Idaho is shaking up education! A whopping $50 million in tax credits is up for grabs to help families afford private education. But you need to act fast! The application window is open, and the clock is ticking.
This initiative, born from Idaho's Parental Choice Tax Credit (HB93), signed into law in February 2025, is a game-changer. The Idaho State Tax Commission is managing the distribution of funds, and families could receive a significant boost. Eligible students in grades K-12 (ages 5-18) can get up to $5,000, while those with disabilities (ages 5-21) might qualify for as much as $7,500.
The application process kicked off on Thursday at 12:01 a.m. and will close on March 15th. Senator Doug Ricks, a key player in getting the bill passed, is urging everyone to apply immediately. He emphasizes that funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
"It's a race against other parents across the state. The sooner you apply, the better your chances," Ricks advised.
This marks a first for Idaho, with state funds directly supporting private education through tax credits. Interestingly, over 30 other states already have similar school choice programs in place.
Here's where it gets controversial... While all families are welcome, those earning less than 300% of the federal poverty level will be given priority. There's also an option for a one-time advance tax credit payment in the first year.
To apply, you'll need to have already filed your 2024 Idaho tax return, even if you didn't owe any taxes. A Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) account with the Idaho State Tax Commission is also essential. If you file your Idaho taxes electronically, you likely already have one.
Make sure to keep all your receipts and records of qualifying expenses for homeschooling. A detailed list of what qualifies can be found on Idaho's My School Choice website. For the advance payment, you'll need to estimate your expenses and keep those receipts.
Additionally, you'll need a government-issued ID for both yourself and your children, along with bank account and routing information. Any necessary documentation to prove guardianship or disability must also be included. The application also asks for your child's prior school history, including the name of their previous school and enrollment date.
Senator Ricks noted that applications meeting the minimum requirements are likely to be approved as long as funds are available.
"Even if your income is above the 300% poverty level, apply anyway to get in line. We don't know how many applicants will be below that threshold," he stated.
If you miss out this year, don't worry! You can reapply in 2027.
For more details and to apply, visit the "How to Apply" section on Idaho's My School Choice website.
What do you think about this new initiative? Do you agree with the prioritization based on income? Is this a step in the right direction for education in Idaho? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
