The Courier
NEWS
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
January 25, 2023
Vol 47 Num 4
International Holocaust Remembrance Day You Could Reduce Your Taxes
This Friday, January 27th, is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Historians generally define the Holocaust as the genocide (systematic, state-sponsored murder of entire groups as determined by heredity) of European Jews by Nazi Germany between 1941 and 1945. While the Jews bore the brunt of this atrocity (six million died), we must remember that other groups of people were targeted as well. When Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in 1933, he targeted all those he viewed as inherently inferior. While some Slavic people were favored (Bulgarians, Croats, Slovaks, and some Ukrainians), Poles, Russians and Romai faced severe efforts of ethnic cleansing. Other groups were targeted because of their religious and/or political beliefs (Jehovah's Witnesses, communists). And then there were groups that could not defend themselves - homosexuals and the disabled. The International Holocaust Remembrance Day, was designated by United Nations General Assembly in November 2005. January 27th was chosen to commemorate the date when the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated. The reason for the designation was a remembrance of those massacred during the Holocaust, and to educated future generations of its horrors. "We must also go beyond remembrance, and make sure that new generations know this history. We must apply the lessons of the Holocaust to today’s world. And we must do our utmost so that all peoples may enjoy the protection and rights for which the United Nations stands." Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon January 2008. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” George Santayana
Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge Junior Duck Stamp Art Entries Due March 1st
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife office and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation would like to encourage all of Idaho’s school-aged (K-12) students to enter the annual Junior Duck Stamp art contest. Homeschool and independent entries are welcome. Entries must be submitted by March 1, 2023, to qualify. One student design will be selected as “Best of Show” from the state and will go on to compete at the national level. Winners of the national competition receive scholarships funds, with a top prize of $1,000! To learn more about contest rules and how to enter, please visit https://www.fws.gov/program/ junior-duck-stamp/junior-duck-stamp-contest-information.
Less Taxes... isn't that what everyone wants? Good News! If you own your own home, you may be eligible for Property Tax Reduction. As you prepare your 2022 Income Tax forms, don't forget to stop by your county assessor's office to pickup the Circuit Breaker forms - you must apply every year - and if you qualify, you could reduces property taxes on your primary Idaho residence and up to one acre of land by as much as $1,500. To qualify, you must be an Idaho resident, live in your own home, and your total 2022 income is less than $33,870 (after deducting medical expenses). You must also be in one of the following categories as of January 1, 2023: • Age 65 or older • Former POW or hostage • Fatherless or motherless child under 18 years old • Widow(er) • Blind • Recognized as disabled by the Social Security Administration, Railroad Retirement Board, Federal Civil Service, a public employee retirement system not covered by these agencies, or by Veterans Affairs You must file an application with your county assessor by Monday, April 18, 2023.
Additional Option Property Tax Deferral Program
The Property Tax Deferral Program offers certain qualified individuals a way to defer property taxes on their home and up to one acre of land. A qualified applicant might qualify separately for this program or use this program along with the Property Tax Reduction Program to receive additional property tax assistance. When you complete your application, you must include your reported 2022 income. Deferred taxes and interest must be repaid to the state of Idaho when ownership of the property changes or the property no longer qualifies for the Homeowner's Exemption. For additional information, contact any county assessor’s office, or call call the Tax Commission (208-334-7736 or 800334-7756), or visit the Idaho Tax Commission’s Property Tax Reduction (Circuit Breaker) webpage.