Idaho offers funding for homeschoolers through the Parental Choice Tax Credit. Families can receive up to $5,000 per child, or $7,500 for those with special needs. This guide covers eligibility, expenses, and how to claim your credit.
With approximately 18,000 homeschooled students, Idaho has a significant homeschool community that benefits from understanding available funding options (NCES estimates, 2023). As of 2024, 12 states have enacted universal or near-universal Education Savings Account (ESA) programs, with Arizona's program alone serving over 75,000 students — making state-funded homeschooling more accessible than ever (EdChoice, 2024).
Can I get paid to homeschool in Idaho?
Yes, you can! Idaho has a Parental Choice Tax Credit. It gives homeschool families a refundable tax credit of $5,000 per child. If your child has special needs, the credit is $7,500. Everyone can apply—there are no income limits. Just claim it when you file your state taxes.
What funding is available for Idaho homeschoolers?
Idaho's Parental Choice Tax Credit started with House Bill 93 in February 2025. This credit covers qualified education expenses. Even if you owe no state taxes, you’ll get money back. The total funding for the program is capped at $50 million each year. If too many people apply, your credit might be reduced. Remember, this is a tax credit, so you pay for expenses upfront and claim them later.
Idaho tax credit vs. traditional ESA
The Idaho tax credit works differently than an Education Savings Account (ESA). With an ESA, you get funds upfront. But with the tax credit, you spend your own money first and get reimbursed later at tax time. Keep that in mind for your budget!
How much can you receive?
You can get:
- $5,000 for each K-12 student.
- $7,500 for each child with documented disabilities.
If you have three kids, that’s up to $15,000 or $22,500 for special needs kids. This credit is refundable, meaning you’ll get the full amount back, even if you don’t owe any tax.
Qualified educational expenses
You can use the credit for:
- Curriculum & textbooks (print, digital, online)
- Tutoring services
- Educational testing (standardized tests, etc.)
- Educational tech (computers, tablets, software)
- Tuition for private or microschools
- Supplies related to your curriculum
Keep your receipts!
Expenses that do not qualify
Some expenses won’t count:
- Sports equipment and fees
- Transportation costs
- General supplies not tied to curriculum
- Paying yourself to teach
- Food and meals
- Vacations, even for educational trips
Always document the educational purpose of your purchases.
How to claim the Idaho tax credit
To claim the credit, you’ll need to register between January 15 and March 15 each year. This is crucial—if you miss it, you can’t claim the credit. The process is simple, just basic info about your intent to claim the credit.
Cash flow considerations
With this tax credit:
- You pay for expenses first.
- Reimbursement comes when you file taxes—up to 18 months later.
So, have money ready for educational costs. Consider the credit as a bonus when budgeting.
Special needs enhanced credit
If your child has a documented disability, you can claim the extra $7,500 credit. This applies to kids aged 5-21 with:
- IEPs
- Section 504 plans
- Medical documentation
Make sure you have the right paperwork when you apply.
Important considerations
Keep these in mind:
- Cap Uncertainty: The $50 million cap may limit claims. Register early!
- New Program: This is still new, so rules may change. Stay updated.
- One-Year Residency: You must be an Idaho resident for at least a year before claiming.
- Audit Risk: Keep your receipts for three years to avoid issues.
The bottom line
Idaho's Parental Choice Tax Credit can help homeschool families cover costs—up to $5,000 per child, or $7,500 for those with special needs. You pay upfront and get reimbursed later. Just remember to register between January 15 and March 15. If you keep track of your expenses and don’t mind waiting for the refund, this credit is a great support for your homeschool journey.
Ready to simplify your homeschool?
BetterSchool can help you track compliance, manage records, and plan your curriculum—all in one place.
