BOISE, ID— Parents seeking assistance through Idaho’s Parental Choice Tax Credit program have until March 15 to apply, according to the Idaho State Tax Commission.

The program, which provides refundable tax credits to help cover eligible nonpublic school expenses, still has funding available. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on March 15.

As of early March, the Tax Commission reported receiving more than 6,400 applications covering more than 11,800 students. Nearly 1,000 additional applications had been started but not yet submitted, and officials are encouraging parents to complete those applications before the deadline.

Parents cannot claim the Parental Choice Tax Credit on their 2025 Idaho income tax return unless they receive approval from the Tax Commission. Officials expect to notify applicants of approval decisions by April 15, which is also the deadline for filing 2025 state income tax returns.

For families concerned about the timing of the approval process and the tax filing deadline, the Tax Commission said two options are available. Taxpayers may request an automatic extension if they pay enough of their taxes by April 15, which allows additional time to file but does not extend the deadline to pay any taxes owed. Alternatively, parents may file their return without claiming the credit and later submit an amended return if the credit is approved.

The Parental Choice Tax Credit program includes nearly $50 million in state funding. Parents may apply for either an advance payment or a refundable tax credit for each eligible child enrolled in qualifying educational programs.

Parents with questions about the program can contact the Idaho State Tax Commission by email at parentalchoice@tax.idaho.gov or by phone through the agency’s taxpayer assistance line.