Answer These 11 Questions And You’ll Get Why Idaho Businesses Gripe About The Personal Property Tax

February 1, 2013 | 6:00 AM

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, prominent lawmakers and Idaho’s most powerful business lobby want to phase out or eliminate Idaho’s business personal property tax. Aside from costing a total of $141 million a year, businesses complain that the tax is a nuisance. That’s in part because it’s not always obvious what kinds of office supplies, equipment, decorations and other stuff is taxable – and what isn’t.

To understand this better, let’s look at some common items you might find in one kind of Idaho business: a diner. Can you figure out which of these things are considered “personal property” for tax purposes? Take our quiz. We can’t promise that it’ll make you want to work for your county assessor. But it will help you understand some of what they’re talking about at the legislature.

Want to learn more about Idaho’s tax debate? Check out our coverage here:

StateImpact Idaho’s Ultimate Guide to the Personal Property Tax

Map: Who Benefits Most If Idaho’s Business Personal Property Tax Is Eliminated

Explaining Idaho’s Personal Property Tax, With A Little Help From A Boise Candy Store

Nixing Personal Property Tax Would “Devastate” One Eastern Idaho County