wind, solar, geothermal (in place of property taxes; see Idaho Code Title 63, Chapter 35 and Idaho Code 63-602JJ)

Appraisal of Operating Property

The unit method of valuation is preferred for valuing a railroad or public utility when the individual assets function collectively, are operated under one ownership and one management, are interdependent, and the property would be expected to trade in the marketplace as a unit. Under the unit method, the value of the tangible and intangible property is equal to the value of the going concern. The market value of the unit is referred to as the “system value.” For interstate property, allocation factors are used to determine what part of the system value is in Idaho. For more information, review Property Tax Rule 405 and Idaho Code section 63-405. Certain intangibles are exempt (see Idaho Code section 63-602L and Property Tax Rule 615) while other intangibles are taxable.

Appraisal of all operating property is done annually. Every person or company owning operating property in Idaho is required to file a report (operator’s statement) with the Tax Commission by April 30 of each year. This report may include asset listings, financial statements, reports to stockholders, and reports to regulatory agencies.

Appeals

If an operating property owner disagrees with the appraised property value, the owner can meet with the appraiser to informally discuss the valuation and can also request a formal hearing before the Tax Commission. The owner must request a formal hearing before August 1. For more information on appeals, see Idaho Code sections 63-406 through 63-410 and Property Tax Rules 407 and 408.

More information

Assessments for operating property (also known as centrally assessed property) are developed by the Property Tax Division’s Operating Property Bureau. If you have questions, please contact that bureau or review these operating property forms, and guides.